VisaPalP-1 Athletes and Entertainment Groups
Athletes or teams with international recognition coming for a distinguished competition, and members of internationally recognized entertainment groups. An individual entertainer can't get P-1 apart from a group.
Last verified: 2026-09-25
Requirements
- Athletes/teams: international recognition, for a competition with a distinguished reputation.
- Athletes: a tendered contract where normal, plus at least 2 listed types of evidence.
- Groups: performing regularly for 1+ year and internationally recognized for a sustained period.
- At least 75% of group members must have been with the group for 1+ year.
- A consultation from an appropriate labor organization is required.
How long you can stay
Individual athletes: up to 5 years, plus up to 5 more (10 years total). Teams and groups: up to 1 year, extended in 1-year steps to finish the event.
Timeline
Regular USCIS processing for P petitions is about 13 months (80% of cases), so many use premium processing (15 business days). Seoul interview waits were under half a month as of Sep 17, 2026. Check current times.
Government fees
| Fee | Amount | Who usually pays |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-129 filing fee (P) Up to 25 people per petition. Small employers (25 or fewer full-time employees) and nonprofits pay $510. | $1,015 | Petitioner |
| Asylum Program Fee (with Form I-129) $600 for most employers, $300 for small employers (25 or fewer full-time employees), $0 for nonprofits. | $600 | Petitioner |
| Premium processing (Form I-907) USCIS acts within 15 business days. The beneficiary can't file it; the petitioner does. | $2,965 | Petitioner |
| Visa application fee (P visa) Per person, paid for the interview at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. For Koreans: no reciprocity issuance fee; multiple entries. | $205 | Applicant |
| Spouse/child extension or change to P-4 (Form I-539) $470 on paper, $420 online. Needed only for family members inside the U.S. | $470 | Applicant |
One petition can cover up to 25 team or group members. The $205 visa fee is per person.
Spouse & children
Spouse and unmarried minor children can get P-4 with the same stay. They can't work unless they get separate work authorization.
Work
You may work only for the petitioner, for the approved events. A new employer needs a new petition; traded pro athletes have special rules.
Path to a green card
Filing a green card case isn't by itself a reason to deny P-1 status. Athletes and performers sometimes explore EB-1A or EB-2 NIW; confirm with a lawyer.
Note for Korean applicants
Korean athletes, teams and entertainment groups apply at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul after USCIS approval. Korean P visas have no reciprocity fee and allow multiple entries. They last up to 60 months, but not past the petition's end date.
Key documents
- Contracts with a U.S. league, team, venue or promoter
- Evidence of international recognition: rankings, awards, media coverage
- Group member list with dates each person joined
- Event itinerary for the requested period
- Consultation letter from a labor organization
Common pitfalls
- Solo entertainers can't use P-1 apart from a group; people often explore O-1B.
- New essential support staff can't be swapped in at the Embassy; they need a new petition.
- Gaps in the itinerary can shorten the approved period.
- P-4 family members can't work without separate authorization.
Rules in flux
An interim final rule lets USCIS require online filing for any form that has been available online for 180+ days. USCIS must post each requirement on its website at least 60 days ahead. People who can't e-file can ask for a waiver on Form I-936 ($25).
Official sources
- 8 CFR 214.2 — Special requirements for admission, extension, and maintenance of status (current text; includes the postponed F/J rule) — eCFR
- Fee Schedule (Form G-1055), edition 09/09/26 — USCIS
- 22 CFR 22.1 — Schedule of fees for consular services — eCFR
- U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country — South Korea — U.S. Department of State
- Fees for Visa Services — U.S. Department of State
- Check Case Processing Times — USCIS
- How Do I Request Premium Processing? — USCIS
- Global Visa Wait Times (updated 17-SEP-2026) — U.S. Department of State
- 8 CFR 274a.12 — Classes of aliens authorized to accept employment — eCFR
General information, not legal advice. Rules change often. Check the official source and talk to a licensed immigration attorney before you act.