¿Qué son las visas P-1B y P-1S?

Angelica Rice • October 16, 2022

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Una de las opciones de visa de USCIS es una visa P. Las visas P generalmente se reservan para atletas reconocidos internacionalmente (P-1A), artistas o grupos que actúan bajo un Programa de Intercambio Recíproco (P-2), un artista o animador que es parte de un programa culturalmente único (P-3), o alguien que sea miembro de un grupo de entretenimiento reconocido internacionalmente (P-1B) y su personal de apoyo esencial (P-1S).

La clasificación P-1B se aplica a usted si viene a los Estados Unidos temporalmente para actuar como miembro de un grupo de entretenimiento establecido por un mínimo de un año y reconocido internacionalmente como destacado en la disciplina por un período de tiempo sostenido y sustancial.

Para ser elegible para la visa P-1B, al menos el 75 por ciento de los miembros de su grupo deben haber tenido una relación sustancial y sostenida con el grupo durante al menos un año (también conocido como, al menos el 75 por ciento de los miembros del grupo deben haber sido miembros durante al menos un año).

Además, su grupo de entretenimiento debe ser reconocido internacionalmente, tener un alto nivel de logro en un campo evidenciado por un grado de habilidad y reconocimiento sustancialmente superior al que se encuentra normalmente, en la medida en que dicho logro sea reconocido, líder o bien conocido en más que un país. La reputación del grupo, no los logros individuales de sus miembros o la aclamación de una producción en particular, es esencial.

Tenga en cuenta que esta es una visa grupal y que los artistas individuales que no actúan como parte de un grupo no son elegibles para esta clasificación de visa. Sin embargo, los artistas individuales o en dúo que actúan regularmente con instrumentistas de respaldo también pueden demostrar elegibilidad para esta visa.

El personal de apoyo, que es esencial para el desempeño del grupo, también es elegible para una visa P-1 para que puedan viajar y ayudar al grupo. Esta visa es una visa P-1S y se presentaría junto con la petición de visa P-1B del grupo. Para que el personal de apoyo sea elegible para una visa P-1S, se debe demostrar que son una parte integral de la actuación de un(los) artista(s) P-1 y que realizan servicios de apoyo que no pueden ser realizados fácilmente por un trabajador estadounidense. El personal de apoyo puede incluir personal de recepción, operadores de cámara, técnicos de iluminación y personal de escenario.

Para obtener más información sobre P-1B y P-1S, así como otras visas P, y para determinar si una de estas visas es adecuada para usted, comuníquese con uno de nuestros experimentados abogados de inmigración.

Este blog no pretende ser un consejo legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que lea aquí.

Angelica Rice

How Professional Athletes Can Immigrate to the United States: Visa Options for Champions and Competitors

By Shirin Navabi • June 12, 2025

The United States has long been a destination for the world’s most talented athletes—not only to compete at the highest level, but to access world-class training, coaching opportunities, and long-term career prospects. Whether on the field, in the ring, or across the chessboard, athletes from across the globe are finding immigration pathways that allow them to pursue their athletic and professional goals in the U.S. U.S. immigration law offers several visa and green card options designed specifically for individuals with extraordinary athletic talent. These include the P-1A visa for internationally recognized athletes, the O-1A visa for individuals of extraordinary ability, and the EB-1A immigrant petition, which can lead to permanent residency and ultimately, U.S. citizenship. The P-1A visa is commonly used by professional athletes coming to the U.S. to compete in a specific event or season. This applies not only to individual athletes but also to members of teams or clubs recognized internationally. It is widely used by soccer players, basketball players, MMA fighters, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors, and even elite chess players. Athletes must demonstrate a high level of international recognition and a record of performance in their sport. The O-1A visa is a strong option for coaches who demonstrate extraordinary ability, typically evidenced by championship titles, sustained winning records, or recognition as integral to their team’s success. To qualify, a coach must establish that their expertise places them among the small percentage of top professionals in their field. For athletes seeking permanent status in the U.S., the EB-1A immigrant petition —often referred to as the “extraordinary ability green card”—provides a direct path to lawful permanent residency. It requires clear documentation that the individual is among the very best in their sport and has achieved sustained national or international success. Unlike other green card categories, the EB-1A does not require employer sponsorship and can be self-petitioned. This has become a common path for MMA world champions, BJJ black belt medalists, Olympic athletes, and chess grandmasters—many of whom now represent the U.S. at the highest levels of international competition. It’s important to note that U.S. immigration law defines “athlete” broadly. Whether you are a professional football player in Europe, a sprinter from the Caribbean, a judoka, a gymnast, or a grandmaster in chess, your achievements may qualify under these categories if they are properly documented and presented. The key is a consistent record of excellence and recognition in your sport on a national or international scale. Our office specializes in these types of immigration matters. Whether you are an individual athlete looking to relocate or an organization seeking to bring international talent to your roster, we offer tailored legal strategies to support your goals. If you are exploring options to compete, train, or build your future in the U.S., we’re here to help you take the next step.

Who should write reference letters for my O1B visa

By April Perez • March 16, 2023

If you are planning on filing an O1B visa based on your extraordinary ability, you may need to provide some reference letters as part of the evidence for your application. You can use letters for various requirements. One specific requirement for the O1B that you will definitely need letters for is the requirement: Evidence the beneficiary has received significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts in the field in which the alien is engaged. Such testimonials must be in a form which clearly indicates the author’s authority, expertise, and knowledge of the alien’s achievement. The letters should come from individuals who work within the same field and explain their own background and accomplishments within that field. The individual should also be familiar with the applicant’s work and be able to attest to that person’s accomplishments within the specified field. Letters from individuals without experience within the same field as the a

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Annual Asylum Fee – What you Need to Know

By Denice Flores • October 9, 2025

Under the new regulation, if a person filed or files Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal after October 1, 2024, and the application remains pending with USCIS for 365 days, the applicant must pay an Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) on the one-year anniversary of his or her filing date.

Why You Should Still Consider Coming to the United States—Despite Changing Immigration Policies

By Shirin Navabi • August 14, 2025

It’s no secret that the U.S. immigration system has faced increased scrutiny and change in recent months. From evolving policies to headlines filled with uncertainty, it’s understandable that many individuals are left wondering: Is this still the right time to pursue a future in the United States? The answer is yes—and here’s why. Despite the shifting political landscape, the core structure of U.S. immigration law remains firmly in place. While the process may appear more complex or demanding than it once was, the legal pathways to live, work, and thrive in the United States are still open and accessible to those who take the proper steps. What often gets lost in the conversation is that the United States remains a country built on innovation, creativity, and resilience. It continues to attract global talent, entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals from all walks of life. Whether you are launching a business, advancing your career, or seeking a better life for your family, the United States offers unparalleled opportunities to those who are prepared and determined. Much of what makes the United States a global economic and technological leader today is the direct result of contributions made by immigrants. Nearly half of the current Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Immigrant entrepreneurs have long been an essential part of America’s economic success story. Some of the largest and most recognizable American companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants. This includes household names such as Apple and Costco. Moderna, the pharmaceutical company and vaccine producer, was founded by a Canadian-born stem cell biologist, Derrick J. Rossi, whose parents themselves emigrated from Malta. These success stories are not outliers; they are part of a broader pattern that reflects the drive, innovation, and resilience that immigrants bring to the country. The United States also offers one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in the world. It is a place where hard work, fresh ideas, and entrepreneurial vision are rewarded. For creative professionals, business leaders, and investors, the United States provides a unique platform to grow, connect, and gain global influence. Its competitive marketplace, access to capital, and culture of innovation create unmatched opportunities for those ready to seize them. While the immigration process requires careful planning, that process is far from impossible. Indeed, having strong legal guidance is one of the most effective advantages an applicant can possess. Immigration law is complex, and each case must be evaluated individually. A clear, strategic plan tailored to your background and goals can significantly improve your chances of success. What may feel like a hurdle at first glance is often navigable with solid preparation and documentation. At our immigration law firm, we have had the privilege of assisting individuals from all over the world as they navigate these complexities. Time and again, we have witnessed how determination, careful preparation, and experienced legal counsel can turn uncertainty into opportunity and help transform a vision for the future into reality. If you have been uncertain about whether to move forward, let this be your sign to take the next step. The United States is still a land of possibilities. If you are ready to take that step, now is the time to act. Let us build your path forward together.

DHS Terminates TPS for Honduras, Haiti, Nepal, Nicaragua & Cameroon

By Denice Flores • August 8, 2025

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal, Haiti, and Cameroon. These longstanding protections are set to expire, putting many individuals at risk of deportation.