Visa P para Atletas o Deportistas

Natalia Hynes • March 16, 2021

¿Qué opción tiene un atleta o deportista para venir a los Estados Unidos de América para competir y entrenar por una larga temporada? 

Si me preguntas cuál es el atleta o deportista que más admiro, te responderé Katherine Switzer, sin pensarlo dos veces. ¿Por qué? Dos razones. Primera. Una atleta femenina que es corredora de larga distancias. Los corredores de larga distancia tienen la particularidad de competir contra sí mismos, no contra los demás corredores. La meta ultima de un corredor de larga distancia es mejorar el tiempo que se hizo en la carrera previa.  
La condición suprema para obtener una Visa P como atleta o deportista individual es “reconocimiento internacional” y la manera de acreditar dicha condición es adjuntando al menos dos de los siguientes documentos: 

1) Documentación que acredite una participación significativa en una temporada con alguna liga deportiva americana;

2) Documentación que acredite una participación internacional con un equipo nacional;

3) Documentación que acredite una participación significativa en una temporada con un college o universidad americana en competencias interuniversitarias; 

4) Una carta emitida por la Federación Oficial del Deporte explicando al detalle como el atleta o deportista es internacionalmente reconocido;

5) Artículos publicados en medios deportivos o expertos en el deporte explicando al detalle como el atleta o deportista es internacionalmente reconocido; 

6) Documentos que muestren que el atleta o deportista ha sido rankeado internacionalmente; 

7) Documentos que muestren que el atleta o deportista ha sido rankeado internacionalmente; 

Segunda. Primera mujer en correr una maratón oficial- Boston Marathon- en 1967. Tremenda hazaña si tenemos en consideración que las mujeres estaban prohibidas de correr dicha maratón en aquellos tiempos. Su historia, he de confesar, me inspiró a correr largas distancias y a admirar el trabajo y dedicación que atletas o deportistas ponen en su cuesta hacia la victoria. 

En esa cuesta hacía la victoria, los atletas o deportistas, mucha de las veces, deben viajar a los Estados Unidos de América- la Meca virtual en decenas de disciplinas deportivas- para participar en reconocidas competencias. Aquí, la pregunta se hace lógica y evidente, ¿cómo un atleta o deportista puede ingresar a los Estados Unidos de América para no solo competir sino, además, para entrenar por una larga temporada? Una de las opciones,“Visa P para Atleta o Deportista.”

Asumamos que el atleta o deportista presenta al menos dos de los documentos anteriormente mencionados. En dicho supuesto, el atleta o deportista tiene altas probabilidades de obtener una Visa P de hasta por 5 años. La regulación actual permite renovar la referida visa por un periodo máximo de 5 años adicionales.

Finalmente, la Firma Santos Lloyd Law ha contribuido en obtener Visas P para varios atletas de diversas disciplinas deportivas como Jiu-Jitsu (en todas las divisiones), MMA, capoeira, kickboxing, póker, remo, entre otras disciplinas. 

Si tienes alguna pregunta acerca de las Visas P para atletas o deportistas, por favor no dudes en agendar una cita de registro totalmente gratuita. 

La Firma Santos Lloyd Law espera trabajar contigo para contribuir en tu cuesta. 

This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.



By Shirin Navabi March 13, 2025
If you’ve recently received the exciting news that your O-1 visa has been approved, congratulations! The O-1 is a prestigious visa, granted only to individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field — whether it’s O-1A: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics, or O-1B: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry. Getting O-1 approval is no small feat, and it’s a true validation of your talent and hard work. But for many O-1 visa holders, that approval brings up the next big question — what’s the path to securing a green card? For those aiming to remain in the United States permanently, the EB-1A visa is often the natural next step. It’s also known as the green card for individuals of extraordinary ability, which makes it a close cousin to the O-1. Obtaining U.S. permanent residency through EB-1A involves two steps: 1) securing approval of the EB-1A immigration petition (Form 1-40) and 2) adjusting status to that of permanent resident or seeking consular processing. However, while these two categories share similarities, they are not identical. The EB-1A standard is significantly higher, and many O-1 holders underestimate just how much more evidence they need to present to qualify for permanent residency. The good news is, if you’re proactive and strategic about building your case, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Understanding the Difference Between O-1 and EB-1A Both the O-1 and EB-1A visas focus on individuals with extraordinary ability, but they serve different purposes. The O-1 is a temporary work visa that allows you to come to the U.S. to work on specific projects or for a particular employer. It requires a U.S. sponsor to file the petition on your behalf. The EB-1A, by contrast, is an immigrant visa — it is the first step toward obtaining permanent residency. Because the EB-1A leads to permanent residency, its eligibility standards are even higher. You must not only demonstrate extraordinary ability but also show that your recognition is sustained over time and that your work has had a lasting impact on your field. What Can You Reuse From Your O-1 Case? If you put together a strong O-1 petition, some of the evidence you submitted will still be valuable for EB-1A. This includes your awards, media coverage, expert letters, and proof of memberships in prestigious organizations. But the EB-1A demands more — you need to go beyond showing what you’ve accomplished and prove that your influence is ongoing, impactful, and recognized at a national or international level. How to Strengthen Your Case While on O-1 One of the smartest moves you can make is to use your time on the O-1 visa to actively strengthen your EB-1A profile. This means seeking out opportunities to get your work featured in top-tier media, publishing more original contributions, judging competitions, and taking leadership roles in your professional community. Every action you take to enhance your visibility and influence. Final Thoughts — The Path from O-1 to EB-1A is Achievable You may not be able to file your EB-1A today, but we can help you build your case step by step. Whether you need guidance on strengthening your profile, identifying the right evidence, or preparing a strategic filing plan, our team is here to support you. If you’re currently on an O-1 visa and you believe you may be eligible for an EB-1A visa in the future, we encourage you to contact our office. Our experienced attorneys have helped countless individuals successfully navigate this path, and we would be happy to review your case and create a personalized roadmap for your green card journey.
By Angelica Rice March 6, 2025
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By Juliana LaMendola February 20, 2025
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order imposing new restrictions on migrants, including limitations on asylum and humanitarian protections. The order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to terminate all categorical parole programs that conflict with U.S. policies , which includes parole processes for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan nationals. Additionally, this provision could impact parole programs for individuals from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and other countries. Beyond restricting parole, the executive order introduces several border security measures , including building more physical barriers, increasing the number of border personnel, and stopping the use of the CBP One mobile application . The order specifically directs the Department of Defense (DOD) and DHS to build more border walls to establish what it calls “complete operational control” of the southern border. Additionally, it ordered the immediate shutdown of the CBP One mobile app, which previously allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments at U.S. Ports of Entry. As a result, all existing appointments have been canceled immediately . The order also initiates the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” program , also known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) , across all sectors of the southern border. Under MPP, asylum seekers must remain in Mexico while awaiting the outcome of their U.S. immigration court proceedings, significantly altering the process for those seeking refuge in the country. These measures reinforce the Trump administration's broader effort to restrict asylum and humanitarian protections at the U.S. border . If you or someone you know may be affected by this executive order, it is essential to stay informed and understand your legal rights. Consulting with an immigration attorney can help navigate these evolving policies and ensure the best course of action moving forward.
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