FOREIGN ATHLETES AND AGENTS WORKING WITH SDS SPORTS AGENCY
By Queen City Immigration Law | November 25, 2018
Athletes from all over the world have trained for their competitions and tournaments in the United States on visitor B1/B2 visas for years. However, recent changes in immigration enforcement aggressiveness threatens athletes’ ability to move freely in and out of the United States on a visitor visas. For these purposes, SDS SPORTS AGENCY has worked in tandem with foreign Agents, Managers, Brands, Companies, and Training facilities to facilitate both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas for superb athletes. Typically P visas are obtained from a United States based event/competition company or by a United States based management company. Currently, we are servicing applications for P visas that utilize our agency as US representatives of foreign entities to sponsor athletes. Many athletes are managed in their home country and rely on sponsorship from events in which they compete to serve as the petitioner for their visa. However, the flexibility and control of petitioning through a familiar organization such as SDS SPORTS AGENCY is a far better and practical experience.
BENEFITS OF SPONSORSHIP WITH U.S. AGENT REPRESENTATIVE
Help clients take control of their own immigration pathway
Flexibility to change teams and leagues using the same work visa
Freedom to petition for family members and important support staff
Convenience to potential teams and leagues of not having to worry about athletes visa status
Peace of mind that athlete and their family will remain in valid visa status even if their player contract is terminated
Extra incentive for athlete to remain with the same foreign agent
Knowing how to take advantage of the P Visa process through a training facility can extend an athlete’s P Visa authorization for up to 5 years. However, obtaining the full five year authorization for the visa is based on having a well prepared agreement in place that explains to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (‘USCIS”) why five years is necessary. At SDS SPORTS AGENCY we are working with foreign managers to make agreements that work well with United States Immigration and Customs Services guidelines.
USCIS Guidelines for US REPRESENTATIVE FOR P-1 Visa
1. The supporting Documentation includes an itinerary of the events or a services/engagements to be performed
2. The itinerary specific dates, venues, or locations where the services will be performed
3. The contracts between the employers and the beneficiary are submitted
4. The agent explains the terms a conditions of employment and provides any required documentation
If you are interested in learning more about the P Visa process or working with us to serve as the U.S. Representative Agent for your athlete for P Visa approval, please do not hesitate to contact our Agency at 704-350-5298.