Visas for International NFL Players: Insights and Solutions

At Sherrod Sports Visas. we specialize in navigating the complexities of visas for international NFL players. American football has seen a growing presence of international NFL players, and we have had the privilege of assisting current NFL players, prospective NFL players and even players post-career with their sports visa needs, achieving significant success in the process.

Challenges for International NFL Players

NFL teams often stick to applying for P-1 visas for their players. However, this approach presents several challenges:

  • Roster Cuts: Many foreign players do not make the final rosters and get cut. When this happens, they have only 30 days to switch to a new visa category.

  • Mid-Season Issues: Teams are reluctant to sign players mid-season if they cannot play for two weeks while waiting for visa adjudication.

Overcoming Consultation Letter Challenges

One major issue is the requirement for a consultation letter from the players' association. The NFL Players Association often does not provide letters for players not on a current roster. Our approach involves:

  • No Consultation Letter Needed: We argue that a consultation letter is unnecessary for players not under contract.

  • Letter of No Objection: We request a letter stating no objection to the player obtaining a P-1 visa.

Innovative Solutions: O-1 Visas

For the past three to four years, we have successfully advocated for athletes, especially football players, to apply for visas through their agencies or third parties. This strategy keeps their visas intact, regardless of roster changes. Here are some success stories:

  • The Kicker with an O-1A Visa: We secured an O-1 visa for a former NCAA kicker. This visa allowed him to play for three different NFL teams before he transitioned to an Extraordinary Ability Visa (EB-1A green card).

  • Practice Squad Flexibility: We helped a player who was cut from one team by securing a visa within days, making him available for another team’s practice squad without holding a roster spot.

The Benefits of O-1 Visas Over P-1 Visas

We frequently recommend O-1 visas for several reasons:

Flexibility

O-1 visas allow for a broader range of activities beyond just competition.

Prestige and Stability

O-1 visas are more prestigious and provide more stability than P-1 visas, which are tied to specific team rosters.

Avoiding Status Issues

Changing from an O-1 to a P-1 visa can create complications if the player is cut, requiring additional petitions or even leaving the country to reapply.

Educating NFL Teams

One of our ongoing efforts is to educate NFL teams about the benefits and flexibility of O-1 visas. More awareness can prevent issues that arise from changing visa statuses and provide international NFL players with more opportunities and stability.

Impulse your NFL career with Us

The diversity brought by international NFL players enriches the NFL, providing a range of skills that enhance the competition. At Sherrod Sports Visas and Innovative Immigration Law, we are committed to supporting these athletes and ensuring they have the best possible visa solutions.

We look forward to continuing our efforts to provide more opportunities for international NFL players. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. Stay tuned for more updates on our work in football. Peace.