Sherrod Sports Immigration lawyers Squash players P-1 and O-1 visas for athletes and coaches

Does a squash player need an O-1 or a P-1 visa?

The requirements for both O-1 and P-1 visas entails a petition process that includes an application, an itinerary for all events or activities, and a consultation letter that provides an advisory opinion.  In relation to the O-1 visa, it is necessary for the squash player to prove that they are an athlete with extraordinary abilities in their field.  In contrast, P-1 visas are issued to athletes who are visiting the United States for the sole purpose of performing at a specific athletic competition.   However, for both visas, foreign squash players will have the burden of providing information that supports their case and proves that they meet the required qualifications.

Below is information that will prove helpful for any squash players trying to obtain either an O-1 or P-1 visa.

World Rankings for Squash Players

The World Squash Federation is the international organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for regulating all international competition.  Athlete rankings can be found at http://www.worldsquash.org/athletes/psa-rankings/.  It is important to note that the athlete should explain the significance of the rankings and how they are calculated.

Who to Contact for a Squash Consultation Letter

Consultation letters for squash can be obtained from US Squash, the National Governing Body for squash within the United States.  Please note that US Squash typically assists with visas when there are international squash competitions within the United States.  In these situations, the preference will be that the squash player obtain a P-1 visa since they will be coming for a competition.

Squash Industry Media Publications

Industry media releases and publications are great options to establish eligibility for both O-1 and P-1 visa immigration applications for squash players.  The USCIS prefers publications that are wide-reaching and specific to the industry.  The content of the media story should be about the athlete and their accomplishment.  The following are examples of outlets found to be pervasive for the squash industry:

  • Squash Magazine

  • TheSquashSite.com

  • Bleacher Report

  • Media Releases from official International Olympic Committee websites

Previous Participation in NCAA Season

Competing with an NCAA team will meet the criteria for P-1 visa eligibility.  Many foreign athletes receive scholarships to compete on collegiate teams within the United States.  However, it is still necessary for the squash player to provide pervasive evidence of their membership of their respective team.  Below are examples of what the athlete can provide as adequate documentation to satisfy the criteria:

  • Officer team rosters from the college or university

  • A letter from a member of the coaching staff indicating the important role the athlete played for the team

  • News articles about squash competitions

  • Official results from the squash competitions

Peer Evaluations from other great Squash Players

One of the eligibility criteria for an O-1A visa petition allows for a peer evaluation to be submitted in favor of the athlete.  If a squash player is a training partner to a world-renowned squash player, or training other squash players on a voluntary basis, the athlete may be able to satisfy the criteria with a letter from one of them.

Membership on Prestigious Squash Teams and Organizations

Being a member of a national team qualifies as being a member of a prestigious team. Other types of team memberships that qualify would be if the team is all-conference, or award-winning at the collegiate, regional or international level.  As an example, because Pakistan and India are well known for having some of the best squash players in the world, participation on one of their national teams would qualify.

Earning Higher Salary than other Squash Players

One of the ways to meet the criteria for an O-1A visa is a high salary or other remuneration for services.  Other remuneration includes prize money from races, endorsement and sponsorship dollar, and any other revenue-generating activities related to playing squash.  If a squash player can show that what they received as payment for services is higher than the industry average, this criterion will be met.

Leading Roles in a Critical Capacity

A squash player can prove themselves worthy of an O-1A visa by showing that they are a critical employee.  This is a viable option for professional athletes who would be considered “championship-level.”  In other words, if the athlete is sponsored by a prestigious brand, or is a world championship level for a management company, this would qualify.

Required Participation of Internationally Recognized Squash Athletes

P-1 visa petitions require that the athletes participate in competitions, events and other activities that require the participation of international athletes.  For squash, this can be satisfied with participation in competitions with strict admission requirements for national teams, or competitions with a history of participation by international athletes.  The following competitions would satisfy this requirement:

  • J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions

  • FS Investments U.S. Open Squash Championships

For more information on how to qualify for an O-1 or P-1 visa as a squash player, please contact our office at 310.209.8545.