South Florida immigration lawyer Kristian Chestnut appeared on the Drako Sports Impact Hour to speak about athlete visas. Please see the link below…
Sports Visa USA Founder Kristian Chestnut Speaks about Immigration Issues in MMA
SPORTS VISA USA IS IN YOUR CORNER
Athletes have a special place in the US immigration law, as it’s possible to obtain citizenship as a result of your athletic accomplishments. South Florida has become as bastion of foreign athletes training and competing. There are great opportunities for athletes of all nations to compete in the US, and South Florida immigration attorney Kristian Chestnut is here to assist you in achieving all your immigration goals.
Most athletes coming to the United States from other countries to train are often faced with a series of legal hurdles. For example, even those who are permitted to enter the US pursuant to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may only remain in the US for ninety days or less, and they cannot earn one penny of guaranteed income. Furthermore, VWP participants seeking to reside in the US without such restrictions (stay longer than 90 days and obtain income eligibility), and all martial artists coming from countries not included in the VWP (such as Brazil and Russia), will be required to obtain a non-immigrant visa. The most common non-immigrant visa classifications granted to athletes are the P-1 (internationally recognized athlete), P-3 (teacher of a culturally unique art form), O-1 (athlete with extraordinary ability), and H-1(B) (specialty occupation). In order to qualify for these types of visas fighters and their supporting personnel must satisfy the requirements of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). An attorney with extensive knowledge of mixed martial arts, as well as immigration law, can prepare a visa petition that satisfies the requirements of USCIS, which may significantly prolong your stay in the US, and greatly increase your chances of obtaining permanent residence (green card).
Sports Visa USA 