SPORTS VISA USA IS IN YOUR CORNER!!!

In the two decades that have followed since the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993, the popularity of mixed martial arts in the United States has exploded. South Florida, for instance, has become a bastion of MMA training and competition. With this expansion has come an opportunity for fighters of all nations to compete in this enormous market. South Florida immigration attorney Kristian Chestnut, founder of MMA Immigration, is here to assist you in achieving all your immigration goals.

Professional mixed martial artists coming to the United States from other countries to fight or 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 martial artists 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).

MMA Immigration also has a number of options for coaches, amateur athletes, and those having difficulty satisfying the rigid requirements set forth by USCIS. Furthermore, coaches who are internationally recognized athletes may be granted the P-1 classification pursuant to the COMPETE ACT, which has expanded the definition of “athlete” to include coaches. Even coaches who aren’t internationally recognized may qualify for the P-1 visa if he or she can prove that they are a coach of a amateur team that competes in an international league. USCIS has set forth a rigid criteria that defines what it means to be a coach of a amateur team that is part of an international league. Moreover, coaches and their families can also be admitted to the US pursuant to a P-3 classification, however, the coach must establish that he or she is an expert at teaching or coaching a culturally unique art-form or methodology such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai.

Amateur athletes wishing to enter the US for short term training or competitions, such as Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, may do so by obtaining a B-1/B-2 visitors visa from the US consulate in his or her home country. Amateurs who are from VWP countries may enter the US for up to 90 days without a visa. The B-1/B-2 classification allows athletes to stay in the US for up to 6 months (180 days), and it’s possible to file for an extension not to exceed one year. Furthermore, amateur athletes (under the age of 18) who want to remain in the US for longer than 6 months may qualify for an F-1 student visa classification. Under this classification the student must find an academy that has an arrangement with a private school.  If approved the student is authorized to train at the academy while attending the private school. Moreover, some amateur athletes may train or compete in the US for longer than 6 months if they qualify for the P-1 nonimmigrant visa. The amateur athlete will have to prove that they are internationally recognized for their accomplishments in the martial arts. Pursuant to the COMPETE ACT, even amateur athletes who aren’t internationally recognized can be approved for a P-1 visa when competing with a team that is part of an international league. USCIS has set forth a rigid criteria that defines what it means to be a team competing in an international league.

International athletes, including coaches, have a number of options if they want to live in the US permanently.  First, the most common permanent residence classification (green card) is the EB-1, which is for athletes who possess extraordinary ability. USCIS sets forth a number of factors that define what it means for an athlete to have extraordinary ability. Second, some martial artists may obtain permanent residence pursuant to the EB-2 classification, which is for foreign nationals with exceptional abilities in the arts, sciences, or business with a national interest waiver. USCIS has held that the definition of the “arts” includes athletics. The EB-2 classification also applies to foreign nationals with exceptional ability or advanced degreed professionals with a pre-certification under Schedule A – Group II (exceptional ability in the arts and sciences). Lastly, a foreign national may also be granted permanent residence pursuant to a EB-3 classification, which is for skilled or professional workers. USCIS has held that an athlete or coach is a skilled or professional worker. An athlete may self-petition for permanent residence, which means that they do not need an employer to do so on their behalf.

If you receive a notice to appear for removal proceedings it is very important to call MMA Immigration immediately. Receiving a notice to appear for removal proceedings means that the US government intends to deport you from the US. These proceedings may be initiated for a number of reasons, such as overstaying a visa, entry using fraudulent documents, and arrests and/or convictions for misdemeanors or felonies. Relief from removal (deportation) comes in the form of political asylum, cancellation of removal, and waivers or pardons under certain sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act. South Florida MMA Immigration Attorney, Kristian Chestnut, can help you get the relief you seek when faced with removal proceedings, which is a very serious matter.

You do not need distractions when training for a big match, or when travelling to the US for any purpose. Standing in line at a bureaucratic immigration office, trying to apply for a visa, can be a very time consuming process. More often than not, securing documentation is going to interfere with your training regimen or travel plans, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll accomplish your goal. Don’t wait until you have downtime between fights. Let MMA Immigration make your preparations for you so that you can concentrate on your upcoming event.

If you’re a fighter, coach, trainer, promoter, or official and you’re trying to enter, compete or teach in the US, contact MMA Immigration today to lawfully enter and remain in the US.   Located in Boca Raton, FL, MMA Immigration serves all of the international MMA community throughout the US and abroad.

Contact MMA Immigration attorney Kristian Chestnut for a consultation at 561-419-9717. Appointments are available by video-conferencing upon request.