P-1 athletes and athletic teams

With regard to athletes and athletic teams, the Immigration Service requires that a petition for an athletic team must be accompanied by evidence that the team as a unit has achieved international recognition in the sport. An athlete who will compete individually, and not part of a team, must be accompanied by evidence that the athlete has achieved international recognition in the sport based on his or her reputation. “International recognition” means a high level of achievement in a field evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered, to the extent that such achievement is renowned, leading, or well-known in more than one country.