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USA Sports Visas

Update October 2026

The O-1 and P-1 petition fees are now $1,055 and $1,015, plus a $600 Asylum Program Fee, with premium processing at $2,965 (from 1 March 2026). The consular visa fee for O and P visas is $205, and in-person interviews are now the default. Visa-waiver travellers pay $40.62 for ESTA (from 16 October 2026). See our O-1 visa guide.

When making plans to travel to the US for the purposes of participating in organised sport, it is especially important to ensure that you secure the right visa. Upon arrival in the US, immigration officials at the border will ask questions about the purpose of your visit and check whether your visa is appropriate for the type of activity you intend to carry out once you have been permitted entry into the country.

If an immigration officer is not satisfied with your explanation or the documentation you have provided, they can decide to refuse you entry and order that you be returned to your home country on the next available flight. Individuals who are refused entry to the United States may find it more difficult when applying for future US visas or visa-free travel to the US.

Most people travelling to the US to take part in organised sport will require one of the following visas:

B-1 Visa (Business Visitor)

B-1 Business Visitor Visas are primarily intended for business travel to the US, but can be used in certain circumstances by individuals intending to undertake specific sporting activities. Sportspersons from eligible countries who qualify for the US Visa Waiver Program can undertake these activities as business visitors without needing to apply for a B-1 visa.

A B-1 visa may be appropriate for:

  • professional sportspersons intending to participate in an event or competition on an unpaid basis (receiving prize money is permitted)
  • members of a non-US team whose income is mainly earned in that team’s home country, and which intends to participate in an international event
  • amateur Ice Hockey players who have been invited for try-outs

B-2 Visa (Tourist Visa)

B-2 Visitor Visas cover a range of tourist activities for visits to the US, including participation in amateur sport. Individuals travelling to the US on an amateur sport tour, or for a social or charitable sport event, may find a B-2 visa to be their most straightforward visa option.

B-2 visas permit an individual to stay in the US for up to six months at a time on a strict visitor basis, with no paid work permitted during their stay.

Sportspersons from eligible countries who qualify for the US Visa Waiver Program can participate in amateur sports activity as a tourist without needing to apply for a B-2 visa in advance.

O-1A Visa (Extraordinary Ability)

A limited number of individuals may be eligible to enter the US to undertake sporting activities on the basis of an O-1 Visa. In order to qualify, applicants must be able to show evidence that they have been nationally or internationally recognised for their achievements and that they intend to travel to the US to participate in a specific competition or event.

An O-1 visa holder’s support staff or dependants may be eligible to join them via an O-2 or O-3 visa respectively, though applications for these visas are always linked to the original O-1 visa application.

P-1A Visa (Elite Sportspersons)

This visa is intended for elite sportspersons who are competing or performing professionally, or who are at an ‘internationally recognised level of performance’. This visa may also be appropriate for coaches who intend to join a team or franchise operating within the US.

P-1A visas are also suitable for individuals intending to work in the US as part of a theatrical ice skating production.

If granted, a P-1A visa is usually valid for the duration of the event, performance or competition, up to a maximum of five years. It is possible to extend a P-1A visa by up to five additional years if the event, performance or competition will continue.

P-1S Visa (Sports Support Staff)

A P-1S visa is intended for a professional sportsperson’s support staff, such as coaches, trainers, interpreters or referees. A P1-S visa application must be tied to a P1-A application, as the support staff will need to provide evidence that they are ‘integral’ to the P1-A applicant/holder’s performance.

P1-S visas can be issued for the duration of their sportsperson’s event, performance or competition, but only up to an initial period of one year. P1-S visas can be extended by up to five years at a time but eligibility remains tied to the associated sportsperson’s P1-A visa.

Which US visa fits your sporting activity?

Use this table as a starting point. The right visa depends on who pays you, who you compete for and how long you will stay, so if you are unsure, book a consultation before you make travel plans.

Your activity Usual visa Key points
Amateur tour, social or charity event B-2 visitor visa, or ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program No paid work. ESTA allows stays of up to 90 days
Professional competing for prize money only B-1 business visitor, or ESTA Prize money is allowed, but not a salary from a US organisation
Member of a foreign-based team at an international event B-1, or ESTA The team and your income must be based mainly outside the US
Signed to compete for a US team or league, or touring as an internationally recognised team P-1A Needs a USCIS petition filed by a US employer, team or agent
Athlete or coach with sustained national or international acclaim O-1A Higher standard of proof; suits varied engagements
Coach, trainer or other essential support staff P-1S or O-2 Tied to the principal athlete or team
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 P-4 or O-3 Can study but cannot work

For the full P-1 and O-1 rules, evidence and 2026 USCIS fees, read our P-1 and O-1 visas for athletes guide.

Before you travel: what to plan for in 2026

If your passport is from a Visa Waiver Program country (such as Australia, New Zealand or the UK), you can usually travel for permitted sporting activities with an approved ESTA instead of a B-1 or B-2 visa. The ESTA fee is USD 40.62 from 16 October 2026, and each visit can last up to 90 days. You cannot be paid a salary by a US organisation, and a past refusal, overstay or some travel histories can make you ineligible, in which case you need a visa.

Common mistakes

If a US team, league or promoter is paying you a salary or fee for playing or coaching, ESTA and B visas are not enough. You need an approved work visa petition before you travel.

A petition needs contracts, an itinerary, evidence of your record and usually a consultation letter from a labour organisation or peer group. Gathering these can take weeks, so start well before the season.

Coaches and support staff need their own P-1S, O-2 or other visa. Their eligibility is tied to the athlete or team, but a separate petition is usually filed.

In-person interviews are now the default. Allow for appointment wait times and attend in your country of nationality or residence where possible.

Frequently asked questions

Often, yes, if you are an amateur, or a professional competing only for prize money, or a member of a foreign-based team in an international event. You cannot receive a salary from a US organisation on ESTA.

You need a US petitioner. This can be a US employer or team, or a US agent acting for several employers. Athletes cannot self-petition.

Allow for the USCIS petition (several months on standard processing, or 15 business days with premium processing) plus the time to get a consular interview. Start at least 3 to 6 months ahead where you can.

Individual P-1A athletes can be admitted for up to 5 years, with extensions of up to 5 more years. Teams are admitted for up to 1 year at a time.

In limited cases. Amateur athletes generally travel as visitors, but some internationally recognised amateur athletes and teams coming to compete can qualify for a P-1A.

No. Family members on P-4 and O-3 visas can study, but they cannot work. They would need their own work visa to take a job.

USA sports visa guides

For the full rules on P-1 and O-1 visas for athletes, coaches and support staff, see our detailed guides.

Find the right sports visa for you