Professional Athlete

The 1992 regulations provided that an athlete or athletic team seeking P-1 classification should submit a tendered contact with a major sports league or team int he U.S., or in an individual sport commensurate with international recognition in the sport. In addition, at least two of the following types of documentation should be submitted (8 CFR section 214.2(p)(4)(ii)):

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS:

1. Evidence of significant participation in a prior season with a major U.S. sports league;
   
2. Evidence of participation in international competition with a national team;
   
3. Evidence of significant participation in a prior season for a U.S. college or university, in intercollegiate competition;
   
4. Written statement as to the alien's or team's international recognition from an official of a major U.S. sports league or an official of the sport's governing body;
   
5. Written statement from a member of the sports media or recognized expert as to the alien's or team's international recognition;
   
6. Evidence of the individual's or team's ranking, if the sport has international rankings;
   
7. Evidence of the individual's or team's receipt of a significant honor award.