Sporting Professionals
Our team is your team in the United States. We partner with every professional organization and team to create a seamless transition on the pitch, the field or the courtroom.
We create plays for pros to the USA to integrate on and off the field.
Amell Law is uniquely placed in the sporting world in the United States, especially in the growing sports of soccer (futbol), rugby and cricket. Our legal team has deep roots in Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Additionally, we work in Oceania (New Zealand), South Africa, and India to support rugby and cricket players looking to enter the growing sporting markets in America. Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish, we excel at building trust with Portuguese, Brazilian, Spanish and Mexican athletes.
Visa for sporting professionals requires a champion who can offer bespoke services like the team at Amell Law. Each athlete and their family deserves an advocate who is sensitive to their cultural needs.
You have questions.
Amell Law provides answers.
Immigration is essential to the U.S. sports ecosystem. From major leagues to college athletics, many players, coaches, and support staff are foreign nationals. U.S. organizations must navigate complex immigration pathways—like the P-1 visa for internationally recognized athletes, O-1 visas for extraordinary ability, and F-1 student visas with OPT for college athletes. Immigration law shapes how teams build rosters, manage contracts, and comply with both league rules and federal regulations.
Can you give us an overview of how immigration intersects with the sports industry in the U.S.?
The P-1A visa is the most common for internationally recognized athletes and team members. The O-1A is another option for athletes who demonstrate extraordinary ability. For younger talent, we often see F-1 student visas with OPT/CPT for collegiate athletes, and occasionally H-2B for seasonal work in sports-related roles. Each category has its own qualifications and strategic considerations depending on the athlete’s achievements and the organization’s goals.
What are the most common visa options available for international athletes coming to play professionally in the U.S.?
How do student athletes, especially those on F-1 visas, transition to professional sports careers in the U.S.?
Student athletes often utilize OPT (Optional Practical Training) after graduation to train or work with a professional team. Some also use CPT (Curricular Practical Training) during school. If a team wants to retain them long-term, we may then transition them to P-1 or O-1 status, depending on their performance and accolades. Timing is critical, and organizations must plan early to avoid gaps in work authorization.
What challenges do sports organizations face when recruiting talent internationally from a legal or compliance standpoint?
Challenges include visa timing, compliance with immigration rules, proof of qualifications, and managing the transition from student to professional status. There’s also the risk of visa denials, travel restrictions, and political instability in the athlete’s home country. Organizations must be proactive, strategic, and work closely with legal counsel to ensure eligibility and minimize disruptions.
Can you speak about situations where athletes seek asylum or refugee status and how that affects sports organizations?
Yes—some athletes seek asylum after competing abroad, often due to persecution based on political views, ethnicity, or identity. This creates a unique legal scenario where the athlete cannot return home and needs a new path to stay and work in the U.S. Organizations need to understand how to support these individuals, both legally and practically, while balancing league rules and employment authorization issues. It’s a delicate, humanitarian and legal matter.
What role do agents or sports managers play in immigration-related matters?
Agents often initiate the process by identifying visa needs and connecting athletes with legal counsel. They also coordinate with teams and sponsors for letters of support, endorsements, and contracts needed for visa petitions. However, they’re not legal experts, so it's critical that attorneys are involved to ensure filings meet USCIS standards and avoid long-term consequences for the athlete or the organization.
How can organizations stay compliant while managing a roster that includes multiple foreign-born players?
Organizations should maintain a structured immigration compliance program, track visa expirations, and stay in regular communication with legal counsel. They must also ensure they are adhering to I-9 regulations, avoid unauthorized employment, and be prepared for audits. Strategic planning is vital—especially when dealing with international tournaments, sponsorship changes, or player trades that can affect immigration status.
What’s a recent or notable change in immigration policy that has impacted sports organizations?
One recent development is the increased scrutiny on O-1 and P-1 petitions, especially regarding evidence of international recognition. USCIS is also paying closer attention to whether athletes are truly at a “distinguished level.” Additionally, geopolitical issues and changing relations with countries like Cuba or Venezuela have impacted how athletes can enter or remain in the U.S. This environment makes legal strategy more important than ever.
Start early, work with experienced immigration counsel, and treat immigration as a strategic asset—not just a box to check. Invest in infrastructure that supports compliance, and be ready to pivot if visa policy changes or if global events impact mobility. Most importantly, prioritize the human side of immigration—these athletes are not just talent, but people navigating complex life transitions.
What advice would you give to sports organizations looking to build or maintain an international talent pipeline?
Visas for Athletes
H-Visas
Support for skilled professionals and specialty occupations.
O-Visas
Visas for individuals with extraordinary talent or achievements.
P-Visas
Specifically designed for athletes, entertainers, and artists.
Treaty Visas
Expertise in E-Visas to enhance international trade and investments.
Permanent Residency (Green Card)
Guidance through labor certifications and self-petition options for qualified professionals.
Naturalization & Citizenship
Full support for permanent residents on the path to U.S. citizenship.
Corporate Strategy Advisory
Advising companies on immigration policy compliance, helping them maintain a strong, diverse workforce.