GLOBAL MOBILITY

The P-1 Visa is specifically designed for internationally recognized athletes, artists, or entertainers who wish to enter the U.S. to perform at a specific competition, event, or performance. To be eligible, athletes must demonstrate a high level of achievement in their sport or profession that is recognized internationally.

Yes, a foreign-based sports team or organization can employ an athlete in the United States. However, they must file the P-1 petition through a U.S. agent or a U.S.-based employer, which is a critical step in the application process.

The initial period of stay for a P-1 athlete is generally up to 5 years, depending on the duration of the competition, event, or performance. Extensions can be granted, allowing a total stay of up to 10 years for individual athletes.

The O-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field, including athletes, who have demonstrated a high level of achievement and recognition on a national or international scale.

To qualify for an O-1 visa, an athlete must show sustained national or international acclaim in their sport. This typically means proving they are among the top in their field and that their achievements have been recognized by experts, sports organizations, or through significant awards and media coverage.

While the athlete doesn’t need to be a household name, they must demonstrate recognition within their sport on a national or international level. The key is to prove that they have reached a level of excellence in their field that distinguishes them from others.

An athlete on an O-1 visa is typically granted an initial stay of up to 3 years, based on the length of the event, competition, or performance they are participating in. Extensions can be granted in one-year increments as long as the athlete continues to engage in their sporting activities or events related to their extraordinary ability.

The O-1 visa is for athletes with extraordinary ability who have achieved national or international recognition, while the P-1 visa is for athletes who compete at an internationally recognized level but may not meet the same level of individual acclaim required for the O-1 visa. Ultimately, the choice depends on the athlete’s level of achievement and the specifics of their career.

Dependents of both O-1 and P-1 visa holders, including their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21, can accompany them to the United States. They will be eligible for O-3 or P-4 status, respectively. While dependents can study in the U.S. under these categories, they are not authorized to work.

Yes. If you are a start-up investor with a 10% ownership interest in a U.S.-based company, you may qualify for an International Entrepreneur Parole. Contact Antonioli & Associates to discuss your eligibility for this benefit.

Starting from October 1, 2024, to qualify for the program, your start-up must have received:

•At least $311,071 from private investors, OR

•At least $124,429 from government grants or awards in the 18 months before applying.

The International Entrepreneur Program allows start-up founders to come to the U.S. and grow their businesses if they meet specific criteria, such as receiving investments or grants.

Yes, even if your start-up doesn’t meet the exact amounts, you can still apply if you can provide other strong evidence showing that your business has significant potential for growth and job creation.

Yes, but the rules are strict when it comes to receiving compensation while on a B-1 business visitor status. Contact Antonioli & Associates for an analysis of your case.  

For H-1B workers, the most common way to obtain Permanent Residence is through the Labor Certification process, also known as PERM. At Antonioli & Associates, we have been working on PERM cases since the program was introduced in 2005. Contact us to discuss your eligibility.

We evaluate the company’s structure and the employee’s role to ensure compliance with L-1 visa requirements, including the relationship between the parent company and branches, affiliates, or subsidiaries, and the nature of the current and prospective roles (i.e., whether executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge).

The permanent residence process can be initiated through an employer or as a self-petitioner. Antonioli & Associates will guide you through each step to ensure you meet the appropriate eligibility criteria for the category that best suits your credentials. 

Please contact Antonioli & Associates for a meticulous analysis of your background. We will expertly assess your credentials and determine if you meet the threshold requirements for an extraordinary ability visa. We can also help in exploring your eligibility for permanent residence.  

We assess significant achievements in the person’s field, such as international awards, academic publications, memberships in recognized associations, and major contributions to the industry. It is crucial to demonstrate that the individual is recognized as a leader in their area of expertise. We recommend that the individual seeking an extraordinary abilities visa meet—at a minimum—five of the criteria outlined in the regulations. 

Yes. We would be delighted to discuss your options for seeking U.S. citizenship. We will expertly guide you through filing the appropriate application and, most importantly, prepare you for the interview, which includes English and Civics tests.