Member Attorney James
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Results sheets showing medals.
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Federation letters detailing national-team roles.
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Expert affidavits.
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Media coverage.
Combine at least two of seven statutory items and document your U.S. itinerary.
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Yes. File Form I-129 with:
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Change-of-status box checked.
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B-1 admission proof (I-94).
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Full P-1 package (contracts, letters, criteria).
Stay in the U.S. while it’s pending. Consider premium processing. After approval, you’ll need a visa stamp if you travel.
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Yes, you can file before the event if you have:
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Invitation letters naming you as a seeded competitor.
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Bracket sheets or press releases listing top-ranked athletes.
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A future-dated itinerary (weigh-ins, seminars, media).
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Two regulatory items (e.g., national medals plus an expert letter).
Sponsorship contracts and a coach’s affidavit.
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For O-1A:
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Show original commercial contribution (e.g., 500K+ app downloads).
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Provide evidence of high income (endorsements above industry standards).
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Include media coverage (mainstream tech/fitness outlets with audience data).
Also attach an itinerary covering competitions, public appearances, and product launches.
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USCIS accepts any two of seven evidentiary tracks for P-1 athletes. The first track is documented participation in a major U.S. league or an international event with elite fighters from several countries. Helpful evidence includes:
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Sanctioning-body letters confirming they invite top-ten talent from multiple nations.
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Independent rankings (like Fight Matrix, Sherdog) placing you and your opponents in the global top tier.
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Broadcast metrics (international PPV buys, ESPN+ reach).
Package these with a combat-sports media affidavit and a statement from the promotion itself. Meeting two criteria usually satisfies the “international recognition” requirement.
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