Aleksandr Gofman’s P-1A Visa Success: From Tourist to World Series of Poker Pro

The U.S. hosts some of the most prestigious poker events in the world — and for international players like Aleksandr Gofman, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) represents a lifelong goal. O&P Visas helped Gofman navigate a smooth transition from visitor to competitor by securing a P-1A visa, granting him access to compete professionally on U.S. soil.

The WSOP Dream

The WSOP is the gold standard in tournament poker. With global recognition, millions in prizes, and the legendary gold bracelet on the line, it’s a career-defining goal for many. Gofman, a seasoned player with over 14 years in the game, had his sights set on participating — but needed the right visa solution.

Why the P-1A Visa Was Right

The P-1A visa is specifically designed for internationally recognized athletes, which includes elite-level poker players. While Gofman hadn’t yet secured a U.S.-based tournament win, his body of work on the international circuit, including strong rankings and media features, established his qualifications.

Key Components of His Case

🏆 Career Highlights

With over a decade of professional experience, Gofman had multiple international victories and high placements in tournaments around the world. His Global Poker Index (GPI) and Hendon Mob profile reflected consistent performance.

📅 Pre-arranged Itinerary

We developed a clear schedule of upcoming WSOP events Gofman planned to attend. This showed USCIS that his purpose for the visa was professionally structured, not casual travel.

📰 Media Presence

Gofman had media mentions and coverage from poker networks, which supported his standing as a known athlete in the poker scene.

Tourist-to-Pro: A Real Shift

Like many aspiring competitors, Gofman once entered the U.S. on a tourist visa. But using that visa to participate in paid events is not permitted. Transitioning to the proper visa classification ensured full compliance — and secured his ability to play legally and professionally.

Final Word

Aleksandr’s journey is a roadmap for international poker players. With the right documentation, a proven track record, and a detailed itinerary, even players without U.S. titles can compete legally in major tournaments like the WSOP. O&P Visas is proud to be part of Gofman’s success and stands ready to assist others with similar dreams.