ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ provides visa/green card support letters for international coaches if they can prove that they meet the USCIS criteria and have the following requirements set by ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ before entering the US:ÌýÌý
- ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ membership.ÌýÌý
- Safe Sport Training.ÌýÌý
- Proof of Squash coaching certification (equivalency for non-US certification may be granted) or be signed up for a USA coaching course. Please note that certifications from online courses are not accepted.ÌýÌý
P-1 athlete/playing visa:ÌýÌý
The P-1A classification applies to you if you are coming temporarily to the United States solely for the purpose of performing at a specific athletic competition as:Ìý
- An individual athlete at an internationally recognized level of performance.Ìý
- Part of a group or team at an internationally recognized level of performance.Ìý
- A professional athlete; orÌý
- An athlete or coach, as part of a team or franchise that is located in the United States and a member of a foreign league or association.Ìý
The P-1A classification also applies to professional or amateur athletes coming temporarily to the United States solely to perform in a specific theatrical ice-skating production or tour, individually or as part of a group.Ìý
If a squash player/coach is asking for a visa support letter for a P-1, then evidence needs to be given to prove that they are playing full time on the PSA tour and not coaching for a living.ÌýÌý
O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or AchievementÌý
The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.Ìý
For more information, see .Ìý
The O nonimmigrant classification is commonly referred to as:Ìý
- O-1A: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry).Ìý
- O-1B: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry.Ìý
- O-2: Individuals who will accompany an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance; andÌý
- O-3: Individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.Ìý
O-1 visas are more commonly supported as most squash professionals move to the US to coach for a living, but still need to prove exceptional ability.Ìý
