From Milano Cortina to the U.S.: Visa Options for Athletes and International Sporting Events

U.S. Visa Options for Athletes and International Sporting Events

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina have us thinking about what comes next for international sport. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place in part in the United States and the 2028 Summer Olympics heading to Los Angeles, thousands of athletes, coaches, referees, trainers, and technical staff will soon be traveling to the U.S. for global competitions.

Whenever international sporting events come stateside, immigration questions follow closely behind. The right visa classification depends on the athlete’s level, the nature of the event, and—most importantly—whether or not payment is involved, and from what source.

Below is a practical overview of the most common U.S. visa options for athletes and related personnel.

The B Visa: Not Just for Business & Tourism

Many people are surprised to learn that certain athletes and sports personnel may enter the United States in B-1 status under specific conditions.

Professional Athletes Competing for Prize Money

Professional athletes may qualify for a B visa if:

• Their principal place of business or activity is abroad;
• Their salary primarily accrues abroad; and
• They receive no salary or payment from a U.S. source other than prize money.

If the sport is team-based, the team must be foreign-based and either part of an international league or participating in sporting activities with an international dimension.

In practical terms, this often applies to:

• International tennis players competing in U.S. tournaments,
• Golfers entering U.S. competitions for prize money,
• Foreign teams participating in international exhibition matches.

The key is that compensation must remain foreign-based, aside from prize winnings.

Essential Support Personnel

Modern sports are global—and so are the teams behind the athletes.

Coaches, trainers, medical staff, nutritionists, equipment specialists, engineers, analysts, and similar personnel may qualify for a B-1 visa if:

• They provide the same services abroad for the athlete or team;
• The athlete or team is foreign-based; and
• Their salary primarily accrues abroad.

This provision recognizes that elite performance depends on a broader team, not just the athlete.

Referees, Judges & Technical Officials

For major international sporting events such as the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup, referees, judges, and technical officials may also qualify for B-1 classification.

• They must be selected through an official process;
• The event must have an international dimension; and
• They may not receive salary from a U.S. source, other than incidental expenses.

This includes timekeepers, weigh-in officials, lane inspectors, starters, and similar technical personnel responsible for ensuring fair competition.

Amateur Athletes

An amateur athlete is someone who normally performs without compensation, other than reimbursement for expenses. A person who is ordinarily paid to perform—even if they do not earn a full-time living from it—does not qualify as an amateur simply by agreeing to perform in the United States without compensation.

A true amateur (or group of amateurs) may qualify for B-2 classification if:

• They will not be paid for their performance; and
• The activity is social, charitable, or part of a competition such as a talent show, contest, or athletic event; and
• Any reimbursement is limited to incidental expenses associated with the visit.

This can apply to youth teams, charity competitions, or unpaid participants in international amateur events. However, once compensation is introduced—or if the individual is already a professional athlete—the visa analysis shifts and another classification may be required.

When The B Visa Is Not Enough: The P-1A Visa

For many professional athletes competing in U.S.-based leagues or under contract with U.S. organizations, the more appropriate visa is the P-1A.

The P-1A classification applies to:

• Athletes performing at an internationally recognized level;
• Professional athletes;
• Certain athletes or coaches associated with qualifying foreign leagues; and
• Athletes participating in specific theatrical ice-skating productions.

Unlike the B-1 category, the P-1A allows for direct compensation from U.S. sources and is commonly used for:

• International athletes signing with U.S. professional teams;
• Foreign clubs competing in U.S.-based competitions; and
• Coaches working under contract in U.S. leagues.

The O-1A Visa: For the Extraordinary Athlete

For elite athletes at the very top of their field, the O-1A visa may be appropriate.

The O-1A is reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability in athletics, meaning they are among the small percentage who have risen to the very top of the field and can demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim.

A good example is an internationally recognized professional athlete with extensive media coverage and awards.

The Barella Global Advantage

Whether it’s a skier in Cortina today or a footballer headed to the U.S. for the World Cup, immigration planning is part of modern international sport.

Each athlete’s situation is fact-specific, and the appropriate visa depends on compensation structure, league affiliation, and level of achievement. Early legal analysis can help avoid last-minute complications before a major event.

If you or your organization is navigating U.S. immigration options in connection with an international sporting event, careful planning is essential.

With offices located in London and Brussels, Barella Global advises athletes, teams, and international professionals on U.S. visa strategy. Managing Attorney Kyle Barella is an experienced U.S. immigration lawyer who regularly assists clients navigating complex, cross-border matters.

If you require guidance on a U.S. visa application, contact Barella Global to arrange a consultation or book directly through our online scheduling platform.