

P1-Visa Itinerary Considerations
The itinerary is a crucial step in P-1 Visa eligibility. Here is how we can assist you in creating an itinerary that USCIS will approve.
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Itinerary Requirements Issues for New Leagues
For combat sports athletes seeking a P-1 visa in new leagues, a key part of the application is the itinerary. USCIS requires a competition schedule, but new leagues often struggle to meet the high level of competition required. Presenting the itinerary effectively is crucial.
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Unlike established promotions like the UFC, new leagues may lack event history, leading to P-1 visa admissibility concerns. Our West Palm lawyers at Gill Law Firm can help ensure your documentation strengthens your case.
Event Scheduling and Competition Level
For combat sports athletes, event scheduling can be a major challenge when applying for a P-1 visa. Leagues may have a set season, but exact dates and locations might not be confirmed. This uncertainty can complicate your P-1 visa petition.
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To address this, athletes and their West Palm lawyers at Gill Law Firm can use one of the following strategies:
List All Potential Events
Create an itinerary that includes every possible event and location. By covering all potential competition dates, you give USCIS the flexibility to approve your visa, knowing you'll be involved in multiple events, even if the exact schedule isn’t final.
Detailed Recovery Periods
Map out the competition dates along with recovery periods between fights. For example, show that after competing in event one, you’ll rest for eight weeks, then participate in events five, nine, and thirteen. This level of detail shows USCIS you’re fully committed to the season.
Proving Competition Level in New Leagues
New combat sports leagues face the challenge of proving they require internationally recognized athletes, especially if they've hosted few competitions. This can feel subjective, but our West Palm lawyers at Gill Law Firm can use key strategies to show the league meets the high competition standards needed for P-1 visa approval:
Press and Publicity
Leverage any press coverage and media buzz around the new league. Highlight announcements of signed high-profile athletes, partnerships with major sponsors, and broadcasting agreements. These elements show that the league is serious about promoting elite competition and attracting global attention.
List of Signed Athletes
Showcase the athletes who have already signed with the league, especially those with international rankings or experience in major promotions like the UFC. Proving that the league has secured top talent strengthens the case that it truly demands participation from internationally recognized athletes.
Safety Concerns
Stress the importance of pairing fighters with similar skill levels to ensure safety. In combat sports, mismatches can lead to severe injuries or worse. This is a strong argument for why the league needs highly skilled, internationally recognized athletes—safety depends on it.
Agent Petitions for Combat Sports Athletes
Agent petitions offer flexibility when event schedules are unclear, allowing athletes to maintain P-1 visa status for multiple years by listing potential events across various leagues. This ensures their visa remains valid, even if schedules change.
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If you're a combat sports athlete navigating the P-1 visa process, contact our West Palm lawyers at Gill Law Firm to explore how an agent petition can benefit your career.