PRACTICE AREA · IMMIGRATION
The United States is hosting the world.
We get you here.
Visa strategy and immigration counsel for athletes, journalists, broadcasters, and international visitors attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
01
FIFA World Cup 2026
Matches begin across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in June 2026. Accredited journalists, broadcast crews, and support staff need travel authorization in place now.
SEE RELEVANT VISA CATEGORIES →
LA Olympic Games 2028
02
The window is already open. Consular interview waits stretch beyond twelve months in many posts. Athletes, coaches, team staff, and press credentialed for Los Angeles 2028 should begin the visa process this year.
SEE RELEVANT VISA CATEGORIES →
UPCOMING MAJOR EVENTS
The calendar is posted. Tickets are purchased. Do you have your visa yet?
Jun 18–21
US Open Golf
Shinnecock Hills · Southampton, NY
Jun 11–Jul 19
2026 FIFA World Cup
11 US cities · MetLife, SoFi, Mercedes-Benz Stadium & more
Jul 14
MLB All-Star Game
Citizens Bank Park · Philadelphia, PA
Nov
Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
Las Vegas Strip Circuit · Las Vegas, NV
Attending any of these events from abroad may require US visa authorization. Review visa categories →
WHO WE REPRESENT
Every client who passes through our practice brings a unique profile — a different sport, a different credential, a different home country. Our representation is built around that specificity.
ATHLETes
Individual competitors, team members, and their essential support personnel — from elite professionals to emerging talent.
Media & Journalists
Broadcast crews, print and digital reporters, photographers, and production staff covering live events.
Coaches & Technical Staff
National team coaches, trainers, medical personnel, and officials essential to competition operations.
Executives & Tourists
Sponsors, hospitality clients, and high-net-worth international visitors attending as guests of the events.
VISA CATEGORIES
The right status
for the right visitor.
There is no single "sports visa." The correct category depends on the visitor's role, compensation structure, duration of stay, and credentials. Choosing incorrectly — or applying too late — carries real consequences.
P-1A
INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ATHLETES
For individual athletes and team members competing at an internationally recognized level of performance.
P-1B
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNIZED ENTERTAINMENT GROUPS
For members of internationally recognized entertainment groups, including performing ensembles and support acts at major events.
B-1/B-2
SHORT-TERM BUSINESS VISITORS & TOURISTS
For executives, sponsors, and high-net-worth tourists attending as spectators or hospitality guests without compensation from US sources.
I
REPRESENTATIVES OF FOREIGN MEDIA
For journalists, reporters, film crews, and media representatives working for foreign outlets covering events in the United States.
O-1
INDIVIDUALS OF EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY
For athletes, coaches, or media professionals who have risen to the very top of their field and can document sustained national or international acclaim.
H-2B
TEMPORARY NON-AGRICULTURAL WORKERS
For event production crews, technical staff, and seasonal support workers performing essential non-agricultural labor at major sporting events.
COMMON QUESTIONS
These are the questions we hear most often from clients navigating sports-related immigration for the first time. The answers are general — every case carries its own complexity.
01
Ideally 12–18 months before your intended arrival. Consular interview wait times have lengthened significantly in the post-pandemic environment, and many US embassies are already scheduling appointments into late 2026 and beyond. Beginning now is not premature — for many clients, it is already late.
When should I start the visa process for LA 2028?
02
It depends on your role. Attending matches as a spectator or guest is generally within B-2 scope. But if you are competing, performing services, or receiving payment from any US-based source — directly or indirectly — a different visa category is almost certainly required. Using a B visa incorrectly can create lasting immigration consequences.
I already have a B-1/B-2 visa. Is that enough?
03
My federation is handling visas for the team. Do I still need an attorney?
Federation support typically covers the primary athlete roster under a blanket petition arrangement. It rarely extends to accompanying family members, personal agents, business managers, or private support staff. If you fall outside the primary petitioned group, you should have independent representation reviewing your specific status and timeline.
04
Prior denials do not automatically disqualify you, but a new application should be handled with care. The reasons for a prior denial affect which visa category is now most appropriate and how the application should be framed. We review your full history, identify the underlying issues, and build the strongest possible case on your actual record — not a scrubbed version of it.
What if I've been denied a US visa before?
05
Dependents can generally accompany primary visa holders under derivative status. The exact category, timeline, and process vary by the principal visa type and each family member's individual circumstances. We coordinate derivative filings as part of a unified strategy so that families travel together and on schedule.
Can my family travel with me?
06
Fee quotes depend on the visa category, case complexity, and the number of individuals involved. Initial consultations are flat-fee and fully confidential — they are an opportunity to assess your situation and understand your options before any commitment is made.
How much does representation cost?
WHY THE GRADY FIRM
Not just paperwork.
Visa Strategy in Turbulent Times.
• Identifying the strongest qualifying criteria for your specific case
• Structuring evidence to demonstrate impact, not just participation
• Coordinating credible expert and peer support letters
• Aligning your visa petition with a long-term immigration strategy
Not sure which visa fits your situation?
Get a clear answer before the wait times grow longer!
