well, I’m pro athlete from Ukraine, use to travel to US with tourist visa. but after a while immigration in NY airport canceled it and told me that since I’m pro, have a contract and earning price money I need special sport visa - P1 as I found out. I want to do that now, just curious if someone has any experience/advices: of the normal price for it? I planning to work immigration lawyer - is it safe to pay to the firms that I can google? etc… any advices, thoughts, would be appreciated
thank you
Andriy Yastrebov
Andriy,
First, check out www.state.gov. You can get info on visas there. Second, the Consulate section in the US Embassy in Kiev is where you can get specific information from those that work with it every day. You will also have to fill out form I-129 from the USCIS website. I think that you can do most of the paperwork on-line. I hope this helps and good luck.
Ian
Its not a requirement to use immagration lawers and if you do I would advice you find one that is personaly recommended to you.
I have sucessfully completed Visa processing for J1/H1b and Greencard for myself a some work colegues. The process is not overly compilicated, but you have to be very very detailed and accurate. Go out of your way to ensure its as easy as possible to process all forms and material you are asked to submit.
The folowing site is fairly good - http://www.immihelp.com/visas/pvisa/p1-visa-athlete-athletic-team-member.html
My guess is that a P1 Visa should be fairly easy and fast to process as it is not a request for long term residence in the US but only for events etc. You may want to look into the effects on this Visa and its effect on Tax etc.