A green card is a legal document that gives you permanent resident status in the United States. Athletes who have achieved greatness in their sports can sometimes secure green cards by applying for certain visas that allow them to remain in the country permanently. However, it is important that an athlete understands the process involved before taking steps to obtain a green card.
Many professional athletes who have achieved significant success will be in the United States on a nonimmigrant work visa such as an O-1 or P-1. These visas will expire once the athlete retires, and it is therefore important for the athlete to seek out a green card while they are still active in their sport.
Athletes can apply for a green green card for athletes card through one of three employment-based priority categories, including the EB-1 visa for those with extraordinary ability. To qualify for this category, an athlete must show that they are among the very top of their field and have sustained national or international acclaim. This could be demonstrated by winning prestigious awards, achieving high ranking in national or international rankings, earning significant salaries as an athlete, receiving critical reviews from expert critics, playing a starring role for a well-known team, and more.
Other types of green cards are available to individuals who have a major impact on the cultural or economic interests of the United States, such as the EB-2 and EB-3 immigrant preference classifications. These categories are more flexible than the EB-1, and they can also include athletes who have contributed to society in some way.
In addition, a coach or other support staff who travels with an athlete may be eligible for their own visa under the O-1 or P-1 categories. This can be particularly useful for athletes who transition to coaching roles or other positions in their sport as they move towards retirement.
It is also possible for internationally renowned athletes to qualify for green cards by investing in the United States through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. This category is more difficult to qualify for than the EB-1 or EB-3 categories, but it can be an option for some accomplished athletes who want to gain permanent residency in the United States.
Regardless of which type of green card an athlete chooses to pursue, it is crucial that they work with an experienced attorney who can help them navigate the complex immigration process. A good attorney can help the athlete obtain all of the relevant documentation to submit to USCIS, and they can also assist with any other necessary steps in the process. The attorney can make sure that the athlete understands what is required, and they can also monitor the progress of the case to ensure it is on track.