US Squash provides visa/green card support letters for international coaches if they can prove that they meet the USCIS criteria and have the following requirements set by US Squash before entering the US:
- US Squash membership.
- Safe Sport Training.
- Proof of Squash coaching certification (equivalency for non-US certification may be granted) or be signed up for a USA coaching course. Please note that certifications from online courses are not accepted.
P-1 athlete/playing visa:
The P-1A classification applies to you if you are coming temporarily to the United States solely for the purpose of performing at a specific athletic competition as:
- An individual athlete at an internationally recognized level of performance.
- Part of a group or team at an internationally recognized level of performance.
- A professional athlete; or
- An athlete or coach, as part of a team or franchise that is located in the United States and a member of a foreign league or association.
The P-1A classification also applies to professional or amateur athletes coming temporarily to the United States solely to perform in a specific theatrical ice-skating production or tour, individually or as part of a group.
If a squash player/coach is asking for a visa support letter for a P-1, then evidence needs to be given to prove that they are playing full time on the PSA tour and not coaching for a living.
O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.
For more information, see USCIS Policy Manual Volume 2, Part M.
The O nonimmigrant classification is commonly referred to as:
- O-1A: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry).
- O-1B: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry.
- O-2: Individuals who will accompany an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance; and
- O-3: Individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.
O-1 visas are more commonly supported as most squash professionals move to the US to coach for a living, but still need to prove exceptional ability.