U.S. B-1 Visa Updates: International Athletes Affected
U.S. B-1 Visa Updates have significantly altered the landscape for international athletes seeking to enter the United States. The U.S. Department of State revised the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) in September 2025, introducing new rules that tighten eligibility for prize-money athletes while expanding access for support staff and amateur tryouts. These important changes affect how athletes can train, compete, and transition to professional careers in the U.S. Here’s what you need to know.
U.S. B-1 Visa Updates for Athletes
Most Impacted Athletes
Athletes in sports like track and field, tennis, golf, and auto racing often train in the U.S., while those awaiting professional contracts under the new rules will be the most affected. Their U.S.-based training may violate the requirement that their “principal place of business” be abroad. Prize money earned in the U.S. may disqualify them from B-1 status, which requires income to accrue primarily overseas. Training with elite U.S. clubs could now be interpreted as being part of a U.S.-based “team,” making B-1 eligibility harder to justify. Competitors in sports like rowing, fencing, and weightlifting—where income is minimal—may be pushed out of U.S. circuits due to the high cost of O-1 or P-1 visas.
Practical Challenges
The bridge status has been eliminated. Athletes transitioning from college to professional careers can no longer rely on B-1 status unless they maintain strong foreign ties. There are other alternatives, but they are costly. O-1 and P-1 visas require U.S. sponsors and labor endorsements, which are expensive and complex. The documentation has become more burdensome. Athletes must now prove foreign income and affiliations—often difficult for early-career professionals. Visa decisions may vary widely across consular posts, especially for niche sports. Wealthier athletes can afford visa alternatives. As such, others may be left behind.
Practice Tips for Athletes and Advisors
Plan early and start the O-1 or P-1 applications as soon as possible. When you’re documenting foreign ties, include club records, tax records, and sponsorships. Be aware of the difference between prize money and appearance fees. Receiving appearance fees disqualifies athletes from B-1 status. Explore waiver options, as national federations may offer support in rare cases.
Updates for Support Staff
Support Staff Get a Boost
New language in the FAM now explicitly allows B-1 entry for support personnel — coaches, analysts, medical staff — of non-U.S.-based athletes and teams. This codifies a previously informal practice and is especially timely ahead of the 2026Olympics and World Cup.
Key Criteria
The key eligibility criterion is that the athlete and the team be based abroad. Corresponding support staff must provide a similar service abroad. Compensation must primarily come from outside of the U.S.
Tips for Support Staff
Ensure your template letters are kept up to date to reflect new rules. Clearly explain the necessity of the role. And, prepare to self-advocate at consular interviews.
Other Support Staff Updates
B-1 eligibility for referees and judges has been clarified for officials hired through a selection process and paid from abroad. Some countries (e.g., Nigeria, China) have shortened visa validity, which may complicate travel plans.
Final Thoughts
While the FAM updates offer clarity and expanded access for support staff and amateur athletes, they also restrict a long-standing pathway for prize-money competitors. Legal advisors and athletes must now navigate a more complex and costly visa landscape, with early planning and thorough documentation more critical than ever. If you have any questions, please contact the Gunn-Menefee Team.