Can I Get a P-1A Visa as a BJJ Instructor?

Question: A mixed martial arts (MMA) school in the U.S. wants to hire me as their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) instructor. I also would like to compete in BJJ tournaments. Can I qualify for a P-1 visa for this job?

Reply: No, unfortunately. To qualify for a P-1A visa, an individual must be coming to the U.S. to perform as an athlete in a specific athletic competition. A P-1 visa is available for coaching, but only where the individual is coaching an amateur sports team. Also, the Department of Homeland Security has stated that an individual cannot obtain a P-1A visa to complete in competitions and coach. The P-1 visa is only available for those individuals who will be coming to the U.S. “solely to participate in athletic events…” In Re X (Nov. 16, 2010). An individual could qualify for a P-1S essential support visa as a coach if they were accompanying someone holding a P-1 visa. An O-1A visa could allow an individual to teach and compete in BJJ.