(4) In case of a contract:

A contract tender of the team or individual with a major US sports league or team, or
Contract of an individual sport of international recognition, and
Any two of the following documents:

(i) Documentary proof showing the participation to a significant extent in a prior season with a major US sports league
(ii) Documentary proof showing the participation in an international competition with a national team
(iii) Documentary proof showing the participation to a significant extent in a Pre-Season for a US college or university in intercollegiate competition
(iv) A letter from a major US sports league or an official of the governing body of sport in US detailing international recognition of the individual or team
(v) A letter from a member of the sports media or a recognized expert in the sport explaining the international recognition of individual or team
(vi) Documentary proof showing that the individual or team is ranked in case sport has an international ranking or
(vii) Documentary proof showing that the individual or team has received a significant honor / award in the sport.

Criteria and documents required for members of an internationally recognized entertainment group

The P-1 visa for entertainment profession cannot be given to any individual entertainer for the purpose of performing separately. Only entertainment team or group can be issued visa based on their international recognition as outstanding in the discipline for a constant and significant period of time. 3/4th of the team members must have had a constant and significant relationship with the team for at least 1 year and they must form an integral part of the team for its performance.

Criteria and documents required for a team
The petition for P-1 classification for the members of a team must be accompanied by

(1) Documentary evidence showing that the team has been performing regularly for a period of at least 1 year prior to petition date

(2) A statement from the petitioner detailing the name, joining date, employment period of each accompanying member of the team and

(3) Documentary evidence showing the international recognition of the team for a constant and significant period by means of the team's nomination or receipt of remarkable international awards or prizes for outstanding achievement in that field or any three of the following documents

(i) Proofs like critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications, contracts, or endorsements showing that the team has performed, and will perform, as a starring or leading entertainment group in productions or events which have a distinguished reputation

(ii) Proofs like reviews in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other published material showing that the team has achieved international recognition and approval for its outstanding achievement

(iii) Proofs like articles in newspapers, trade journals, publications, or testimonials showing that the team has performed, and will perform, services as a starring team for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation

(iv) Proof showing that the team has a record of major commercial success, by means of; standing in the field; box office receipts; record, cassette, or video sales; and other achievements in the field as reported in trade journals, major newspapers, or other publications

(v) Proof showing that the team has achieved remarkable recognition for its achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts of that field. Such proof should be in a form that clearly indicates the author's authority, expertise, and knowledge of the Indian's achievements or

(vi) Proof showing that the team either commands high salary or will command high salary or other remuneration for services comparable to other similar team in that field by means of contracts etc.

Special Provisions for Circus Personnel

Any circus personnel who intends to perform part of a circus or circus group are exempted from the one year group membership requirement and the international requirement provided the circus personnel is / are coming to join a circus team that has been recognized nationally far a constant and significant period as part of that circus.

Consultation requirements for P-1 athletes and entertainment groups

Consultation of a labor organization having expertise in that particular sport of entertainment field is required for filing a P-1 petition.

(1) If the opinion of the labor organization is un-favorable to the petitioner; the labor organization must submit a detailed statement of facts as to why such an opinion was fortified.

(2) If the opinion of the labor organization is favorable to the .petitioner, the labor organization is required to evaluate the ability and achievements in the field of endeavor, comment on whether the individual or team is internationally recognized for achievements, and mention if the services of the individual candidate or team who is coming to perform in US; ire appropriate for an internationally recognized athlete or entertainment team.

(3) Instead the labor organization may submit a no objection certificate for approval of the petition.

Consultation Requirements for Circus Personnel

(1)  The favorable opinion of the labor organization must detail if the circus company which will employ the Indian has national reputation and if there is any aspect about the Indian candidate's qualification which the organization deems fit.

(2) H opinion is unfavorable; the labor organization is required to explain the specific statement of facts leading to the decision. Instead, the labor organization may submit a no objection certificate for approval of the petition.

Essential Support petition for P-1, Athlete, Athletic Team entertainment Team
A P-1 visa under the classification of essential support may be granted based on a supporting relationship with the individual P-1 athlete, P-1 athletic team, or a P-1 entertainment team.

Evidentiary criteria for a P-1 essential support petition

A petition for P-1 essential support personnel must be enclosed with

(1) Consultation from a labor organization with expertise in the area of the candidates skill

(2) Statement detailing the prior essentiality, critical skills, and experience of the essential support candidate with the prime P-1 applicant and

(3) Copy of the contract or the summary of terms of oral agreement between the essential support candidate and the employer.
Petition Validity

For Athletes

The validity of an approved petition for an individual athlete will be for up to a period of 5 years.

The validity of an approved petition for an. athletic team will be till the completion of the competition for which the Indian team is being admitted, or for a maximum period of 1 year.

For Entertainment Group

The validity of an approved petition for an entertainment team will be till the completion of the competition for which the Indian team is being admitted, or for, maximum period of 1 year.

Extension periods
Individual Athlete

The stay of, an individual athlete and his/her essential support candidate may be extended up to 5 more years. Hence total stay may not exceed 10 years.

Other P-1 Pettions

The stay of other P category candidates may be in the increments of 1 year till the completion of the event for which they were admitted in to US.