New Immigration Issues for Athletes

Continuing problems at embassies and consulates abroad stemming from the State Department's reaction to the Covid pandemic are causing disastrous issues for elite athletes and others attempting to get visas to the U.S. Interviews and application reviews at State Department posts are either non-existent or extremely slow starting. USCIS has begun to loosen up their procedures here in the States and petitions filed, even without premium or expedited processing fees, are being turned over fairly quickly. In light of these problems, it is best to get started very early, as early as six months prior to the athlete's desired entry into the U.S. With World Championships scheduled in Oregon in July of this year, NOW (February of 2022) is not too early to consult with me about a visa petition.