The new I-129 non-immigrant visa petition used by P-1 athletes lists in its instructions certain exceptions to the rules regarding filing based on the location of the petitioner. One key excepted group is major league sports and the following paragraph is included in the form:
“This covers major league athletes, minor league sports, and any affiliates associated with the major leagues in baseball, hockey, soccer,basketball, and football. Support personnel includes:coaches, trainers, broadcasters, referees, linesmen,umpires, and interpreters. Mail the I-129 package to the Vermont Service Center, regardless of the place of temporary employment.”
The American Immigration Lawyers Association has posted an advisory to its members confirming that in discussions with USCIS that major league sports not included in this exception are to be filed as normal at the Service Center (either Vermont or California) based on the jurisdiction where the work is to be performed.