At one point in a professional athlete’s career consideration should be given to life after professional sports. There are countless examples of athletes who waited too long and ended up having to return to their home country even after spending their entire careers in the United States. If you are not a U.S. citizen but plan to remain in the United States steps must be taken to obtain permanent resident status (ie. a Green Card) prior to retirement.
Most professional athletes who play professional team sports such as hockey, baseball, football, basketball, soccer and volleyball are in the United States as nonimmigrants on O-1, P-1 or H-2B nonimmigrant visas. These visas are temporary and will expire once you, the athlete retire. As such, it is imperative for you to become a permanent resident/greencard holder before the end of your career. In some cases it could take as long as three years to obtain a green card so advanced planning is very important. Whether you are on a major league or minor league contract there are green card options available to you.
If you would like to explore your specific green card options please send a request to us at:
Leibl and Kirkwood PC
12625 High Bluff Drive
Suite 213
San Diego, CA 92130
Tel. (858) 481-5211
Fax. (858) 481-7271