Building Your U.S. Itinerary During Travel Restrictions
Building Your U.S. Itinerary During Travel Restrictions
PUBLISH DATE: February 2, 2026
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Athletes from travel ban-affected countries need documented itineraries for O-1 approval. Here's how to build a compliant itinerary even without confirmed team contracts.
The Itinerary Requirement
USCIS requires O-1 applicants to demonstrate their planned activities in the United States. This itinerary must show:
· What you'll be doing
· Who you'll be working with/for
· The duration of planned activities
· Evidence that these activities will occur
For athletes from partial ban countries who cannot visit the U.S. on tourist visas, building this itinerary remotely presents unique challenges.
Itinerary Components That Work
Training Arrangements
What Qualifies:
· Agreements with U.S. training facilities
· Coaching arrangements with American coaches
· Gym or academy affiliations
Documentation Needed:
· Letter from facility confirming your training arrangement
· Description of training program
· Duration and schedule
Why It Works:
Training is legitimate athletic activity. Documented training arrangements demonstrate concrete U.S. activities.
Competition Plans
What Qualifies:
· Tournament entries or invitations
· League participation plans
· Scheduled fights, matches, or events
Documentation Needed:
· Event invitations or registration confirmations
· Letters from promoters or event organizers
· Competition schedules
Why It Works:
Competing is the core of athletic careers. Documented competition plans are strong itinerary evidence.
Coaching or Consulting Services
What Qualifies:
· Agreements to provide coaching to U.S. clients
· Consulting arrangements with teams or organizations
· Training services for American athletes
Documentation Needed:
· Client letters confirming engagement
· Multiple Employer Forms
· Description of services
Why It Works:
Many athletes provide coaching alongside competing. These services create legitimate itinerary activities.
Expressions of Interest
What Qualifies:
· Letters from teams interested in evaluating you
· Invitations to tryouts or showcases
· Communications indicating potential employment
Documentation Needed:
· Letters on official letterhead
· Specific descriptions of planned evaluation activities
· Contact information for verification
Why It Works:
While not confirmed contracts, documented interest from legitimate organizations shows viable U.S. activities.
Building Itinerary Without Being in the U.S.
Remote Relationship Building
Connect with Training Facilities:
Research U.S. facilities in your sport. Email introductions explaining your achievements and interest in training there. Many facilities welcome international athletes and will provide supporting letters.
Engage Agents and Representatives:
Sports agents can facilitate introductions to teams, promoters, and opportunities. Their letters documenting your representation and planned activities strengthen itineraries.
Enter Competitions:
Many U.S. competitions accept remote registration. Tournament entries, even for future events, document your itinerary.
Develop Coaching Relationships:
If you'll provide coaching services, identify potential clients in the U.S. Private clients, academies, and training groups may engage your services.
Leverage Your Existing Network
International Connections:
Other athletes from your country who've successfully navigated U.S. immigration can provide introductions and guidance.
Coaches and Trainers:
Your current coaches may have U.S. connections who can support your itinerary.
Promoters and Organizations:
Event promoters who've worked with you internationally may have U.S. operations or connections.
The Multiple Employer Advantage
Single-employer itineraries create risk: if that employer withdraws, your visa basis disappears.
Multiple employer itineraries provide:
Redundancy:
Multiple documented activities mean no single point of failure.
Flexibility:
You can pursue various opportunities without visa constraints.
Credibility:
Multiple employers demonstrate broad demand for your services.
Compliance:
Proper structure ensures your varied activities remain within visa authorization.
Documentation Standards
For Each Itinerary Component:
Employer/Engagement Letter:
· On official letterhead
· Specific about your role and activities
· Signed by authorized representative
· Includes contact information
Multiple Employer Form:
· Identifies the employer
· Describes your services
· Documents compensation (or basis for engagement)
· Specifies hours and duration
Supporting Evidence:
· Contracts (if available)
· Event schedules
· Training programs
· Correspondence confirming arrangements
What USCIS Looks For
Specificity:
Vague itineraries fail. "I plan to compete" isn't enough. "I am registered for the June 15 championship at [venue] as confirmed by [organizer]" works.
Credibility:
Documented arrangements with legitimate organizations carry weight. Self-described plans without third-party confirmation are weaker.
Duration Match:
Your itinerary should cover your requested status period. Gaps raise questions.
Consistency:
Itinerary activities should align with your stated extraordinary ability. A tennis champion's itinerary should involve tennis.
Building Your Itinerary: Step by Step
Week 1-2: Research and Outreach
· Identify relevant U.S. training facilities, competitions, and opportunities
· Send introduction emails explaining your background and interest
· Contact agents or representatives who might facilitate connections
Week 3-4: Relationship Development
· Follow up on initial outreach
· Discuss specific arrangements with interested parties
· Begin gathering letters and documentation
Week 5-6: Documentation Collection
· Obtain letters from all itinerary components
· Complete Multiple Employer Forms
· Compile supporting evidence
Week 7+: Petition Filing
· Assemble complete itinerary package
· File O-1 petition with all documentation
· Respond to any USCIS requests for additional evidence
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Related Resources:
· Agent Petitioner Services(/petitioner-services)
· O-1 Visa Requirements(https://www.sherrodsportsvisas.com/o1-visa)
· Compliance Guide(https://www.aventusvisaagents.com/blog/multiple-employer-compliance-guide)