Menu
Temporary Visas for Work in the United States Equestrian Industry
Our immigration attorneys work with participants in all areas of the equestrian field. Learn more about our equestrian-related immigration services and see the detailed information below on temporary work visas for:
Temporary U.S. Visas for Riders
| Type of Rider | Self-Employment Allowed? | Special Requirements | How Long is the Visa Good For? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Competitor Rider P-1 visa Examples: equivalent of USEF, USDF “AA” show championships, FEI ribbons | Pro Competition only | YES – must have contract(s) for work, and an agent | International competition record must have good results Must compete in the U.S. throughout a season No coaching, teaching or grooming | 5 years Unlimited renewals with certain conditions |
| Top 15% nationally/internationally O-1 visa Examples: equivalent of USEF/USDF rankings, FEI rankings | Pro Competition OR Exercise Rider | YES – must have contract(s) for work, and an agent | Competition record: horses/rider must be among top 15% nationally or internationally Work in U.S. must be for national/international level No coaching, teaching or grooming | 3 Years Unlimited renewals as long as your competition record stays in top 15% |
| Distinguished Achievement (non-competition) O-1 visa Examples: National studbooks, top breeders, top sales barns | Pro Competition OR Exercise Rider | YES – must have contract(s) for work, and an agent | Distinguished resume: horses/rider/past employers must have achievements giving them a leading reputation Critical role in past work No coaching, teaching or grooming | 3 years Unlimited renewals as long as you maintain a leading reputation |
| Other purposes H-2B visa (not recommended) Examples: U.S. employer has a seasonal need: camps, hacking at home | Pro Competition OR Exercise Rider | NO | H-2B Visa can be risky—the visa is expensive, and processing could be delayed and shorten the 9-month period. Business records showing the need for seasonal 9-month work Capped at 33,000 every six months, visas can run out after you apply | 9 months Unlimited renewals for the same season each year, with certain conditions |
| Amateur rider B-1 visa Examples: WEF circuit, various shows, horse shopping | Amateur | Employment is not allowed | Demonstrated home base in another country Pattern of frequent entries to the U.S. could incur risk—Hill & Piibe’s border crossing package could help | B-2 visa allows you to attend amateur competitions, up to 6 months |
| Foreign-based employer Examples: groom accompanying a rider based in a foreign country | Pro Competition OR Exercise Rider | NO | Demonstrated home base in another country | B-1 visa entry valid up to 6 months |
| What if I don’t meet any of those above descriptions? There is no visa category available, and there are no general work permits, sorry. See below for other options |
Temporary U.S. Visas for Horse Grooms / Stall Cleaners
| Type of Groom | Is Self-Employment or Independent Contractor OK? | Special Requirements | How Long is the Visa Good For? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top 15% nationally/internationally O-1 visa Examples: USEF/USDF HOTY, FEI Longines rankings | Head Groom | YES – must have contract(s) for work, and an agent | Competition record: horses/riders must be among top 15% nationally or internationally Work in U.S. must be for national/international level | 3 Years Unlimited renewals as long as horse/rider competition record stays in top 15% |
| Distinguished organization (non-competition) O-1 visa Examples: National studbooks, top breeders, top sales barns | Head Groom | YES – must have contract(s) for work, and an agent | Distinguished resume: horses/rider/past employers must have achievements giving them a leading reputation Critical role in past work | 3 years Unlimited renewals as long as you maintain a leading reputation |
| Regular groom or stall cleaner for a 9-month season H-2B visa (not recommended) Examples: camps, caring for horses left home, show circuit, winter layups | Any Groom OR Stall Cleaner | NO | H-2B Visa can be risky—the visa is expensive, processing could be delayed and shorten the 9-month period Business records showing the need for seasonal 9-month work Capped at 33,000 every six months, visas can run out after you apply | 9 months Unlimited renewals for the same season each year, with certain conditions |
| Groom for P-1 visa pro rider in international competition P-1S visa | Groom for a P-1 Rider who is here with a P-1 visa | DEPENDS on P-1 rider’s employment arrangement | Demonstrated lawful work experience with the P-1 rider, in an essential support role Must work with P-1 rider, visa petitions are linked | 5 years Unlimited renewals with certain conditions |
| What if I don’t meet any of those above descriptions? There is no visa category available, and there are no general work permits, sorry. See below for other options |
Temporary U.S. Visas for Equestrian Trainers and Coaches
| Type of Trainer/Coach | Is Self-Employment or Independent Contractor OK? | Special Requirements | How Long is the Visa Good For? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top 15% nationally/internationally O-1 visa Examples: USEF/USDF HOTY, FEI Longines rankings | Head Trainer OR Assistant Trainer | YES – must have contract(s) for work, and an agent | Competition record: horses/riders must be among top 15% nationally or internationally Work in U.S. must be for national/international level | 3 Years Unlimited renewals as long as horse/rider competition record stays in top 15% |
| Distinguished organization (non-competition) O-1 visa Examples: National studbooks, top breeders, top sales barns | Head Trainer OR Assistant Trainer | YES – must have contract(s) for work, and an agent | Distinguished resume: horses/rider/past employers must have achievements giving them a leading reputation Critical role in past work | 3 years Unlimited renewals as long as you maintain a leading reputation |
| Regular trainer for a 9-month season H-2B visa (not recommended) Examples: camps, working on a show circuit, working with horses left home, off-season training | Any type of trainer | NO | H-2B Visa can be risky—the visa is expensive, processing could be delayed and shorten the 9-month period Business records showing the need for seasonal 9-month work Capped at 33,000 every six months, visas can run out after you apply | 9 months Unlimited renewals for the same season each year, with certain conditions |
| What if I don’t meet any of those above descriptions? There is no visa category available, and there are no general work permits, sorry. See below for other options |
Other Equestrian-Related Occupations and Options
| Is Self-Employment or Independent Contractor OK? | Special Requirements | How Long is the Visa Good For? | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business owners and their essential employees from the same country E-1 / E-2 Visas Examples: sales agents, investors, physiotherapists, breeders, consultants, etc. | Business Owner: YES Essential Employee: NO | Business owner must have at least 50% ownership and/or control of a business involving substantial trade with your home country, or substantial investment in the U.S. Trade/investment treaty must exist between your country and U.S. | 1 year initial, unlimited renewals thereafter every 2-5 years, provided your business continues to thrive |
What if I still don’t meet any of those categories?
A consultation with Hill & Piibe can brainstorm other types of visas you could be eligible for, such as H-1B, NAFTA, L-1 and more. See the USCIS website for more free information about these visas. Or read more here on temporary visas.
