The Esports Trade Association (ESTA) has recently introduced a Consultation Letter service to assist esports professionals with their US visa applications. This service is designed to support professional players, coaches, event organizers, and other esports talents with their Consultation Letter. This is a crucial component in the US visa application process.
Why A Consultation Letter Service?
ESTA, an organization committed to fostering growth in esports, stated that its new service would provide Consultation Letters to both members and non-members applying for O & P visas to enter the United States. This news comes after the US officially recognized esports as sports. These visa categories, typically granted to athletes and other entertainment professionals, are essential for esports professionals intending to participate in esports events in the US.
The P-1A visa is frequently used by esports talents. It necessitates the applicant to be an internationally recognized athlete entering the US for a globally significant event. Consultation Letters, required for foreign nationals seeking a US visa, are typically issued by peer groups, labor organizations, or management organizations within their respective fields. ESTA has declared that it will function as a peer group for esports professionals in delivering this service. The esports visa Consultation Letter service could make it easier to host events in the US.
Over the years, there have been notable instances of professional esports players encountering US visa issues. This has lead to their absence from US-based esports tournaments. Despite the increasing global recognition of esports, obtaining visas for esports competitions remains a persistent challenge in the industry worldwide.
Justin M. Jacobson Esq. is an esports and video game attorney and member of the Esports Trade Association. He remarked, “This initiative is crucial to the further development of the nation’s esports scene as the receipt of this type of letter can be beneficial in an individual’s visa application. The document is especially important in light of recent denials of visas impacting the national esports ecosystem.”