Key Takeaways
• Steph De Lander spent $25,000–$30,000 over four years maintaining her U.S. work visa as a foreign wrestler.
• Foreign wrestlers use the P-1 visa requiring employer sponsorship and face costly renewals and legal hurdles.
• Visa delays and losing sponsorship threaten legal status; networking and legal advice are essential for athletes.
A recent update in the world of professional wrestling has brought renewed attention to the real-life challenges faced by international athletes working in the United States 🇺🇸. Steph De Lander, a well-known TNA Star from Australia 🇦🇺, has openly shared her experience of spending between $25,000 and $30,000 over four years just to maintain her legal work status in the U.S. This update is important for anyone following the careers of foreign wrestlers, as well as for those interested in the immigration process for athletes and entertainers.
Let’s break down what’s changed, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what this means for others in similar situations.
Summary of What Changed
Steph De Lander’s public statements in July 2025 have put a spotlight on the high costs and ongoing struggles that come with holding a work visa as a foreign professional wrestler in the United States 🇺🇸. While fans often see the glamour of wrestling, the reality for many international stars is much more complicated behind the scenes. De Lander’s story is a clear example of how expensive and stressful it can be to keep a legal work status, especially when not backed by a major company.
Who Is Affected
- Foreign professional wrestlers working in the United States 🇺🇸, especially those not under long-term contracts with major promotions.
- International athletes and entertainers who rely on temporary work visas, such as the P-1 visa, to perform in the U.S.
- Wrestling promotions like TNA that hire international talent and may need to sponsor visas.
- Fans and industry observers who want to understand the real-life challenges their favorite stars face.
Effective Dates
- The financial and legal challenges described by Steph De Lander have been ongoing for the past four years, with her most recent update coming in July 2025.
- These issues are not tied to a specific policy change but reflect the current state of U.S. immigration law for athletes and entertainers as of mid-2025.
Required Actions
For those in similar situations, or for wrestling promotions considering hiring international talent, several steps are recommended:
- Foreign wrestlers and athletes should:
- Budget for significant visa-related expenses, which can reach tens of thousands of dollars over several years.
- Seek expert legal advice early in their careers to understand visa options and requirements.
- Build strong professional networks within the industry for support during visa renewals or changes.
- Explore long-term residency options, such as applying for a green card, to reduce ongoing uncertainty.
- Wrestling promotions should:
- Consider investing in visa sponsorship programs and legal support for international talent.
- Be aware of the delays and paperwork involved in bringing foreign wrestlers to the U.S.
- Communicate clearly with talent about the status of visa applications and expected timelines.
- Fans and supporters can:
- Stay informed about the challenges faced by international stars.
- Support calls for better visa support and fair treatment of foreign talent in the industry.
Implications for Pending Applications
If you are a foreign wrestler or athlete with a pending work visa application, or if you are waiting for sponsorship from a promotion like TNA, here’s what you need to know:
- Processing times for athlete visas (such as the P-1 visa) can be long, and delays are common.
- Costs can add up quickly, especially if you need legal help or have to renew your visa multiple times.
- Losing sponsorship from a major company can put your legal status at risk, making it important to have backup plans and strong industry connections.
- Pending applications may be affected by changes in your employment status or by delays in paperwork from your sponsor.
Detailed Breakdown of the Situation
1. The Work Visa Process for Wrestlers
Most foreign wrestlers, including Steph De Lander, use a P-1 visa to work in the United States 🇺🇸. The P-1 visa is designed for internationally recognized athletes and entertainers. It allows them to live and work in the U.S. for a set period, usually tied to a specific contract or event.
- P-1 Visa Requirements:
- Proof of international recognition in your sport or entertainment field.
- A contract with a U.S. employer or organization (such as a wrestling promotion).
- Detailed documentation of your achievements and reputation.
- Sponsorship from the employer, who must file the visa petition on your behalf.
You can find official information and application instructions for the P-1 visa on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
2. The Financial Burden
Steph De Lander’s case shows just how expensive the process can be. Over four years, she spent $25,000 to $30,000 on:
- Visa application fees (which can be thousands of dollars per application or renewal)
- Legal fees for immigration attorneys who help prepare and file paperwork
- Other related costs, such as travel for visa interviews, document translation, and mailing fees
For many wrestlers, these costs are not covered by their employer, especially if they are not under a long-term contract. This means the financial burden falls directly on the athlete.
3. The Role of Sponsorship
A key part of the process is having a sponsor. For the P-1 visa, the sponsor is usually the wrestling promotion or company that hires the athlete. If a wrestler is released from their contract, as Steph De Lander was when she left WWE, their visa status can become uncertain.
- Without sponsorship, the athlete may have to leave the U.S. or quickly find another sponsor.
- Renewing or changing visas without a sponsor is very difficult and often requires help from friends, colleagues, or industry contacts.
De Lander credited fellow wrestlers Chelsea Green and Matt Cardona for helping her during this time, showing how important personal networks are in the wrestling world.
4. The Lack of a Green Card
Unlike some athletes who eventually obtain a green card (permanent residency), De Lander is still on a temporary visa. This means she must:
- Renew her visa regularly, which involves more paperwork and costs.
- Prove her eligibility each time, showing that she is still internationally recognized and has a valid contract.
- Live with ongoing uncertainty, as any change in her job or sponsorship could affect her ability to stay in the U.S.
In contrast, another Australian wrestler, Tenille Dashwood, recently became a U.S. citizen after a 17-year journey through various visa types and eventually a green card. Her story shows that while permanent residency is possible, it is a long and difficult process.
5. Industry-Wide Challenges
Steph De Lander’s experience is not unique. Many foreign wrestlers and entertainers face similar struggles:
- Delays in visa processing can keep talent from appearing at events or starting new jobs.
- High costs can be a barrier for those without major company support.
- Uncertainty about legal status can make it hard to plan for the future or sign long-term contracts.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these challenges are common in the wrestling industry and highlight the need for better support systems for international talent.
6. Expert and Industry Perspectives
Immigration attorneys who work with athletes and entertainers say that the P-1 visa process is:
- Complex: It requires detailed documentation and proof of international recognition.
- Costly: Legal fees and application costs add up quickly.
- Unpredictable: Processing times can vary, and any mistake can lead to delays or denials.
Industry insiders believe that wrestling promotions like TNA should do more to help their international stars. This could include:
- Providing legal support for visa applications and renewals.
- Covering some or all of the costs associated with visas.
- Offering clear communication about the status of visa paperwork and expected timelines.
Advocates for immigrant athletes also call for:
- Simpler visa pathways for recognized talent.
- More accessible options for permanent residency, such as green cards for athletes with long-term careers in the U.S.
7. What’s Next for Foreign Wrestlers and Promotions?
As of mid-2025, there have been no major changes to federal immigration policy specifically for athlete visas. However, ongoing discussions about immigration reform could impact visa categories and processing times in the future.
For Wrestlers:
- Start early: Begin the visa process as soon as possible, and seek expert legal help.
- Keep good records: Save all documents related to your achievements, contracts, and visa applications.
- Build your network: Connect with other wrestlers, attorneys, and industry contacts who can help if you lose sponsorship or face visa problems.
- Explore long-term options: If you plan to stay in the U.S. for many years, look into green card options through employment or family sponsorship.
For Promotions:
- Invest in visa support: Helping international talent with their visas can improve retention and reduce legal risks.
- Plan for delays: Be prepared for paperwork to take longer than expected, and communicate clearly with talent about timelines.
- Consider permanent sponsorship: For top stars, supporting green card applications can provide stability for both the wrestler and the company.
8. Official Resources and Where to Get Help
If you are a foreign athlete or entertainer, or if you work for a company that hires international talent, here are some resources:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): The official government site for information on the P-1 visa for athletes and entertainers.
- Immigration law firms: Many specialize in entertainment and athlete visas and can provide expert advice.
- Industry associations: Some wrestling unions or organizations offer legal referrals or visa assistance.
9. Practical Takeaways
- Visa costs for foreign wrestlers are high: Expect to spend tens of thousands of dollars over several years.
- Sponsorship is essential: Losing your sponsor can put your legal status at risk.
- Permanent residency is a long-term goal: It takes years and requires careful planning.
- Networking matters: Personal connections can make a big difference during tough times.
- Stay informed: Keep up with changes in immigration law and industry practices.
Conclusion
Steph De Lander’s story as a TNA Star shines a light on the hidden struggles faced by international wrestlers in the United States 🇺🇸. The high costs, legal hurdles, and constant uncertainty of the work visa process are challenges that many fans never see. By sharing her experience, De Lander has helped raise awareness and started important conversations about how the wrestling industry—and the country as a whole—can better support foreign talent.
If you are a foreign athlete, entertainer, or employer in this field, it’s important to understand the realities of the work visa process, plan ahead, and seek help when needed. For more information on athlete visas and official forms, visit the USCIS P-1 visa page. And remember, you are not alone—many have walked this path before, and with the right support, you can achieve your dreams in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
P-1 visa → Temporary U.S. visa for internationally recognized athletes and entertainers to work under contract.
Sponsorship → Employer’s legal support and petition required to obtain or renew a foreign worker’s visa.
Green card → U.S. permanent residency permit allowing indefinite stay and work without visa renewals.
Work visa renewal → The process of extending a temporary visa’s validity, often costly and legally complex.
Visa processing time → The duration immigration authorities take to review and approve visa applications.
This Article in a Nutshell
Steph De Lander’s costly visa journey reveals challenges foreign wrestlers face in the U.S. Legal fees, sponsorship reliance, and visa renewals create financial stress. Wrestlers need legal help and stable sponsors. Promotions should support talent visas better to ensure international athletes’ careers and legal status remain protected amid complex immigration rules.
— By VisaVerge.com
