Three coaches and two players for the Colorado Rapids couldn't start preseason due to delays in U.S. visa approvals. New head coach Matt Wells arrived late after missing the initial training sessions, while his assistants and a key signing, Hamzat Ojediran, are still waiting for their P-1 work visas. The lengthening wait times for visa processing, exacerbated by staffing issues at USCIS and recent regulatory changes, have impacted integration and preparedness for the upcoming season. The league is witnessing similar issues across various teams, emphasizing a widespread challenge in international recruiting.

By the Numbers
  • The premium processing fee for visa applications is currently $2,805, increasing to $2,965 in March.
  • The standard adjudication wait time for visa petitions can take up to a year, despite expedited processing aimed for 15 business days.
State of Play
  • Wells is using remote communication to connect with Ojediran, emphasizing tactical integration.
  • USCIS backlog and staffing changes are complicating the visa process for many teams in MLS.
What's Next

The Rapids are hopeful Ojediran's visa will be approved soon, allowing him to catch up on preseason training and integrate quickly with the team. Meanwhile, the club is exploring ways to mitigate future delays and ensure smooth transitions for new signings.

Bottom Line

The delays in visa processing are affecting player preparedness and team cohesion, highlighting the need for streamlined immigration practices to support international talent joining MLS clubs. Clubs must focus on proactive planning to minimize impacts on training and integration.