US work visa?

You'd need to have international recognition in your discipline in order to qualify for an O-2 visa. It also won't work if you're self-employed. Your coaching would have to be essential to a specific athlete who applies for an O-1 visa.

https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/tempor...

Foofa is correct. The foreign ice skating coaches I know of in the US (and there are a lot) are here on the visa he mentioned. They have significant accomplishments in skating, which helps them get that visa. For example, they won a World or Russian medal at the junior or senior level, or went to the junior or regular Olympics. My one friend had to submit every press clipping and results sheet he could get his hands on, but it worked.

Similarly, if you didn't reach that level of skating yourself, but your students have done, you can use your accomplishments as a coach to get in on that same visa.

Check into that option first. It's the one that tends to work for most people. You can find info about this process online. You can start here:

https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/tempor...

http://janeorgel.com/o-1-visa-for-artists-entertai...

Work visas are sponsored and applied for by employers

P visas for professional ice skaters, ice skating teams, and coaches and trainers performing in exhibitions or tours in the United States. http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/a-p-1-p-2-p... however you need a job offer from a U.S. employer and it is temporary

You can not apply for a work visa. Only your employer can.

you can not apply for a work visa... only your employer can...

thanks guys i have enough info now to carry on with much appreciated

thanks guys i have enough info now to carry on with much appreciated

I would think the USA has little need for another ice skating coach.

thanks guys i have enough info now to carry on with much appreciated

thanks guys i have enough info now to carry on with much appreciated