INTERNATIONAL CLEARANCE OVERVIEW

PLAYER STATUS DEPARTMENT

U.S. Soccer department of Player Status is responsible for processing all registration requests for international clearances, both professional and amateur. The services provided and processed by Player Status are obligated to be compliant with FIFA regulations as outlined in the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.

 The registration process and forms outlined on this page apply specifically to players wishing to register for clubs/leagues/teams solely based in the United States, regardless of player’s nationality.  Players wishing to participate in clubs/teams/leagues outside the United States should contact the local Member Association (MA) / Federation to inquire about the processes and forms required to register locally.  The international clearance requirements are the same as these are regulated by FIFA. A list of FIFA Member Associations can be found HERE.

INTERNATIONAL CLEARANCE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

Per FIFA's Regulations, the international clearance process is required when any foreign-born player over the age of 10 is attempting to register with an affiliated club/team/league in the United States, regardless of that player's soccer ability or citizenship and one or both of the below instances apply:

·       Player was born outside of the United States, including U.S. citizens born abroad.

·       Player previously registered with a club/team/league outside of the United States.

The home association, U.S. Soccer, is responsible for obtaining the clearance on behalf of these players prior to their registration and participation with any U.S. Soccer affiliated club/team/ league.  Clearance is required for ALL players who meet one or both of the above instances regardless of past practices, age, nationality, club affiliation, or member organization with which the player is registering/participating.   Failure to adhere to the requirements can result in fines and/or sanctioning from both FIFA and U.S. Soccer.

REGISTRATION FORMS AND REQUIREMENTS

The table below is displayed for the applicant’s reference. To submit a complete international clearance form: 

·       Applicants should review the forms and corresponding requirements.

·       Choose only one form that represents their current individual status.

Applicants are expected to meet all application requirements specified on the form to have the application reviewed and processed.

MINORS
FORM	APPLICANT REQUIREMENT
P10 Registration	·International clearances and first registrations for any player nine (9) years of age and younger at the time of registration regardless of citizenship.
First Registration - U.S. Citizen	·U.S. citizens born outside the United States who have never been registered at any level to play soccer in any other country. ·Holds physical proof of citizenship.
First Registration - U.S. Citizen – Awaiting Physical Proof	·U.S. citizens born outside the United States who have never been registered at any level to play soccer in any other country. ·Does not currently hold physical proof of citizenship but according to the United States government, is a U.S. citizen.
5 Year Exception	·Player is registering for the first time and has lived continuously in the United States for the last five years.
50km/31mi Exception	·Both the player and club are within 50km/31mi of their common national border. ·The distance between the two is less than 100km/62mi.
Parents Move Exception	·The parents of the player moved to the United States for reasons not linked to soccer. ·Includes United States citizens returning home to their family after studying abroad.
Exchange Student Exception	·The player is an exchange student undertaking an academic program in the United States.
Accompanied Refugee Exception	·The player is moving for humanitarian reasons with their parents.
Unaccompanied Refugee Exception	·The player is moving for humanitarian reasons without their parents.

 

All of this documentation needs to be submitted to NMYSA by email, fax or mail.
    email: office@nmysa.net
    FAX: 505-830-2247
    Address: 2825 Broadbent Pkwy NE, Suite D
                   Albuquerque, NM 87107 

The complete USSF rules can be found at  http://www.ussoccer.com/About/Federation-Services/Intl-Clearance.aspx.

Please contact us at 505-830-2245 if you have any questions.