Can I move to the USA to become a professional Poker Player?

Question

I live in Australia and am a semi-professional poker player. I am thinking of moving to the US to become a pro. Does anyone know what the go is with Visa's and Immigration and all that stuff?

Answer 1

Why do you feel compelled to move to the US to play poker for a living.  I thought there were nice casinos in Australia that offer poker.  You come here to play, I would look into Australian tax laws to see if any winnings you make are doubled taxed. I do not know if you can immigrate for the purposes of being a professional gambler.

Answer 2

It seems pretty unlikely from what I know of US immigration.  You need to prove you can support yourself, and there is still a lot of skepticism surrounding that kind of profession.

If you are good, win yourself a buy in to a major tournament.  Then win it.  If you do that you can buy your way into America.  If you invest $500,000 in an American company you can get a visa very easily.