Multiple Asian teams attending The International 2017 have confirmed visas

All Asian players slated to attend The International 7’s main event in Seattle are in safer waters after a series of team visa approvals. A wave of teams from this region have all publicly shared success in the process, which has been a point of concern for American Dota 2 events in recent years.

Fans on various sites raised concern when two of LGD.ForeverYoung’s players, Monet and InFlame, had to re-do their visa interviews. Fortunately, they reported back success since then, and it seems the whole team will be able to attend.

Invictus Gaming has confirmed that all ten players’ visas have been confirmed, covering both IG and their sister squad, IG.Vitality. Initially, the teams shared that Ye "BoBoKa" Zhibiao had some issues acquiring his visas, but it was soon resolved.

Apprehensive Southeast Asia fans’ fears were quelled after both Filipino teams, Execration and TNC Pro Team, also announced visa approval.

TNC Pro Team shared the victory with a team photo:

Meanwhile, Execration had a more subtle message, with small “Visas Approved” note on the bottom of their photo announcement. What matters to fans, though, is that it clearly confirmed all five’s respective presences at the Seattle event.

The feeling may be a bit more sentimental for loyal Execration fans, as the team had issues acquiring visas for the Boston Major, leading to replacement by LGD, who had valid visas for prior events.

The process for the Filipino squads was likely made easier by a recent action by the Filipino government, by which the teams were awarded Professional Esports Athlete status.

Other teams, specifically Newbee and Fnatic, haven’t said much on the matter. However, Newbee attended the Boston Major, and both have at least been content on social media about their presence in Seattle thus far.

Worries have been raised due to the rising tensions of travel and immigration policy under the Trump administration, though the home regions of most teams have not been explicitly covered by any legislation nor executive orders. However, even prior to new immigration challenges this year, multiple teams have been encountered challenges securing visas for their players to compete in The International.