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    North America Recruiting Pathways

    Quick Answer

    North American athletes navigate the NCAA (Division I, II, III), NAIA, and NJCAA in the US, plus USports in Canada. International prospects need an F-1 visa, an I-20 form, and TOEFL or IELTS scores plus a minimum 2.30 GPA for NCAA Division I.

    Governing Bodies

    NCAANAIAUSports

    Countries & Federations

    United States
    US
    NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, US Soccer, USA Basketball
    Visa: F-1 / J-1 · 2–4 months
    Canada
    CA
    USports, Canada Soccer, Canada Basketball
    Visa: Study Permit · 4–12 weeks
    Mexico
    MX
    FMF, CONADE
    CONCACAF youth pathway

    Pathway Highlights

    • NCAA D-I requires 16 core courses + 2.30 GPA
    • NJCAA offers JUCO 2-year pathway with looser amateurism rules
    • Canadian USports has 5 years of eligibility across 4 conferences

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