Sportsperson Visa

The UK International Sportsperson Visa is designed for elite sportspersons and qualified coaches who are internationally established and can make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the United Kingdom. This visa route allows individuals to live and work in the UK, with a pathway to permanent settlement.

Our solicitors provide guidance and expertise to ensure the application process is completed efficiently, whilst ensuring full compliance.

Who qualifies for the International Sportsperson Visa?

To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet several key criteria:

Elite Sportsperson or Qualified Coach: You must be recognised as an elite sportsperson or a qualified coach at the highest level internationally.

International Recognition: Your sport's governing body in the UK must endorse your application, confirming your international establishment and that your employment will significantly develop your sport in the UK at the highest level.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer that holds an International Sportsperson sponsor licence. The CoS confirms that a genuine job offer exists and that the employer is sponsoring you.

Financial Requirements: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself (and any dependants) in the UK unless your sponsor certifies that they will cover your maintenance for the first month.

English Language Proficiency: If you are applying for a visa for longer than 12 months, you will need to prove your knowledge of English to at least CEFR Level A1 in speaking and listening. This can be done by passing an approved English language test or by holding a degree taught in English.

Age: You must be 16 or over.

If you are from a listed country, you will also need to provide a clear tuberculosis test result.

How long does the visa last?

The International Sportsperson Visa can be granted for up to 3 years initially.

It can be extended as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. When extending, you will need to have your endorsement from the sport's governing body renewed and obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship. You can apply to extend your stay for up to 3 years at a time.

After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK under the International Sportsperson visa (provided at least one visa lasted longer than 12 months), you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants you permanent settlement in the UK.

What is the application process for the UK International Sportsperson Visa?

The application process generally involves the following steps:

1. Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above.

2. Obtain Endorsement from the Governing Body

Secure an endorsement from the relevant UK sports governing body for your sport. This endorsement is crucial and confirms your elite status and contribution to the sport in the UK. The endorsement letter will contain a unique reference number.

3. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your UK employer (sponsor) must apply for and assign a CoS to you. The employer must hold an active sponsor licence and be endorsed by the sport's governing body to sponsor international talent. The CoS will detail your job, salary, and confirm the governing body endorsement.

4. Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather all necessary documents, including:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
• Endorsement letter from the sports governing body
• Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
• Evidence of financial stability
• Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
• Previous passports or travel documents for travel history
• Certified translations for any documents not in English or Welsh.

5. Complete the Online Application

Fill out and submit the online application form through the UK government portal.

6. Pay Fees

Pay the required application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The application fee varies depending on the duration of your stay. The IHS is an annual fee that provides access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

7. Verify Identity and Provide Biometrics

You will either use the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app to scan your identity document or attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and a photo.

8. Submit the Application

Submit your completed application and supporting documents.

Processing times typically take up to 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK and up to 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK. Priority services may be available for faster decisions.

What level of endorsement is required?

A critical component of the application is obtaining endorsement from the appropriate UK Sports Governing Body. This endorsement confirms that the applicant is genuinely an internationally recognised elite sportsperson or a qualified coach at the highest level of their sport, and that their employment will significantly contribute to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK.

Each sport has its own specific governing body (e.g., The Football Association for football), and they set the criteria for endorsement.

Can a Sportsperson Visa holder bring people to the UK?

Yes, International Sportsperson Visa holders can bring their eligible dependant partners and children to the UK. This includes your husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner, and/or children under 18 (or over 18 if they currently have permission to be in the UK as your dependant and are not leading an independent life).

Each dependant must make a separate application and pay the relevant fees, including the Immigration Health Surcharge.

You will also need to show sufficient funds to support your dependants, typically £285 for your partner, £315 for your first child, and £200 for each additional child. This money must have been held for at least 28 days.

If successful, their visa will usually end on the same date as yours.

What are common challenges with Sportsperson Visas?

While a valuable route, the International Sportsperson Visa can present some challenges.

Meeting the Endorsement Requirement

Proving international recognition and elite status to the satisfaction of the relevant sports governing body can be challenging, especially for emerging talents or those in less widely followed sports. The criteria are strict and require significant evidence of past achievements and contributions.

Sponsor Licence and CoS Issues

Ensuring the sponsoring club or organisation holds a valid sponsor licence and that the Certificate of Sponsorship is correctly issued and aligns with the Home Office requirements can be complex.

Financial Proof

Demonstrating sufficient maintenance funds can be a hurdle, particularly if the sponsor is not covering this aspect. The requirement for funds to be held for a continuous 28-day period needs careful planning.

English Language Proficiency

For visas exceeding 12 months, meeting the English language requirement can be an obstacle for some applicants.

Absences from the UK

For those aiming for Indefinite Leave to Remain, managing absences from the UK to stay within the 180-day limit per 12-month period can be difficult for international athletes with demanding travel schedules.

Speak to our business immigration experts

If you require the assistance of a sportsperson visa solicitor or are in need of international business advice, our highly experienced immigration team will assist you in exploring all your options. We advise businesses and individuals, including executives and senior management teams on all aspects of business immigration including visas. You can get in touch by completing the form below.