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International Sportsperson Visa

The UK International Sportsperson visa is designed for elite international sportspeople and coaches who are dedicated to contributing to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK. This visa has replaced the previous Tier 2 Sportsperson visa and Tier 5 Creative and Sporting visas.

To be eligible for this visa, applicants must be endorsed by the governing body of their sport, confirming their status as an outstanding sportsperson or coach at the international level.

This visa is initially granted for up to 3 years and can be extended as long as the individual continues to meet the eligibility criteria. After spending 5 years on an International Sportsperson visa, one may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.

Visa holders are permitted to live in the UK, work for their sponsoring entity, take on a second job (conditions apply), work as a sports broadcaster, pursue studies, and travel to and from the UK. Additionally, dependent family members, such as partners and children, are allowed to accompany the main applicant.

Individuals who do not qualify for the International Sportsperson visa may explore the option of applying for a Skilled Worker visa.

Criteria and Required Documents for the UK Sports Visa

Applicants for the UK Sports Visa must successfully meet the following criteria:

  1. Obtain an endorsement as an elite player or coach from an approved governing body.
  2. Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor.
  3. Meet the financial requirement.
  4. Provide travel history for the past 5 years.
  5. Satisfy the English language requirements.
  6. Submit a clear tuberculosis (TB) test result, if applicable.
Endorsement Requirement

Applicants must secure an endorsement letter from the governing body, which must confirm:

  1. Recognition as an internationally elite player or coach.
  2. A significant contribution to the sport’s development at the highest levels.

The endorsement letter should also include a unique endorsement number, prefixed with the governing body’s abbreviation (e.g., “RUGU” for rugby union).

Financial Requirement

Applicants are required to demonstrate they have savings of at least £1,270, which must have been held for a minimum of 28 days, unless they have been in the UK for 12 months or longer. As an alternative, the UK employer may indicate on the Certificate of Sponsorship that they will provide maintenance support for the applicant.

English Language Requirement

If your stay will exceed one year, you must meet the English language requirement by:

  • Holding an approved English language qualification at CEFR level A1 or higher, or
  • Possessing an academic degree that was taught in English.
  • Being a national of a recognized English-speaking country also satisfies this requirement.

Required documents for UK International Sportsperson Visa

Below is a list of documents required for a UK sports visa application:

  • The endorsement letter from the governing body.
  • The Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
  • Proof of English language proficiency.
  • Bank statements as evidence of self-support (unless your employer certifies maintenance support).
  • A current passport with a blank page for the visa.
  • Previous passports or travel documents to show travel history.
  • Tuberculosis test results, if applicable.

 UK International Sportsperson Visa Cost

Applicants for the International Sportsperson visa must pay the following fees:

  • An application fee of £298 for visas lasting up to 12 months, or £719 for longer periods.
  • The healthcare surcharge, which allows access to the National Health Service (NHS), is set at £1,035 per year for adults and £776 for children.

Eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) After an International Sportsperson Visa

Individuals who have resided in the UK under an international sportsperson visa for a period exceeding five years might qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which is the official term for permanent residency in the UK. To be considered for ILR, candidates must satisfy the following criteria set out for the International Sportsperson visa:

  • A minimum five-year tenure under the international sportsperson visa.
  • A lawful five-year residency in the UK.
  • Compliance with the continuous residence condition, which stipulates no more than 180 days spent outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period.
  • Fulfillment of the English language proficiency requirement.
  • Successful completion of the Life in the UK test.

Individuals granted ILR are entitled to live indefinitely within the UK free from immigration restrictions. This status allows them to engage in employment, pursue education, and travel with the liberties afforded to a settled individual. Additionally, after one year of holding ILR status, they may become eligible to apply for British citizenship.

Extension of the International Sportsperson Visa in the UK

If you are in possession of a UK International Sportsperson visa, you are eligible to seek an extension of your visa for an additional three-year period, provided that you continue to fulfill the original eligibility criteria that were in place when your visa was first approved. It is critical to initiate the renewal process for your international sportsperson visa prior to the expiration of your current visa.

For a successful visa extension, it is necessary to secure a fresh endorsement and obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your sponsoring entity.

The cost for each individual applying for an extension is £719, and the processing time can extend up to eight weeks. By submitting your extension request before your current visa lapses, you are permitted to remain and undertake employment in the UK while your application is under review by the Home Office. At the same time, your dependents, including your partner and children, may also submit their applications for an extension.

Bringing Dependents on an International Sportsperson Visa to the UK

Upon the approval of an International Sportsperson visa, dependent family members may also be brought to the UK. Eligible dependents include spouses, civil partners, or unmarried partners, given that the relationship has been established for a minimum of two years. For children over 16 years of age, it must be demonstrated that they are dependent and not leading independent lives. Criteria for dependency include residing with the primary visa holder, unless away for education, and being financially supported by them. Children must also be unmarried to be eligible as dependents.

In the dependent visa application process, evidence of sufficient funds to support dependents is required:

  • £285 for a partner
  • £315 for the first child
  • £200 for each additional child

It is crucial to include the primary applicant’s visa application number, such as the Global Web Form or Unique Application Number, on the dependent visa applications.