International Sportsperson Visa (UK)
The International Sportsperson Visa is designed for elite athletes and qualified sports coaches who are recognised at the highest level of their sport on the international stage. This visa allows you to come to the UK to contribute to the development of your sport at the highest level
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What is an International Sportsperson Visa ?
To qualify, you must be sponsored by an approved UK organisation and endorsed by the relevant UK sports governing body.This visa can be granted for either a short-term period of up to 12 months or a longer-term period exceeding 12 months. Where permission is granted for more than 12 months, the route can lead to settlement in the UK.
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International Sportsperson Visa
OVERVIEW
Eligibility Requirements for an International Sportsperson Visa
To qualify for an International Sportsperson Visa, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:
- You are aged 16 or over
- You have a confirmed job offer as a sportsperson or coach from a UK sponsor licensed under the International Sportsperson route
- You hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the role
- You have been formally endorsed by the appropriate UK sports governing body
- You genuinely intend and are able to carry out the role for which you are being sponsored, and do not intend to take on other employment outside the permitted activities
- You meet the English language requirement, where applicable (for visas exceeding 12 months)
- You have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK
- Your application does not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal
- You have provided a valid tuberculosis (TB) certificate, where required
Endorsement by a UK Sports Governing Body
A key requirement of this visa is endorsement by the relevant UK sports governing body.
The governing body must confirm that:
- You are internationally established at the highest level in your sport; and
- Your presence in the UK will make a significant contribution to the development of your sport at the highest level
You must obtain this endorsement before your sponsor can assign your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Endorsement by a UK Sports Governing Body
To apply for this visa, you must hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by a Home Office-approved sponsor.Your sponsor must be a UK-based organisation operating within the sporting sector, such as:
- A sporting body
- A professional sports club
- An event organiser
- Another recognised sports organisation
The sponsor must hold a valid sports sponsor licence and must have been approved by the relevant sports governing body. Agents, overseas clubs, and organisations based outside the UK are not permitted to sponsor applicants under this route.Your Certificate of Sponsorship will confirm key details of your role, including your job, salary, and confirmation that you have received the required endorsement.You must submit your visa application within 3 months of the start date stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Financial Requirement
Unless you have been living in the UK with valid permission for at least 12 months, or your sponsor agrees to cover your initial costs, you must show that you have at least £1,270 in savings. These funds must:
- Be held for at least 28 consecutive days; and
- End no more than 31 days before the date of your application
If your sponsor is covering your costs, this must be confirmed on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
English Language Requirement
If you are applying for a visa exceeding 12 months, you must demonstrate English language ability in speaking and listening to at least CEFR Level A1.You can meet this requirement if you:
- Are a national of a majority English-speaking country
- Have passed an approved English language test
- Hold an academic qualification taught in English and recognised by Ecctis as equivalent to a UK degree
If your visa is for 12 months or less, you are not required to meet the English language requirement.
Switching into the International Sportsperson Route
If you are already in the UK under another immigration category, you may be able to switch into the International Sportsperson route. However, switching is not permitted if you currently hold, or were last granted, permission as:
- a Visitor (unless you are a sportsperson undertaking permitted activities)
- a Short-term Student
- a Parent of a Child Student
- a Seasonal Worker
- a Domestic Worker in a Private Household
- or outside the Immigration Rules
Visa Duration
The length of your visa will depend on the duration of your sponsorship:
- For visas of 12 months or less: you will be granted permission for the length of your contract plus 14 days, or 12 months, whichever is shorter
- For visas exceeding 12 months: you will be granted permission for the length of your contract plus 14 days, or up to 3 years, whichever is shorter
Possible Outcomes of an Administrative Review
There are four main outcomes following an administrative review:
- The Home Office accepts that a caseworking error was made and withdraws the original decision.
- The Home Office concludes that no error occurred and upholds the original decision in full.
- The Home Office maintains the decision but removes one or more of the reasons previously given.
- The Home Office maintains the decision but replaces or adds new reasons to support it.
Conditions of Stay
If your application is successful, you will be permitted to:
- Work in the role for which you have been sponsored
- Undertake supplementary employment where permitted
- Study
You may also:
- Represent your national team while in the UK
- Participate in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competitions
- Undertake short-term work as a sports broadcaster, such as providing expert commentary
Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
You may be eligible to apply for settlement after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, provided you have held permission as an International Sportsperson for a period exceeding 12 months during that time.You may combine time spent under this route with other eligible visa categories, including Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, and certain other routes.
To qualify, you must:
- Have completed 5 years of continuous residence
- Not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
- Continue to be required by your sponsor, who must confirm your ongoing role
- Be earning at least £35,800 per year
- Meet the English language requirement at CEFR Level B1 (unless exempt)
Pass the Life in the UK test
Dependants
International Sportsperson Visa holders may be joined or accompanied by:
- A partner aged 18 or over
- Dependent children under the age of 18
Dependants must provide evidence of their relationship and may need to meet a financial requirement.
Unless exempt, the required funds are:
- £285 for a partner
- £315 for one child
- £200 for each additional child
These funds must be held for at least 28 days and meet the same timing requirements as the main applicant.Dependent partners may qualify for settlement after 5 years, subject to residence requirements, English language ability at CEFR Level B1, and passing the Life in the UK test.
Visa Refusals
If your application is refused, you will receive a decision explaining the reasons.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to:
- Submit a fresh application; or
- Apply for an Administrative Review
It is important to carefully address any issues identified before reapplying.
Why Choose Our Specialist Immigration Lawyers?
Our expert immigration lawyers have a wealth of experience in handling Administrative Review applications and have successfully assisted many applicants with their Administrative Review application. Below is a summary of reasons why we are different and are the right fit for you:
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Our team of specialist immigration lawyers handle each case with great care and attention to detail from outset to its conclusion. Our expert immigration lawyers will ensure that your case if progressed in a timely manner and that you receive the highest quality legal advice and representation throughout the life of your retainer. The quality of service provided by our team of specialist immigration lawyers are self-evident from our Google review.
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Our team of specialist immigration lawyers can provide you with excellent advice, guidance and legal representations remotely using modern means of communication. Whilst our expert immigration lawyer can meet you face to face in our offices at the heart of London, where a face-to-face meeting is not possible or convenient, our lawyers can represent you remotely without the need for you to attend our offices. Our expert immigration lawyers have successfully represented clients remotely from all four continents without their needing to attend our offices for a face-to-face meeting and can also represent you remotely if necessary.
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If instructed, your matter will be assigned to a lawyer with specialist knowledge of immigration law who will handle your matter from initial instructions to its conclusion, and where necessary – such as in complex matters – your immigration lawyer will be assisted by other immigration lawyers to ensure the best possible legal advice and representation.
Fast Track Visa Processing Service
The Home Office (UKVI) provide a faster processing of application via its Priority Service application which enables you to get a decision on your (in-country) application within 24 hours of enrolling your fingerprints or within 5 days of enrolling your biometrics for out of country applications. Our specialist immigration lawyers can take all steps to submit your application via Priority service so that you can get a decision on your application in the shortest time possible.
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To help you with certainty regarding the costs of your legal representation, we provide services for a reasonable and affordable fixed fee. To further help our clients manage the costs associated with their application, we can offer an instalment plan so that you can pay your fixed fees in instalments. Please do note, however, that all instalments must be completed before you enrol your biometrics.
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