The UK International Sportsperson Visa is designed for elite athletes and qualified coaches from outside the UK who wish to work, compete, and make meaningful contributions to sports in the UK.
This visa allows international sports professionals to bring their unique skills and expertise to the UK’s sports sector, supporting the country’s rich sporting culture and facilitating the growth of various sports.
The following guide provides detailed information on eligibility, application steps, document requirements, and essential visa conditions for the International Sportsperson Visa in 2024.
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1. Overview of the International Sportsperson Visa
The International Sportsperson Visa allows eligible athletes and coaches to come to the UK for approved sports activities. This visa replaces the former Tier 2 (Sportsperson) and Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting) visas, offering flexibility for both short-term and long-term stays. Applicants may be granted entry for up to three years, with the option for extensions and a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years.
Eligible Applicants for the International Sportsperson Visa:
- Elite athletes or coaches who have been endorsed by a recognized governing sports body as an individual with the highest level of skill and recognition in their sport.
- Individuals whose presence in the UK will significantly contribute to the development and success of the sport at the highest level in the UK.
2. Eligibility Requirements
The UK International Sportsperson Visa has specific requirements for applicants to demonstrate their standing in the sport and the value they will bring to the UK’s sporting community.
A. Endorsement from a Recognized Governing Body
- Applicants must secure an endorsement from the governing body for their specific sport. This endorsement confirms that the applicant is internationally recognized as an elite sportsperson or qualified coach.
- The endorsement must demonstrate that the applicant will make a positive impact on the development of their sport in the UK.
- Each sport’s governing body has its own criteria and guidelines for endorsement, which can be found on the UK government’s website or through the respective governing body.
B. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- The applicant’s UK employer or sports organization must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, which acts as proof of a confirmed job offer in the UK.
- The Certificate of Sponsorship should outline the role, the nature of the applicant’s engagement in the UK, and a reference number needed for the visa application.
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C. English Language Proficiency
- Applicants must demonstrate at least a B1 level of English proficiency, equivalent to an intermediate level. This requirement can be met through:
- Passing an approved English language test (Secure English Language Test – SELT).
- Holding an academic qualification taught in English and recognized by UK NARIC.
- Exemptions may apply based on nationality or specific circumstances.
D. Financial Requirement
- Applicants must prove that they have sufficient personal savings to support themselves upon arrival in the UK. Currently, the minimum requirement is £1,270, unless the sponsor organization certifies maintenance on behalf of the applicant.
- Funds must be available for at least 28 consecutive days prior to the application submission.
3. Application Process for the International Sportsperson Visa
The application process is completed online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. Depending on the applicant’s location, processing times and additional requirements may vary. Applications typically take up to three weeks from outside the UK and up to eight weeks if applying from within.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare All Necessary Documentation
- Ensure all documentation is prepared in advance, including proof of endorsement, sponsorship, and other supporting documents outlined in this guide.
- Complete the Online Application Form
- Visit the UKVI website to complete the International Sportsperson Visa application. Ensure all information provided is accurate and consistent with official records.
- Pay the Application Fee
- The visa application fee varies depending on the length of stay:
- For stays up to one year, the fee is approximately £259.
- For stays longer than one year, the fee is around £625.
- Applicants are also required to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge, which grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
- The visa application fee varies depending on the length of stay:
- Schedule a Biometric Appointment
- After submitting the application online, schedule a biometric appointment at a visa application center to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph.
- Submit Supporting Documents
- Upload or submit all required supporting documents, ensuring they meet UKVI requirements for clarity and format.
- Receive Decision Notification
- Applicants will receive a decision on their visa application within the standard processing time. Priority or super-priority services may be available for an additional fee to expedite the decision.
4. Required Documents for the International Sportsperson Visa
A comprehensive checklist of required documents is provided below to help applicants meet all necessary requirements and avoid processing delays.
- Valid Passport or Travel Document: Must be valid for the duration of the stay in the UK and have at least one blank page.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Reference Number: Provided by the UK sponsor, this reference number is essential for visa processing.
- Endorsement Letter from Governing Body: This letter should confirm the applicant’s eligibility as an elite sportsperson or coach and their positive impact on the sport in the UK.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency: Evidence of passing an approved English test, or a degree taught in English (if applicable).
- Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements or savings evidence showing at least £1,270 held for a consecutive 28-day period, unless maintenance is certified by the sponsor.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results (if required): Applicants from countries where TB testing is mandatory must provide valid test results.
Additional Documents for Dependants: If applying with family members, additional documentation such as marriage certificates (for spouses) or birth certificates (for children) will be required to confirm relationships.
5. Conditions and Rights of the International Sportsperson Visa
Visa holders are entitled to work, reside, and travel in the UK under certain conditions:
- Employment Rights: International Sportsperson Visa holders can work in their sponsored sports role and engage in supplementary employment, including part-time coaching or secondary sports roles under certain guidelines.
- Dependants: Spouses, partners, and children under 18 can apply as dependants. Dependants have the right to work and study in the UK.
- Study and Training: Visa holders are permitted to study or attend training sessions relevant to their professional role.
- Pathway to Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR): After five years of continuous residence under this visa, holders may apply for ILR, allowing them to settle in the UK permanently if they meet ongoing residency and employment requirements.
6. Common Grounds for Refusal and How to Avoid Them
The International Sportsperson Visa may be refused for several reasons, often related to incomplete documentation or failure to meet eligibility criteria. Common grounds for refusal include:
- Lack of a valid endorsement from a recognized governing body.
- Failure to meet financial maintenance requirements or provide adequate financial proof.
- Insufficient or incorrect English language documentation.
- Lack of a genuine offer or verifiable employment opportunity in the UK.
How to Avoid Refusals: Applicants should thoroughly review eligibility and documentation requirements, ensuring all evidence is properly submitted and meets UKVI standards. For complex cases, consulting with a licensed immigration advisor may help to reduce the risk of errors.
International Sportsperson visa dependants
If your International Sportsperson visa application is successful, you will also be able to bring your dependant family members with you to the UK. You can bring your partner if you are married, in a civil partnership, or you have been together in a relationship for at least 2 years. If your children are 16 years or older, you will need to show they are dependant on you and not living an independent life. This means they must be living with you (unless they live away for education), and you financially support them. They must also not be married to be considered a dependant.
When applying for your dependants, you will need to show you have sufficient funds for their needs:
- £285 for your partner
- £315 for your first child
- £200 for each additional child
It is important to include your visa application number (i.e., Global Web Form or Unique Application Number) on your dependant’s visa applications.
References
1 GOV.UK: Knowledge of English
2 GOV.UK: Online application form
3 GOV.UK: Visa extension application
4 GOV.UK: Application for partner and children
