What is a Sportsperson Visa in the UK?
The International Sportsperson Visa is designed to allow elite athletes and coaches from around the world to come to the UK and compete at the highest level. If you are a professional athlete or coach, you may be eligible for this visa, which can be valid for up to three years.
At Axis Solicitors, we have extensive experience in helping international sports persons secure their visas, and we can provide you with the expert guidance and support you need to navigate the process.
Who Can Apply for a UK Sportsperson Visa?
To be eligible for UK International Sportsperson visa, applicants must:
- Obtain an endorsement from the recognised governing body for their sport, confirming their elite status and importance to the development of the sport in the UK.
- Secure a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK-based sports organisation licensed by the Home Office to sponsor foreign athletes or coaches.
- Meet the English language requirement, either by being from a majority English-speaking country or passing an approved English language test.
- Demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK, typically £1,270 held in a bank account for at least 28 days prior to applying.
The visa application fee ranges from £298 to £827, depending on the length of the visa and whether applying from inside or outside the UK. Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £624 per year.
Rules and Benefits of International Sportsperson Visa
The UK International Sportsperson visa is an immigration route for elite athletes and qualified coaches who are internationally recognised in their sport. This visa allows sportspeople to live and work in the UK, contributing to the development of their sport at the highest level.
Key benefits of the International Sportsperson visa include:
- Opportunity to compete in top-tier UK competitions and events
- Access to world-class training facilities and support staff
- Ability to work with and learn from other elite athletes and coaches
- Potential pathway to permanent residency in the UK
Standard visa processing takes around 3 weeks, but priority services are available for an additional fee to receive a decision within 5 working days or even 24 hours.
Successful applicants can stay in the UK for up to 5 years on this visa, with the opportunity to apply for an extension.
Eligibility and Qualification Requirements for the UK International Sportsperson Visa
To apply for the UK International Sportsperson Visa, applicants must meet strict eligibility and qualification requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration. These requirements ensure that only elite athletes and qualified coaches who can contribute to the highest level of UK sport are granted permission to enter and work in the UK.
Governing Body Endorsement Requirement
Applicants must obtain an endorsement from the recognised UK governing body for their sport. This Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) confirms that the individual is an elite sportsperson or qualified coach and that their presence will contribute significantly to the development of the sport in the UK.
Each sport has specific endorsement criteria agreed with the Home Office, and endorsement approval is mandatory before a visa application can proceed.
Sponsorship and Certificate of Sponsorship
Following endorsement approval, applicants must be sponsored by a UK-based sports club, team, or organisation that holds a valid Home Office sponsor licence. The sponsor must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which confirms the role, duration of employment, and compliance with immigration requirements.
The CoS contains a unique reference number and must be used when submitting the visa application.
Job Offer Requirement
Applicants must have a genuine job offer from an approved sponsor. The role must align with the applicant’s status as a professional sportsperson or coach and must contribute directly to the development of the sport in the UK. Applicants must intend to undertake only the sponsored role and not unauthorised employment.
English Language Requirement
For visas granted for more than 12 months, applicants must demonstrate English language ability at CEFR Level A1. This can be met by passing an approved English language test or holding a degree taught in English. Nationals of certain majority English-speaking countries are exempt from this requirement.
Financial Requirement
Applicants who have not lived in the UK for at least 12 months must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves. This is usually evidenced by holding £1,270 in personal savings for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
Alternatively, the sponsor may certify maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship, confirming they will cover the applicant’s initial financial needs.
Travel History and Background Checks
Applicants must provide details of their travel history for the past five years as part of the application process. Where applicable, a valid tuberculosis (TB) test certificate must also be submitted if the applicant is from a country subject to UK TB screening requirements.
Switching from a Student Visa
Applicants switching from a Student visa must hold an eligible qualification that permits switching into the International Sportsperson route under the Immigration Rules.
General Grounds for Refusal
Applications must not fall under the general grounds for refusal, including previous immigration breaches, criminal history where relevant, or the submission of false or misleading information.
Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
In addition to the visa application fee, you’ll need to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge, which entitles you to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
The IHS costs £1,035 per person per year of your visa duration. For example, if you’re applying for a 3-year visa, you’ll need to pay £3,105 in addition to your visa application fee. There is a reduced IHS rate of £766 per year for children under 18 and students.
It’s important to note that the IHS is a mandatory fee for most visa applicants, and failure to pay the correct amount can result in your visa application being rejected or delayed.
How Long Does It Take to Process an International Sportsperson Visa Application?
- Standard Processing:
- Outside the UK: Typically 3 weeks (15 working days).
- Inside the UK: Typically 8 weeks.
Please note these are estimates and actual processing times can vary depending on factors like the time of year, application volume, and the complexity of your individual case. Additional information requests or complex applications may also extend the processing time.
Expedited Processing Options
If you require a quicker decision, consider these expedited options:
Priority Service:
- Get a decision within 5 working days.
- Costs an additional £500 on top of the standard visa application fee.
- Available for both applications made inside and outside the UK.
- Availability may be limited, so check with your visa application centre beforehand.
Super Priority Service:
- Receive a decision within 24 hours of your biometric appointment.
- Costs an additional £1000 on top of the standard visa application fee.
- Generally available only for applications made within the UK and at select visa application centres.
- While it speeds up the process, it doesn’t guarantee visa approval.
- Remember: It’s always recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for any unforeseen delays in processing.
How to Apply for Extensions and Settlement with an International Sportsperson Visa?
The International Sportsperson Visa provides a pathway for elite athletes and coaches to extend their stay in the UK and potentially settle permanently.
Extending Your International Sportsperson Visa
If you wish to continue living and working in the UK beyond the initial duration of your visa, you may be eligible to apply for an extension. To qualify, you must:
- Continue to meet the eligibility criteria for the International Sportsperson Visa.
- Obtain a renewed endorsement from your sport’s governing body.
- Secure a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
You should apply for an extension before your current visa expires. Dependant partners and children must apply for their extensions separately, although they can do so at the same time as the main applicant.
International Sportsperson Visas can be extended for up to three years at a time. The standard processing time for an extension application is 8 weeks, but this can be reduced by using the priority or super-priority service for an additional fee.
Can You Settle Permanently in the UK on an International Sportsperson Visa?
After living in the UK for 5 years on the International Sportsperson Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to settle permanently in the UK. To qualify for ILR, you must:
- Meet the English language requirement, unless exempt.
- Pass the Life in the UK test, demonstrating your knowledge of British culture, history, and values.
- Have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your 5 years on the visa.
Time spent on the previous Tier 2 Sportsperson Visa or Tier 5 Creative and Sporting Visa (before October 2021) can also count towards the 5-year qualifying period for ILR.
Holding ILR gives you the right to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. After 12 months with ILR, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship, providing you meet the additional requirements.
Dependants for UK International Sportsperson Visa
As an international sportsperson, you may want to bring your family with you to the UK. The International Sportsperson Visa allows your dependants to join you, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Who Qualifies as a Dependant?
For the purposes of the International Sportsperson Visa, your dependants include:
- Your spouse or civil partner.
- Your unmarried partner, if you have been living together in a relationship for at least two years.
- Your children under 18 years old, including those born in the UK during your stay.
- Children born in the UK do not automatically acquire British citizenship.
- You can add children to your visa before they turn 18 if you want them to stay in the UK.
- Your children over 18 years old, if they are currently in the UK as your dependants.
Relationship Requirements for Dependants
When applying for a dependant visa, you must provide evidence of your relationship:
- For spouses or civil partners: Proof of your marriage or civil partnership, which must be recognised in the UK.
- For unmarried partners: Evidence that you have been living together in a relationship for at least two years at the time of application.
Additional Requirements for Child Dependants
If your child dependants are over 16 years old, they must:
- Live with you, the main visa holder, unless they are in full-time education (boarding school), college, or university.
- Not be married, in a civil partnership, or have their own children.
- Be financially dependent on you, the main visa holder.
You must provide evidence of your child’s address, such as:
- Credit card or bank statements
- Driving licence
- National Health Service (NHS) registration document
- Official letter from their college or university
Financial Requirements for Dependants
Dependant applicants must meet certain financial requirements. You must show that you have:
- £285 for your partner
- £315 for one child, plus an additional £200 for each subsequent child
These funds must have been available for at least 28 consecutive days, with the 28th day falling within 31 days of the application date.
Dependant Visa Benefits and Duration
Successful dependant visa applicants will typically be granted a visa that ends on the same date as the main visa holder’s. With a dependant visa, your family members can:
- Work in the UK, except as a sportsperson or coach
- Study in the UK
- Travel abroad and return to the UK
- Become eligible to settle permanently in the UK after 5 years
Dependant visa holders can also access public benefits in the UK.
What are the Common Reasons for Sportsperson Visa Refusals?
- Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation: Missing or incorrect documents, errors on forms, or inconsistencies between documents can raise concerns. Double-check everything and ensure all information matches across your application.
- Failure to Meet Eligibility Criteria: Not having the required endorsement, not demonstrating sufficient financial means, or an outdated endorsement can lead to rejection. Carefully review the criteria and make sure your application is strong.
- Insufficient English Language Proof: Not providing adequate proof or submitting results from an unapproved test can cause problems. If required, ensure your English language test meets the visa standards.
- Financial Issues: Not clearly showing you can support yourself financially in the UK can lead to a refusal. Provide clear evidence, especially if you’re not sponsored.
- Previous Visa or Immigration Issues: Past violations, overstaying, or providing false information can significantly impact your application. Be transparent and address any previous issues proactively.
Preparing Your Application for a Sportsperson Visa
You should follow these steps to prepare a successful application for UK sportsperson visa:
- Thorough Preparation: Understand all eligibility criteria and ensure you meet them before applying.
- Meticulous Documentation: Double-check all documents for accuracy, consistency, and completeness.
- Strong Endorsement: Work closely with your sport’s governing body to secure a compelling endorsement highlighting your achievements and importance to UK sports.
- Financial Clarity: Provide clear and detailed evidence of your financial resources.
- English Language Compliance: Meet the language requirements and submit valid test results if needed.
- Timely Application: Start early to allow ample time for gathering documents, obtaining endorsements, and addressing any unexpected issues.
Remember, professional guidance can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of the visa process. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice.
What Documents Are Required for the Sportsperson Visa Application?
1. Governing Body Endorsement (GBE)
- Obtain a letter or certificate from the recognised UK governing body.
- Confirms your status as an elite athlete or coach.
- Highlights your international recognition and contribution to UK sport.
2. Valid Passport
- Provide a current passport with at least one blank page.
- Ensure validity covers your entire intended stay in the UK.
- Must be a recognised travel document for visa purposes.
3. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Secure a formal job offer or contract from a licensed UK sponsor.
- Must outline your job title, duties, salary, and employment period.
- Demonstrates a genuine and suitable position in the UK.
4. English Language Evidence
- Submit a valid test result from an approved provider (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE).
- Provide proof of a degree taught in English if applicable.
- Nationals of majority English-speaking countries may be exempt.
5. Financial and Health Documents
- Show sufficient funds via bank statements, sponsor letters, or guarantees.
- Include TB test results if required based on your country of residence.
- Provide previous UK visa or immigration history documents if applicable.
How to Get Endorsement for the UK International Sportsperson Visa?
Before applying, you must obtain an endorsement from your sport’s recognised governing body to confirm your elite status and contribution to the sport in the UK.
1. Identify Your Governing Body
- Find the appropriate UK governing body for your sport.
- Check official sport websites or the UK government’s list of recognised bodies.
- Ensure the governing body aligns with your role and eligibility criteria.
2. Understand Endorsement Requirements
- Contact the governing body to learn specific application criteria.
- Determine whether forms or online platforms are required.
- Clarify deadlines and documentation needed for submission.
3. Prepare Your Endorsement Application
- Compile records of international competitions, titles, rankings, and awards.
- Include references or evidence of your impact on the sport.
- Explain how your presence will develop the sport at a high level in the UK.
4. Submit Your Application
- Follow the governing body’s submission guidelines carefully.
- Ensure all required documents are included and complete.
- Avoid delays by checking for errors or missing information.
5. Receive Your Endorsement
- Successful applications result in an endorsement letter or certificate.
- Endorsements are usually valid for three months.
- Submit your visa application before the endorsement expires.
