UK International Sportsperson Visa

The UK International Sportsperson Visa is designed for elite-level athletes and coaches who have been sponsored to contribute to the development of their sport in the UK. This visa replaced the Tier 2 Sportsperson Visa and Tier 5 Creative and Sporting Visa.

To qualify, applicants must be endorsed by the governing body of their sport, confirming their status as an internationally recognized athlete or coach performing at the highest level.

This visa is typically granted for up to 3 years, with the option to extend. After 5 years, applicants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allowing them to settle permanently in the UK.

Benefits of the International Sportsperson Visa

As a UK International Sportsperson Visa holder, you can:

• Live and work in the UK for your sponsoring employer.
• Take on a secondary job, if eligible.
• Work as a sports broadcaster.
• Study in the UK.
• Travel in and out of the country freely.
• Bring dependant family members (partner and children).

Those who do not meet the International Sportsperson Visa criteria may explore the Skilled Worker Visa as an alternative option.

Eligibility Requirements for the UK International Sportsperson Visa

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be endorsed as an internationally recognized player or coach by an approved governing body.
• Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer.
• Meet the financial requirements to support themselves in the UK.
• Provide a travel history for the last 5 years.
• Meet the English language requirement (if staying for more than 1 year).
• Provide a clear tuberculosis (TB) test result, if required.

Endorsement Requirement

Applicants must obtain a letter of endorsement from the governing body of their sport, confirming:

• They are internationally recognized at the highest level.
• They will make a significant contribution to developing their sport in the UK.

The endorsement letter must include a unique reference number that identifies the governing body (e.g., “RUGU” for Rugby Union).

Financial Requirement

Applicants must show proof of at least £1,270 in savings, held for at least 28 days before applying. This requirement does not apply if the applicant has been in the UK for at least 12 months or if their sponsor confirms financial support on the CoS.

English Language Requirement

Applicants staying for more than 12 months must prove their English proficiency by:

• Passing an approved English test (CEFR Level A1 or higher).
• Holding a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree taught in English.
• Being from an exempt English-speaking country.

Required Documents for the International Sportsperson Visa

Applicants must submit:

• Letter of endorsement from the sport’s governing body.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from their employer.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Bank statements showing financial savings (unless the employer confirms support).
• Valid passport with a blank page.
• Previous travel history documents (expired passports or travel records).
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if required.

Application Process for the UK International Sportsperson Visa

1. Complete and submit the online application form.
2. Pay the visa application fee (see below).
3. Upload supporting documents.
4. Book and attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

Processing times for applications are typically 3 weeks. Applicants may pay an extra fee for expedited processing.

UK International Sportsperson Visa Fees

Healthcare Surcharge:

• £1,035 per year for adults.
• £776 per year for children.

Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After 5 years, International Sportsperson Visa holders may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they:

• Have held their International Sportsperson Visa for at least 5 years.
• Have lawfully resided in the UK during this period.
• Have not been outside the UK for more than 180 days per year.
• Meet the English language requirement.
• Pass the Life in the UK Test.

ILR grants permanent residency in the UK, allowing visa holders to work, study, and travel freely. After 12 months with ILR, they may apply for British citizenship.

Extending the International Sportsperson Visa

Visa holders can apply for an extension for up to 3 more years, provided they:

• Renew their endorsement.
• Obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Continue meeting all visa eligibility requirements.

| Extension Fee | £719 per person |

Processing time for extensions is up to 8 weeks. If the extension application is submitted before the visa expires, the applicant can remain in the UK while awaiting a decision.

Bringing Dependants on an International Sportsperson Visa

Successful applicants can bring dependant family members, including:

• Partner (spouse, civil partner, or long-term partner – proof of at least 2 years of relationship required).
• Children under 18.
• Children over 18, if they are financially dependent and living with the applicant.

Financial Requirement for Dependants:

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

Visa applicants must include their Global Web Form (GWF) or Unique Application Number (UAN) in dependants’ applications.

For expert guidance on the UK International Sportsperson Visa, contact Visa Solutions UK at info@visasolutions.uk.