International Sportsperson
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Overview Of The International Sportsperson Visa
The International Sportsperson visa is designed for elite sportspeople and qualified coaches who are internationally established at the highest level of their sport and whose employment in the UK will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport in the UK.
This route replaced the former Tier 2 (Sportsperson) and Tier 5 (Creative and Sporting) sporting provisions and can provide a pathway to Settlement in the UK for eligible applicants.
There is a general provision under the UK immigration system that most visa holders cannot act as a professional sportsperson. This route is designed to allow professional sportspersons to play and compete in the UK.
Requirements For Applicants
To qualify for an International Sportsperson visa, applicants will usually need to demonstrate that they:
- Are an elite sportsperson or qualified coach recognised at the highest level internationally.
- Will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK.
- Have obtained an endorsement from the relevant UK sports governing body.
- Have a genuine offer of employment from a UK organisation that holds a valid sponsor licence.
- Have been assigned a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Meet the applicable English language requirement if applying to stay for longer than 12 months.
- Satisfy any financial maintenance requirements, unless certified by their sponsor.
- Provide a tuberculosis certificate if required.
- Do not fall for refusal under the general suitability or immigration grounds.
Applicants must also provide evidence supporting their sporting achievements, professional experience and endorsement requirements.
Sponsorship And Governing Body Endorsement
A key requirement of the International Sportsperson route is endorsement from the relevant governing body for the sport in question.
Not every sport is eligible for the route, so this should be considered first.
The governing body must confirm that the applicant:
- Is internationally established at the highest level.
- Will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport in the UK.
The applicant must then be sponsored by a UK organisation holding an appropriate sponsor licence and receive a valid Certificate of Sponsorship before submitting their visa application. Such organisations typically include professional sports clubs.
Duration And Conditions Of Stay
Permission under the International Sportsperson route can be granted for up to three years. It can then be extended thereafter.
Applicants can work in the role described on their Certificate of Sponsorship and may undertake certain additional activities permitted by the Immigration Rules.
Applying For Indefinite Leave To Remain
International Sportsperson visa holders may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) after completing a five-year period of residence in the UK.
Applicants must generally demonstrate that they:
- Have completed the continuous residence period, and can combine permission with other immigration routes.
- Continue to be endorsed by the relevant governing body.
- Continue to be required for their role by their sponsoring organisation.
- Satisfy the English language requirement.
- Have passed the Life in the UK Test.
- Meet all other applicable Settlement requirements.
How Our Immigration Partners Can Help
We advise sportspeople, coaches, agents, clubs and sporting organisations on all aspects of the International Sportsperson route, including:
- Sponsor licence applications and compliance.
- Governing body endorsement requirements.
- Certificates of Sponsorship.
- Visa applications and extensions.
- Dependant applications.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain applications.
If you would like advice on an International Sportsperson application, please contact us or complete our enquiry form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Apply For An International Sportsperson Visa?
Elite sportspeople and qualified coaches who are internationally recognised at the highest level and who will contribute significantly to their sport’s development in the UK may be eligible.
Does The Applicant Need A Governing Body Endorsement?
Yes. An endorsement from the relevant UK sports governing body is a mandatory requirement for this route.
Does The Sponsoring Organisation Need A Sponsor Licence?
Yes. The UK sporting organisation, club or employer must hold a valid sponsor licence before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Can Family Members Accompany The Applicant?
In many cases, partners and dependent children can apply to accompany or join the main applicant, provided they meet the relevant immigration requirements.
Can This Visa Lead To Settlement?
Yes. Eligible International Sportsperson visa holders may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain after completing the required period of lawful residence and meeting the Settlement requirements.
Can A Professional Coach Qualify Under This Route?
Potentially, yes. Qualified coaches who are internationally established and endorsed by the relevant governing body may be eligible.