International Sportsperson Visa UK

An International Sportsperson visa allows highly skilled athletes and coaches worldwide to work in the UK.

A team of UK Immigration Solicitors is here to help you with your visa application and ensure your journey to the UK goes smoothly. Contact us by phone at 02033844389 or on our website.

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What is International Sportsperson Visa UK?

Athletes and coaches at the very top level of their respective sports are eligible for the International Sportsperson visa. You must have the support of a suitable UK sports governing body and be sponsored on a contract basis, either temporarily or permanently.

You can apply for an international sportsperson visa UK for 12 months or more.

Individuals granted leave in the International Sportsperson category for a term beyond 12 months can apply for the International Sportsperson visa, which offers a route to permanent residency. All applicants may be accompanied by a dependent partner and children.

What are the Requirements for an International Sportsperson Visa?

To be eligible for an International Sportsperson visa, you must demonstrate to UK Visas & Immigration that:

You must be at least 16 years old;
You have an offer to work as a sportsperson from a licensed international sportsperson sponsor, which means you need a legal certificate of sponsorship for the job you want;
The appropriate UK Sports Governing Body has endorsed you;
Your true intention and capability are to fulfil the sponsored position, and you have no plans to take on any other work;
If you are seeking an International Sportsperson visa for a duration longer than twelve months, you must demonstrate proficiency in English.
Your application does not meet the criteria for rejection under the general grounds for denial; you have submitted a valid tuberculosis certificate, if necessary; and you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK.

Your specific situation will determine the precise criteria that you must meet. For professional guidance, you should see an immigration lawyer.

Call our UK Sportsperson visa lawyers at 02033844389 or fill out the form below to schedule a free consultation with us about your visa application.

Requirement of Work Endorsement By Governing Body Body

You must obtain an endorsement from an appropriate UK sports governing body in order to qualify for an International Sportsperson visa. The UK Sports Governing Body must verify that the following criteria have been met:

You have an international reputation at the highest level
At the highest level in the UK, you will significantly contribute to the development of your sport

Before your sponsor can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship, you must be endorsed by a relevant UK sports governing body.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

How Do I Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

In order for an individual to make a valid application for permission (also known as a visa) under the International Sportsperson Visa UK and other sponsored work routes, a sponsor must first assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to them.

You will need a valid Sponsorship Certificate for the job you are applying to undertake in the UK in order to obtain a UK Sportsperson visa. Your sponsor must have been authorized by the Home Office to sponsor your job through the International Sportsperson route.

Sports sponsors must be based in the United Kingdom and must hold a sports sponsor licence. Sponsors can be either sporting bodies, sports clubs, event organizers, or other organisers of sporting events. Also, sports governing bodies approved by the Home Office will have endorsed the organization. On the International Sportsperson route, agents and overseas-based sports clubs and organizations cannot sponsor workers.

You will receive an International Sportsperson Certificate of Sponsorship confirming details such as the job and salary that has been offered to you, your qualification for the position, and the endorsement of an appropriate UK sports body.

As stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship, you will need to apply for an International Sportsperson visa at least three months before the start date of your position.