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.

In order for an individual to make a valid application for permission (also known as a visa) under the International Sportsperson visa and other sponsored work route, 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 an International 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. Sport 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.

In most cases, you need at least £1,270 in cash, subject to the exemptions below.

The money must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days and not more than 31 days prior to the date of your Skilled Worker Visa application.

A person wishing to apply for a visa for international sportsperson for a period exceeding 12 months will be required to have language skills in English at level A1 in speaking and listening on the Common European Framework of Reference for Language.  

Either you must be a citizen of a majority English-speaking country or have passed an English language test at the required level or you must hold an academic qualification taught in English and recognized by Ecctis as equivalent to a UK bachelor’s, master’s or PhD program.

As an International Sportsperson you will not need to meet any English language requirements if you intend to stay in the UK for less than 12 months.

If you were previously granted leave to remain in another immigration category, you may extend your stay by switching into the International Sportsperson route, unless you currently have, or were last granted, permission as a Visitor (unless visiting the UK as a sportsperson carrying out permitted sports activities, in which case switching is possible), Short-term student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household or outside the Immigration Rules.

You will be able to enter and remain in the UK for the period of employment listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, or for 12 months, whichever is shorter, if you apply for an International Sportsperson visa for less than 12 months.

You will be permitted to enter and remain in the UK for a period equal to the period of employment recorded on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, or for 3 years, whichever is shorter, if you apply for an International Sportsperson visa for more than 12 months.

You will be permitted to work at your sponsored job if your International Sportsperson visa application is approved. Additionally, you will be permitted to study and pursue additional employment.

In addition, you can work as a sportsperson for your national team while it is in the UK, participate in British University and College Sports (BUCS) competitions, and accept a temporary position as a sports broadcaster providing expert commentary on a specific sporting event.

If an International Sportsperson has been granted leave as an International Sportsperson in the last 5 years for a period exceeding 12 months, they can apply for settlement in the UK after living there continuously for 5 years. 

It is possible to combine time in the International Sportsperson category with time in the Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator, T2 Minister of Religion, Overseas Business Representative, or Tier 1 routes (other than Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)).

The 5 year period relied on must not have included more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.

It is important that your sponsor confirms that you will continue to work for them for the foreseeable future and that you will receive at least £35,800 annually.

To be eligible for the Life in the UK test, you must demonstrate English language proficiency at least at B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening.

This means that if you continue working for your sponsor (and meet compliance requirements) for a continuous period of 5 years, you are eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain which will then afford you a status equivalent to permanent residency.

At this point, you become free from immigration control and enter and leave the UK at your leisure without any visa requirements.

You also enjoy all of the same rights as a settled person in the UK

In addition to a partner over the age of 18 and/or children under the age of 18, international athletes may be accompanied by dependent children. 

A dependent may also need to satisfy a financial requirement in addition to providing evidence of relationship. An International Sportsperson – or their partner or child – will need £285 for a partner, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child, unless they have been in the UK for at least 12 months, or if their employer will cover their costs during their first month in the UK. The money must have been held for at least 28 days, ending not more than 31 days before the application date.

As part of the settlement process, dependent partners of International Sportsperson must live in the UK for five years without abandoning it for more than 180 days every 12 months, demonstrate English language proficiency at least at level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and pass the Life in the UK test.

Visa decisions for most International Sportsperson are made within three weeks.  If a visa application centre offers a priority service, you may be able to obtain a faster decision.

Most applications to extend stay as an international athlete are decided within eight weeks of submission.

Our expert legal team are highly experienced in assisting with the below services (where the option has been made available by UKVI and is considered appropriate)

New Applications – We can help you assess the merits, challenges and solutions to any issues arising whilst making a new application for an International Sportsperson Visa

Dependents – We can help you make a successful application for your partner or children to join you as your dependents on your International Sportsperson Visa.

Legal Representations – Where applicable, if you find yourself in an unusual or challenging situation and want the Home Office to take notice of your special circumstances to ensure that you are treated fairly and your rights are respected, our expert team can make both oral and written persuasive legal representations.

Challenge a Refusal – If your application has been refused, we can consider your refusal for free and advise on the best course of action.

Administrative Review – Home Office or Immigration Rules can be challenged if the decision-maker failed to follow them correctly.

Judicial Review – If your application was denied illegally, unreasonable or procedurally improperly, our immigration lawyers can apply for Judicial Review and represent you at the Judicial Review hearing.

Appeal an Unfair Decision – The decision to refuse your application may provide you with a right of appeal to the First Tier Tribunal. Our expert lawyers can advise you on and handle Appeals before the Immigration & Asylum Chamber (First Tier & Upper Tribunal)