International Sportsperson Visa

International Sportsperson Visa UK – Comprehensive Requirements and Guidelines

Sports Governing Body Endorsement Requirement

To be eligible for the UK’s International Sportsperson visa, an applicant must first obtain an official endorsement from a recognised UK Sports Governing Body relevant to their discipline. This endorsement serves as confirmation that:

• The applicant is an internationally recognised athlete operating at the highest level of their sport; and

• They are capable of making a substantial contribution to the advancement of their sport within the UK.

This endorsement must be secured prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) by a licensed sponsor.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Requirement

A valid Certificate of Sponsorship is a mandatory prerequisite for the International Sportsperson visa. This document must be issued by a UK-based sponsor that has been authorised by the Home Office to employ individuals under this immigration category.

Eligible sponsors typically include professional sports clubs, national sporting organisations, event coordinators, or other entities engaged in the UK’s sporting industry. Sponsors must hold a valid sponsorship licence and must have received endorsement from the appropriate UK Sports Governing Body. Overseas sports organisations and agents are not permitted to act as sponsors under this visa route.

The CoS will outline critical information such as:

• The nature and scope of the position;

• The salary on offer;

• Confirmation of your qualifications for the role;

• Endorsement status from the relevant governing body.

Applicants must lodge their visa application within three months of the job start date listed on the CoS.

Financial Maintenance Requirement

Unless the applicant has lawfully resided in the UK for a minimum of 12 months on a valid visa, or the sponsoring organisation confirms it will cover living expenses during the first month (this must be explicitly stated on the CoS), the applicant must demonstrate access to personal funds of at least £1,270. These funds must have been held continuously for at least 28 days, with the final day falling within 31 days before the visa application date.

English Language Requirement

Applicants intending to stay in the UK under the International Sportsperson visa for more than 12 months must meet the English language requirement at CEFR Level A1 in speaking and listening. This can be evidenced by:

• Holding citizenship from a majority English-speaking country;

• Passing a recognised English language test at the required level;

• Holding an academic qualification taught in English and confirmed by Ecctis as equivalent to a UK bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.

For those applying for a stay of 12 months or less, there is no English language requirement.

Switching to the International Sportsperson Route

Applicants already residing in the UK under another immigration category may be eligible to switch into the International Sportsperson visa route. However, switching is generally not permitted if the applicant currently holds, or last held, permission as a:

• Visitor (unless engaging in permitted sporting activities);

• Short-term student;

• Parent of a Child Student;

• Seasonal Worker;

• Domestic Worker in a Private Household;

• Individual outside the Immigration Rules.

Duration of Visa Grant

• For stays of 12 months or less: Applicants will be granted leave equal to the length of employment on their CoS plus 14 days, or 12 months—whichever is shorter.

• For stays exceeding 12 months: Successful applicants will be granted leave equal to the job duration on their CoS plus 14 days, or up to a maximum of 3 years, whichever is shorter.

Permitted Activities Under This Visa

Holders of the International Sportsperson visa may:

• Engage in their sponsored employment;

• Take on supplementary work;

• Undertake academic study;

• Play for their national team while in the UK;

• Participate in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competitions;

• Serve as a guest sports broadcaster, providing expert commentary.

Pathway to Settlement in the UK

Athletes who have held International Sportsperson leave for periods exceeding 12 months are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK. This period can be combined with time spent under the following categories:

• Skilled Worker;

• Global Talent;

• Innovator Founder;

• T2 Minister of Religion;

• Representative of an Overseas Business;

• Tier 1 (excluding Graduate Entrepreneur).

During this five-year period, absences from the UK must not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period.

To qualify for ILR, applicants must:

• Demonstrate ongoing employment with their sponsor;

• Earn a salary of at least £35,800 per annum;

• Pass the Life in the UK Test;

• Meet the English language requirement at CEFR Level B1, unless exempt.

Family Members and Dependants

International Sportspersons may be joined or accompanied by eligible dependants, including:

• A partner aged 18 or over;

• Children under the age of 18.

Dependants must provide evidence of their relationship and may also need to meet financial requirements. Unless the main applicant or employer agrees to financially support them, they must demonstrate the following available funds:

• £285 for a partner;

• £315 for the first child;

• £200 for each additional child.

Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days prior to the application date.

To obtain ILR, dependent partners must complete 5 years of residence in the UK, with allowable absences not exceeding 180 days in any 12-month period. They must also satisfy the B1 English language requirement and pass the Life in the UK test, unless exempt.

Visa Processing Timelines

• Most International Sportsperson visa applications are processed within 3 weeks.

• Extensions and in-country switch applications are typically decided within 8 weeks.

• Priority processing may be available at select visa application centres for expedited decisions.

Refusals and Reapplications

In the event of a visa refusal, applicants may have the opportunity to either submit a new application or request an Administrative Review of the decision, depending on the grounds for refusal.

How Link And Day Lawyers Can Support You

At Link And Day Lawyers, our immigration barristers possess extensive experience navigating the complex visa and immigration requirements faced by professional athletes and coaches. Whether you’re competing internationally or relocating for a coaching opportunity, we ensure your immigration strategy aligns with your career timeline and long-term goals.

We are committed to delivering exceptional client service offering personalized legal counsel that is both strategic and pragmatic. Known for our approachable yet highly professional manner, we pride ourselves on delivering timely, transparent, and dependable immigration advice. Our objective is to streamline your path to success while removing the legal uncertainties that can disrupt your sporting journey.