The international sportsperson visa route is for elite sports persons and qualified sports coaches to relocate and work in the UK. They must be recognised by their sport’s governing body as being at the highest level of their profession internationally, and the governing body must endorse their application. The UK employer must hold a valid international sportsperson sponsor licence.
The main requirements to be met are as follows:
- You have been given a 'certificate of sponsorship' from your sponsor.
- You have secured an official endorsement by an appropriate UK Sports Governing Body that is approved by the Home Office. You will require a letter of endorsement from your sport’s governing body.
- You meet the English language requirement. The English language requirement for international sports person visa is A1 level as set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- You meet the financial maintenance requirement.

Under this visa you can stay in the UK for up to 3 years and apply for extension before your visa expires.
The international sportsperson route permits you to bring your spouse, unmarried partner and children to live with you.
Your international sportsperson visa is usually granted for a period of 3 years initially. You will then be able to extend this further for as long as required. You can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK once you have spent a period of 5 years under this route.