UK International Sportsperson Visa

The UK International Sportsperson Visa allows elite sportspeople and qualified sports coaches from overseas to live and work in the United Kingdom where they are internationally established and will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK. The route replaced the former Tier 2 Sportsperson visa and the sporting element of the Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting route.

‍

Applicants require endorsement from the relevant Home Office-approved Sports Governing Body and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an authorised UK sponsor. Applicants seeking permission for more than 12 months must also normally meet the applicable English language requirement.

‍

Hudson McKenzie advises international athletes, professional sportspeople, coaches, sports clubs and sporting organisations on governing body endorsement, sponsorship, visa applications, changes of employment, dependants and settlement planning.

‍

Who Can Apply for the UK International Sportsperson Visa?

The International Sportsperson route is intended for elite sportspeople and qualified sports coaches whose sporting credentials meet the requirements set by the relevant approved Sports Governing Body.

‍

Applicants must be aged 16 or over. Applicants under 18 are also subject to additional parental-consent requirements.

‍

The relevant Sports Governing Body must confirm that the applicant:

Is an elite sportsperson or qualified coach
Is internationally established at the highest level
Will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK

The route can be used by professional athletes and qualified coaches across sports covered by Home Office-approved governing bodies. The applicable criteria vary by sport and, in some cases, by the part of the UK in which the sport is governed.

‍

What Are the Main International Sportsperson Visa Requirements?

An applicant will generally need to:

Obtain the required Sports Governing Body endorsement
Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an authorised UK sponsor
Genuinely intend and be able to undertake the sponsored role
Meet the financial maintenance requirement where applicable
Meet the English language requirement when applying for more than 12 months
Meet the relevant identity, immigration and supporting-document requirements

Applicants who need to satisfy the maintenance requirement must generally show at least £1,270 held for a continuous 28-day period, with the relevant 28th day falling within 31 days of the visa application. An eligible A-rated sponsor may instead certify maintenance in qualifying circumstances. Applicants who have already been in the UK with valid permission for at least 12 months may not need to show these funds.

‍

For applications seeking permission for more than 12 months, the English requirement is generally A1 in speaking and listening, subject to the applicable exemptions.

‍

UK International Sportsperson Visa Requirements & Sponsorship

What Work Can an International Sportsperson Do?

International Sportsperson Visa holders can generally:

Work for their sponsor in the role stated on their Certificate of Sponsorship.
Undertake qualifying supplementary employment.
Undertake voluntary work.
Play for their national team while it is in the UK.
Participate in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competitions where permitted.
Undertake temporary sports-broadcasting engagements providing guest expert commentary on a particular sporting event.
Study, subject to the applicable conditions.
Travel outside the UK and return.

They cannot generally access public funds or start or run a business.

‍

Second Jobs and Supplementary Employment

Qualifying supplementary employment can generally be undertaken for up to 20 hours per week where it is either:

In the same profession and at the same professional level as the sponsored role; or
In an eligible occupation on the Immigration Salary List.

The additional work must take place outside the working hours of the sponsored job, and the applicant must continue working for their sponsor in the role covered by their Certificate of Sponsorship.

‍

Work that does not meet these conditions requires separate consideration. A second Certificate of Sponsorship and an application to vary the applicant’s immigration permission may be necessary. Where additional permission is required, the applicant must obtain approval before starting the second job.

‍

Changing Club or Employer

An International Sportsperson’s immigration permission is linked to their sponsored employment.

‍

A permanent move to a different UK club or employer will normally require:

The new organisation to hold the appropriate sponsor licence.
A new Sports Governing Body endorsement.
A new Certificate of Sponsorship.
A successful change of employment application.

A player permanently transferring to another UK club must obtain the required immigration permission before starting to play for that club.

‍

Limited exceptions apply to certain changes of employment or sponsorship, so the proposed arrangements should be reviewed before the move takes place.

‍

Temporary Loans Between UK Clubs

Different provisions can apply where a sponsored player moves temporarily on loan to another UK club.

‍

A qualifying loan must be permitted by the relevant Sports Governing Body, and the player must return to their original club when the loan ends. The original club remains responsible for sponsorship and must make arrangements with the receiving club to continue meeting its sponsor duties.

‍

The original sponsor must report both the loan and the player’s return through the Sponsorship Management System within the applicable reporting deadlines.

‍

These provisions do not remove the immigration requirements for a player coming on loan from an overseas club to a UK club.

‍

Switching to the International Sportsperson Route

A person already in the UK may be able to switch to the International Sportsperson route where they hold an eligible immigration status and meet the route requirements. Restrictions apply to particular immigration categories, and additional conditions apply to some Student visa holders. Eligibility should be assessed before submitting an application from within the UK.

‍

How to Apply for a UK International Sportsperson Visa

Applicants must obtain the relevant Sports Governing Body endorsement and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an authorised UK sponsor before applying online. The application involves providing supporting documents, paying the applicable charges and completing identity checks.

‍

You can normally apply up to three months before the employment start date recorded on your Certificate of Sponsorship. Decisions usually take three weeks for applications made outside the UK and eight weeks for applications made inside the UK, once identity checks and supporting documents have been completed.

‍

Documents Required

The documents and information required will depend on your circumstances but generally include:

A valid passport or other acceptable evidence of identity and nationality.
Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
A letter of endorsement from the relevant Sports Governing Body.
Evidence of English language ability when applying for permission exceeding 12 months, unless exempt.
Evidence that you meet the financial requirement, unless an exemption applies or your sponsor certifies maintenance.
Tuberculosis test results, where required.
Previous passports or travel documents where needed to establish your travel history.

Documents that are not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by certified translations. Additional evidence may be required depending on your circumstances and whether dependants are applying.

‍

UK International Sportsperson Visa Fees

The current application fees per person are:

Permission for up to 12 months: £340.
Permission exceeding 12 months, applying from outside the UK: £819.
Permission exceeding 12 months, applying inside the UK to extend or switch: £943.

The Immigration Health Surcharge may also apply and is usually £1,035 per year for an adult applicant. Dependants have their own application fees and any applicable healthcare surcharge. Fees should be checked before applying.

‍

The £1,270 maintenance requirement is separate from these charges. It represents funds available to support yourself, rather than a payment to the Home Office. Applicants relying on personal funds must normally meet the prescribed 28-day holding period. Different evidence requirements apply where a sponsor certifies maintenance or an exemption applies.

‍

Short Sporting Visits and Permitted Paid Engagements

Some short sporting visits may be permitted under the Standard Visitor route. Established professional sportspeople invited to undertake a qualifying paid engagement may be eligible under the route’s permitted paid engagement provisions.

‍

The engagement must be arranged before travel, supported by an appropriate written invitation and completed within the first month of the visit. Applicants must also meet the relevant visitor requirements. These provisions do not authorise ongoing employment with a UK sports club.

‍

Hudson McKenzie can advise whether the International Sportsperson route or the rules for permitted paid engagements are appropriate for the proposed activity.

‍

How Hudson McKenzie Can Help With a UK International Sportsperson Visa

International Sportsperson applications involve both individual immigration requirements and sponsor obligations. An athlete or coach may meet a high sporting standard but still require the correct governing body endorsement, sponsorship arrangements and immigration documentation before they can work in the UK.

‍

Our International Sportsperson Visa solicitors advise professional sportspeople, coaches, clubs and sporting organisations on:

Initial eligibility and Sports Governing Body endorsement requirements.
Sponsor licence applications and Certificate of Sponsorship issues.
Financial and English language requirements.
Visa applications from outside the UK, switching applications and extensions.
Changes of club or employer and supplementary employment.
Applications for dependant partners and children.
Sponsor compliance obligations.
Indefinite leave to remain and settlement planning.

For sports clubs and employers that do not yet hold the appropriate licence to sponsor overseas athletes or coaches, our UK Sponsor Licence team can advise on eligibility and the application process. We also support sporting organisations with their ongoing immigration compliance obligations.

‍

Contact Hudson McKenzie to discuss your International Sportsperson Visa application or your organisation’s sponsorship requirements.

‍

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. International Sportsperson Visa requirements, Sports Governing Body endorsement criteria, sponsorship requirements, salary requirements and UK Immigration Rules may change. Advice should be obtained based on the applicant’s or sponsoring organisation’s individual circumstances and the requirements in force at the time of application.

‍