International Sportsperson visa
What is an International Sportsperson visa:
The International Sportsperson route is for an elite sportsperson or qualified sports coach who is internationally established and can make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at its highest level in the UK.
Requirements for an International Sportsperson visa:
- You must be aged 16 or over on the date of application.
- You must provide a letter, containing the unique endorsement number issued to you, from the relevant Sports Governing Body listed in Appendix Sports Governing Bodies, confirming that you are elite; and are internationally established an will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK.
- You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job you are planning to do;
- The sponsor must be authorised by the Home Office to sponsor the job in question under the International Sportsperson route;
- The sponsor must be listed as A-rated on the Home Office’s register of licensed sponsors;
- You must have enough funds to support yourself when you arrive in the UK;
- You must meet the English language requirement at CEFR level A1 unless an exemption applies.
- You must meet the parental consent requirement if applying as a child.
Visa Duration:
Your visa can last for up to 3 years. You can extend it as long as you’re still eligible.
Settlement:
After 5 years, you may be able to settle permanently in the UK. Specifically, if, at any point during the five-year continuous residence period, you have been granted leave as an International Sportsperson for a period exceeding 12 months, you could qualify for settlement.
Partner and children:
Your partner and children can also apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.
To discuss your visa application, contact our immigration advisers on 078 2869 4424.
