International Sports Person Visa

The UK International Sportsperson visa allows elite athletes and qualified sports coaches, recognised at the highest international level, to work and reside in the UK, replacing the previous Tier 2 (Sportsperson) and part of the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting) visas. 

The applicant will also require an endorsement by an appropriate UK sports governing body.

The applicant will need to be sponsored by their employer.  The employer will issue the applicant with a certificate of sponsorship to prove they’re sponsoring the applicant.

English language requirement:

If the applicant is applying to stay for longer than 12 months, they will need to prove knowledge of the English language.

The applicant must have the ability to understand and communicate in English to the A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. This requirement can also be met if the applicant comes from a English majority speaking country or has obtained a degree that was taught in the English language.

Financial requirement:

The applicant must be able to mee the financial requirement. This can be done in the following ways;

• Applicant must have at least £1,270 in their bank account to show they can support themselves in the UK.

The money must be available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for their visa.

Exemption applies if the applicant;

• has been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months
• the employer can cover the costs during first month in the UK, up to £1,270

If your employer can cover costs;

The certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. The employer will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on the certificate.