Mandeep Khroud
Partner
International Sportsperson Visa
The International Sportsperson visa is the UK’s dedicated route to enable elite individuals to come to the UK and work in sport. Applicants must receive an endorsement from the governing body of their sport and meet the other eligibility requirements.
Individuals on an International Sportsperson visa can be accompanied by dependants (partner and/or children), and after completing a continuous period of residence in the UK under the International Sportsperson route, individuals can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (i.e. settlement), provided the relevant requirements are met.
Eligibility requirements for the International Sportsperson visa
To be eligible for the International Sportsperson visa, an applicant must:
- Hold a Certificate of Sponsorship from an organisation with an International Sportsperson sponsor licence.
- Meet the required level of English language – this can be met in a number of ways, including having a degree which was taught in English, passing an English language test or being a national of a majority English-speaking included on the Home Office’s prescribed list.
- Meet the financial requirements to support themselves during their stay. The sponsoring employer can also certify maintenance for the applicant.
- Provide an endorsement letter from their sport’s governing body, confirming that they:
- Are an elite sportsperson or qualified coach;
- Are internationally established; and
- Will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK.
- Be paid at least the UK’s National Minimum Wage and comply with other specified employment regulations, such as the Working Time Regulations.
What are the key considerations for an International Sportsperson visa?
- Visa length: Applicants can apply for any visa length of up to three years and the visa can be extended further provided the requirements are still met.
- Changing role: An International Sportsperson visa is tied to a specific employer and a specific role. If the individual would like to change their employer or materially change their role, they will need to apply for a new International Sportsperson visa.
- Minimum age: Applicants must be aged 16 or over in order to apply.
- Timing: The application can be made up to three months before the day the worker is due to start employment in the UK.
- Dependants: International Sportsperson visa holders may be able to bring their dependants, to join them in the UK. Dependants will also need to submit an application and meet certain requirements.
- Visa conditions: Whilst on an International Sportsperson visa, individuals can play for their national team whilst their national team is in the UK. They can also play in British University and College Sport (BUCS) competitions and undertake temporary engagements as a sports broadcaster providing guest expert commentary on particular sporting events. Importantly, sports players may also be able to move on loan provided specific requirements are met. International Sportsperson visa holders may also be able to study in the UK, take on supplementary work, and do voluntary work, in certain circumstances.
The International Sportsperson route is one of the few immigration routes that facilitates professional sport. In most other immigration routes, there is a restriction on the level of sport an individual can play.
How can we help?
The Home Office have strict requirements for the International Sportsperson visa route, and it is vital that the application is prepared thoroughly to ensure that the requirements are met and evidenced correctly.
We work closely with a wide range of organisations and individuals, and offer comprehensive assistance, including:
- Advising on the requirements of the International Sportsperson route to ensure they are met
- Advising on and reviewing documents required to support the application
- Drafting Certificates of Sponsorship, visa application forms, and letters in support of the application
- Guiding through the submission and biometric stages
- Ensuring ongoing compliance with Home Office requirements.
As a full-service law firm, we have expert teams that can support you as you settle in the UK. Our tax, trust and estates team can help you manage your international assets and comply with the UK’s complicated tax system. Our real estate team can advise on renting or building premises and our employment team can help with any employment concerns you have.
If you are an individual or organisation looking for help with International Sportsperson visa applications, please contact a member of the team who will be happy to discuss this with you.
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We have the largest private client team in the UK; our team of experts are here to provide discreet legal advice to support you and your family.
Frequently asked questions about International Sportsperson visas
The first step in the process is securing sponsorship with an employer who holds a valid UK International Sportsperson sponsor licence. If the employer does not already have a sponsor licence, they will need to apply for one, which is a separate application process.
An individual can either apply for an International Sportsperson visa from outside the UK, or inside the UK if they already hold another UK visa.
The application process involves:
- Considering skill and salary eligibility
- Obtaining an endorsement letter from the relevant Sports Governing Body
- Obtaining and assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship
- Collating the necessary supporting documents
- Preparing and submitting a visa application
- Providing biometrics, either online or at an appointment
- Obtaining the visa decision
Upon approval, the individual can start work with their employer in the UK. The sponsor must ensure ongoing compliance with the Home Office requirements throughout the visa period.
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