International Sportsperson Visa UK
Pathway for Elite Athletes and Coaches
The International Sportsperson Visa UK is a specialised immigration route designed for elite athletes and qualified coaches who have demonstrated exceptional ability in their sport. This visa allows individuals to participate at the highest levels of competition and contribute to the sporting landscape in the United Kingdom. Whether you are competing professionally or coaching at an advanced level, this visa provides a gateway to further your sporting career in a world-class environment.
By securing this visa, you gain the opportunity to showcase your skills on an international platform, representing your sport and raising your professional profile. It also allows you to train, compete, and collaborate with top-tier athletes, teams, and organisations across the UK. This exposure can significantly enhance your career prospects and open doors to long-term professional opportunities.
In addition to personal growth, the International Sportsperson Visa enables you to make a meaningful contribution to the development of your sport within the UK. Many holders of this visa play a crucial role in shaping future talent, improving performance standards, and promoting their sport at both national and community levels. Your expertise, experience, and presence help strengthen the overall sporting ecosystem.
A key requirement for this visa is an endorsement from your sport’s recognised governing body in the UK. This endorsement confirms that you are internationally established and will positively contribute to your sport’s progress. Without this approval, the Home Office cannot process your application. Once endorsed, you can proceed with the visa application and take the next step toward advancing your sporting career in the UK.
Certificate of sponsorship
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic record issued by your approved sponsor, containing your personal details and information about the job you have been offered. Although it is not a physical document, it is an essential part of your visa application. Your employer or sports organisation will assign a unique Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, which you must include when submitting your visa application to the Home Office.
It’s important to note that each CoS reference number can be used only once and must be used within 3 months of the date it was issued. If you fail to apply within this timeframe, you will need a new Certificate of Sponsorship. Ensuring you apply within the validity period helps avoid delays and ensures a smooth application process.
Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the International Sportsperson Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship: Your approved sponsor must issue a CoS confirming your role and suitability for the position.
- Meet the English language requirement: If you are applying to stay in the UK for longer than 12 months, you must demonstrate your ability to speak and understand English.
- Show sufficient personal savings: You must have enough funds to support yourself upon arrival unless your sponsor certifies your maintenance.
- Provide your travel history: You must show evidence of your ability to travel and provide details of your travel history for the past 5 years.
- Submit TB test results (if required): Applicants from listed countries must provide valid tuberculosis test results.
Additionally, your employer must ensure that the job offered meets the UK’s minimum wage requirements and complies with rules regarding weekly working hours. If these employment standards are not met, your visa application will be refused.
Getting Sponsored
To apply for the International Sportsperson Visa, you must have a licensed employer in the UK who agrees to sponsor you. Your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which confirms that they are officially supporting your application and that you have been offered an eligible role. This certificate is a key requirement and must be included in your visa application.
Sufficient Funds
You must demonstrate that you have at least £1,270 in your bank account to support yourself during your stay in the UK. These funds must be available for a continuous 28-day period, with day 28 falling within 31 days of your visa application date. If your employer agrees to cover your living costs, this must be clearly stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship. In that case, your sponsor must complete the ‘Sponsor Certifies Maintenance’ section under ‘Additional Data’ on your CoS.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- If you apply from outside the UK, you can expect a decision within 3 weeks.
- If you apply from inside the UK (to extend or switch), the processing time is usually 8 weeks.
The fee depends on how long you intend to stay and where you apply from:
- Up to 12 months: £298 per person
- More than 12 months:
- £719 per person (if applying from outside the UK)
- £827 per person (if extending or switching from inside the UK)
