The internationally recognized elite sportsperson and qualified coaches in the field of sports may apply for Sportsperson Visa to the UK. The applicant needs to be endorsed by the governing body before applying for a visa.

Home Office maintain a list of around 60 sporting bodies (e.g., Football Association, England's Wales Cricket Committee, Royal Caledonian Curling Club, etc.) who can endorse UK Sports Visas and each body has its own set of criteria.

 

 

 

The requirement for Sportsperson Visa

To qualify for a Sportsperson visa, you must meet the following UK visa and immigration requirements:

• The applicant is an internationally recognized sports player or qualified coach.

• The applicant has a job offer from a sports organisation that holds sponsorship and the application is confirmed by the governing body from the applicant’s field of sport

• The applicant will make a significant contribution to the development of the highest level of sports in the UK.

• The applicant intends to be based in the UK to engage in sports activities during the stay

• CEFR level A1 (speaking and listening) must be satisfied

• You should have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds.

 

Conditions of stay on a Sportsperson visa

The sponsor organization issues a sponsorship (CoS) to stay for a sportsperson. The sportsperson must work for the sponsor in the job described in the CoS. As long as it does not interfere with the job on the CoS, the sportsperson may do the second job, play for their national team, and temporarily work as a sports broadcaster, volunteer work and study.

 

How long can stay as a sportsperson?

 

If the visa is granted, the initial visa will be valid for up to three years. Spouses or partners and children under the age of 18 may be accompanied as dependents.

As a sportsperson, they can stay in the UK for up to six years. If they have stayed as a sportsperson for three years, they can apply to extend their stay for up to another three years.

 

Settlement on a Sportsperson visa

A sportsperson can settle permanently in the UK after being stayed in the UK for five years on a Sportsperson visa and a sportsperson may be able to combine the time spent to count towards settlement if they have been in the UK in certain immigration categories.