International Sportsperson Visa
The International Sportsperson Visa allows elite athletes and qualified coaches who are internationally recognised to live and work in the United Kingdom. This route enables top performers to contribute to the professional and national development of UK sport.
For tailored legal support with your visa application, contact our immigration solicitors on +44 208 016 2308 or reach out via live chat.
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The International Sportsperson Visa allows elite athletes and qualified coaches who are internationally recognised to live and work in the United Kingdom. This route enables top performers to contribute to the professional and national development of UK sport.
For tailored legal support with your visa application, contact our immigration solicitors on +44 208 016 2308 or reach out via live chat.
What is the International Sportsperson Visa
This visa is for internationally established athletes and coaches who have received endorsement from their sport’s governing body. The endorsement confirms that your work in the UK will benefit the growth and quality of your sport.
The route replaces the former Tier 2 and Tier 5 sporting categories, offering a clear pathway for global sporting professionals to live, train, and compete in the UK under licensed sponsorship.
You must hold a valid job offer from a UK sponsor licensed by the Home Office and an endorsement from your sport’s governing body. The endorsement must be issued before your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and used within three months of being assigned.
Your sponsoring organisation must be A-rated. Only A-rated sponsors can certify maintenance for your first month in the UK. Most professional sports clubs are already A-rated, so this requirement is rarely an issue for elite players or coaches.
You must show at least £1,270 in personal savings unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.
If your visa will last twelve months or less, there is no English requirement. For visas over twelve months, you must meet CEFR Level A1 in speaking and listening.
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The English level required depends on how long you intend to stay.
- For stays of up to twelve months, there is no language requirement.
- For stays longer than twelve months, you must meet CEFR A1 in speaking and listening.
- For settlement after five years, you must meet CEFR B1 and pass the Life in the UK Test.
Application Process
Applications are completed online. You’ll verify your identity either through the UK Immigration ID Check app or by attending a visa application centre for biometrics.
Decisions are usually made within three weeks if applying from outside the UK and within eight weeks if applying from inside the UK.
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- Visa up to 12 months: £319
- Visa over 12 months: £769
- Certificate of Sponsorship: £55 (short-term) or £525 (long-term)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year
- Immigration Skills Charge: £1,320 per year for most sponsors
ISC Exemption: Sports Players (SOC 3431) and Sports Coaches (SOC 3432) are generally exempt from the Immigration Skills Charge, providing a cost advantage for clubs and associations sponsoring talent.
Bringing Your Partner and Children
Your partner and children can join you in the UK if they meet the Home Office’s requirements. You must show £285 for a partner, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.
Dependants’ visas usually end on the same date as yours and can be extended or switched if they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
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You can extend or switch to this visa if you continue working in an endorsed role and have a valid CoS. Applications must be submitted before your current visa expires, and you must stay in the UK during the process.
Applicants on visitor, short-term student, seasonal worker, domestic worker, or immigration bail visas cannot switch. Student visa holders may switch after completing their course or after two years of full-time PhD study.
Settlement and Long-Term Residence
The International Sportsperson Visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence.
To qualify, you must:
- Earn at least £35,800 per year or the going rate for your sport, whichever is higher.
- Meet the CEFR B1 English requirement and pass the Life in the UK Test.
- Hold a current endorsement confirming you remain internationally established and essential for your role.
- Have no absences exceeding 180 days in any twelve-month period.
Working Conditions
You may take a second job for up to twenty hours per week if it is in the same profession or in an eligible shortage occupation. Voluntary unpaid work is also allowed. Any other paid work requires a new visa and sponsorship.
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All International Sportsperson Visas issued after late 2025 are fully digital. Your immigration status is linked to your UKVI account and shared with clubs or employers through a digital share code.
Our solicitors ensure your eVisa is correctly set up and verified for seamless travel and employment.
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Refusals most often occur when:
- The dates on the Governing Body Endorsement and Certificate of Sponsorship do not align.
- The Immigration Skills Charge or CoS fee is not paid correctly by the sponsor.
- Salary or maintenance funds fall short of the Home Office’s requirements.
- An expired endorsement or outdated CoS is submitted.
We review every case in detail to eliminate these risks before submission.
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- Visa (up to 12 months): £319
- Visa (over 12 months): £769
- CoS (long-term): £525
- CoS (short-term): £55
- IHS: £1,035 per year
Why Choose Immigration Solicitors UK
Our lawyers work closely with clubs, governing bodies, and professional agents to secure endorsements and sponsorships under the latest Home Office standards. We handle every stage of the process, ensuring complete legal compliance and fast approval.
Call +44 208 016 2308 or start your consultation through live chat today.
