International Sportsperson Visa
If you are an internationally recognised athlete or qualified coach seeking to work in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for the International Sportsperson visa. This visa route is designed for elite sports professionals whose presence will contribute to the development of their sport at the highest level within the UK.
For professional assistance with your International Sportsperson visa application, please contact our experienced immigration lawyers today on +2080162308 or reach out via our online chat service.
If you are an internationally recognised athlete or qualified coach seeking to work in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for the International Sportsperson visa. This visa route is designed for elite sports professionals whose presence will contribute to the development of their sport at the highest level within the UK.
For professional assistance with your International Sportsperson visa application, please contact our experienced immigration lawyers today on +2080162308 or reach out via our online chat service.
What is the International Sportsperson Visa?
The International Sportsperson visa is intended for elite athletes and qualified coaches who are internationally established in their field. To be eligible, applicants must have their application endorsed by their sport’s governing body. This endorsement confirms that the individual is recognized at the highest level of their sport and that their employment in the UK will contribute significantly to the development and advancement of the sport nationwide.
This visa route has replaced the previous Sportsperson (T2) visa and the sporting category of the Temporary Worker Creative and Sporting (T5) visa. It offers a pathway for top-level sports professionals to live and work in the UK, ensuring that the country continues to attract and retain global sporting talent.
To start your journey to the UK smoothly, there are a few key requirements you’ll need to meet:
- A Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK employer is essential this confirms your job offer and includes important job details.
- If you’re planning to stay longer than 12 months, you’ll usually need to demonstrate your English language skills.
- You should be able to support yourself financially upon arrival. In most cases, this means having £1,270 in your bank account, which must be held for at least 28 consecutive days.
- A record of your travel history from the past 5 years will be required, along with a tuberculosis test if you’re applying from a listed country.
- Your job offer must meet the UK’s salary and working hour regulations otherwise, your application may be at risk.
If your employer is covering your initial expenses, this must be clearly stated on your sponsorship certificate under the maintenance section. And if you’re bringing your family, they’ll need to demonstrate that they can support themselves as well.
Knowledge of English
Planning to stay in the UK for more than 12 months? In most cases, you’ll need to show that you have a basic understanding of the English language.
This can be done in a couple of ways:
- By passing an approved English test (minimum CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening),
- Or by holding a degree taught in English that’s recognised as equivalent to a UK qualification by Ecctis.
If you’re from an English-speaking country, like the USA, Canada, Australia, or others, you won’t usually need to provide proof.
There are also a few exceptions based on personal circumstances. We’ll help you check if you qualify.
Documents you’ll need
When you apply, you’ll need to provide:
- Certificate of sponsorship reference number (provided by your employer)
- Proof of English language proficiency if applying to stay longer than 12 months (unless exempt)
- Evidence of sufficient personal funds to support yourself in the UK, such as recent bank statements (unless your employer is sponsoring your maintenance, as stated on your certificate of sponsorship)
- A valid passport or other official document confirming your identity and nationality
- Expired passports or travel documents, if needed to demonstrate your travel history
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results if you are from a country where this is required
- An endorsement letter from your sport’s governing body
- Certified translations of any documents not in English or Welsh
- Any additional documents relevant to your personal circumstances may also be required
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Ready to start your journey to the UK as an international sportsperson? The process begins online, but it’s not one-size-fits-all.
Application Made Simple
All applications are submitted online. If your family is joining you, they’ll need to apply separately.
Verifying Your Identity
Depending on your passport and location, you’ll either:
- Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your ID, or
- Visit a visa application centre for fingerprints and a photo.
We’ll guide you on the right path once we know your situation.
If You Need an Appointment
Some applicants may need to visit a centre—even in a neighbouring country. In such cases, passports and documents might be held temporarily during processing.
Waiting for a Decision
After submission and identity checks, most decisions are made within 3 weeks. Need it faster? In some cases, priority processing is available.
Next Steps
Once a decision is made, you’ll receive clear instructions via email on what comes next.
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If you’re applying to live in the UK, your partner and children can apply to join or stay with you as your dependents, if eligible.
Who Qualifies as a Dependant?
- Partner: Spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner (must prove at least 2 years of relationship).
- Children:
- Under 18 (including those born in the UK during your stay).
- Over 18, only if they’re already in the UK as your dependant.
Proving Your Relationship
You must show you:
- Are you married/in a civil partnership recognised in the UK, or
- Have lived together or been in a relationship for at least 2 years.
If living apart (e.g., for work or cultural reasons), show evidence of:
- Regular communication
- Financial support
- Shared responsibilities (e.g., parenting)
- Time spent together
If Your Child is 16 or Over:
They must:
- Live with you (unless in full-time education)
- Not be married or have children
- Be financially supported by you
Proof of address may include:
- Bank statements, NHS letter, driving licence, or official university letter
Financial Requirements
You (or your dependents) must show:
- £285 for a partner
- £315 for one child
- £200 for each additional child
- £1,270 to support yourself
This money must have been held for 28 consecutive days, and day 28 must be within 31 days of the application date.
You may be exempt if:
- You’ve all been in the UK for 12+ months, or
- Your employer will cover your family’s first-month costs (confirmed on your Certificate of Sponsorship)
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From Outside the UK:
Each dependent must:
- Apply online (separately)
- Pay the visa fee
- Use your GWF/UAN application number
- Prove identity via the UK Immigration app or attend a visa centre
Decision time: Usually within 3 weeks
From Inside the UK:
They can apply to extend or switch their visa:
- Anytime before their visa expires
- Even if the child has turned 18
Student visa holders can switch only after:
- Completing their course, or
- Studying for a PhD for at least 24 months
Decision time: Usually within 8 weeks
They must not leave the UK until a decision is made.
Children Born in the UK
They are not automatically British. Apply for their visa if you want to travel with them. You’ll need their full UK birth certificate. Apply before they turn 18.
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You can apply online to extend your stay in the UK under the International Sportsperson visa. Make sure to apply before your current visa expires.
If you have dependants (partner or child), their visas won’t extend automatically. They must apply separately either with you or before their current visa ends.
To extend, you must:
- Renew your endorsement from your sport’s governing body
- Get a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
You can extend for up to 3 years at a time.
Biometric information (photo and fingerprints) is required, but there’s no extra fee for it. Check the visa fee relevant to your case.
Application Process
- Apply online before your visa expires
- You may use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a UKVCAS appointment for biometrics
- Don’t travel outside the UK until you get a decision
Decision Time
A decision usually takes up to 8 weeks. You can pay for a faster service if eligible. Delays may occur if further checks are needed.
If Approved
You’ll receive an eVisa and instructions via email on how to access it through your UKVI account.
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You can apply to switch to the International Sportsperson visa from another UK visa. Apply before your current visa expires.
If you have dependants, they must apply separately, either with you or before their visa ends.
You must:
- Meet the International Sportsperson visa requirements
- Be in the UK on an eligible visa
If you’re on a Student visa, you must:
- Have completed your course, or
- Have a job that starts after your course, or
- Be studying a PhD for at least 24 months
Ineligible Visas
You cannot switch if you’re in the UK on:
- Visit visa (unless doing permitted sporting activities)
- Short-term student visa
- Parent of a Child Student visa
- Seasonal or domestic worker visa
- Immigration bail
- Permission outside the rules (e.g. compassionate grounds)
In such cases, you must apply from outside the UK.
Duration & Fees
You can stay for up to 3 years.
Biometrics (photo and fingerprints) are required—no extra fee.
Check visa fee details online.
Application Process
- Apply online before your visa expires
- Use the ID Check app or attend a UKVCAS appointment for identity checks
- Do not travel while your application is being processed
Decision Time
A decision usually takes up to 8 weeks.
You may pay for a faster service. Complex cases may take longer.
If Approved
You’ll receive an eVisa. Instructions to access it will be in your decision email.
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You can take a second job for up to 20 hours a week if it’s in:
- The same profession as your main job, or
- A role listed on the Skilled Worker immigration salary list
You may also do unpaid voluntary work.
If your second job doesn’t meet these criteria, you’ll need to apply for a new visa with:
- A new sponsor
- A new certificate of sponsorship
When to Apply
- You must start working with your first sponsor before applying for a new visa
- You cannot work for your second sponsor until your new visa is approved
How to Apply
- Apply online from within the UK
- Include a letter stating:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Current sponsorship reference number
- Expiry date of your current visa
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