Professional Athlete or Coach Work in the UK
Those who want to live and work in the UK include international top-level sportsmen and coaches, as well as skilled coaches who require the International Sportsperson Visa.
Our qualified immigration personnel are available to assist you throughout your application procedure, ensuring your relocation to the UK is as smooth as possible.
Get in touch with us now on +2080162308 or fill in the enquiry form on our website.
Those who want to live and work in the UK include international top-level sportsmen and coaches, as well as skilled coaches who require the International Sportsperson Visa.
Our qualified immigration personnel are available to assist you throughout your application procedure, ensuring your relocation to the UK is as smooth as possible.
Get in touch with us now on +2080162308 or fill in the enquiry form on our website.
UK Sports Visitor Visa – Temporary Visit Arrangements in Sports
The UK Sports Visitor Visa caters to:
- Amateur and professional sportspeople
- Sports teams
- Coaches
- Technical personnel
- Sporting officials
This visa allows travel to the UK for authorized sporting activities. It is a non-immigration visa under the Standard Visitor Visa category, allowing individuals to remain in the UK for a period not exceeding six months.
It is suitable for:
- Tournaments
- Training activities
- Short-term sporting engagements
Please Note:
- This visa does not lead to permanent residency in the UK.
- Individual applications must be submitted by each applicant, even when travelling as part of a team or group.
Applicants must meet criteria established by the UK Home Office, including:
Approval of the Sports Body Vanguard Endorsed
You must be sponsored by a UK Home Office-approved sports governing body that confirms:
- You are a top-level sports person or a professional coach
- You have international recognition in your field
- Your role will help develop the sport at the top level in the UK.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your endorsement organisation must provide a valid sponsorship certificate.
English Requirement
You must demonstrate English proficiency if your stay in the UK exceeds 12 months.
Financial Stability
You should prove that you can support yourself without government assistance.
Travel History
Submit documentation showing your international travel history over the past 5 years.
TB Test Results
If you’re from a country where tuberculosis (TB) screening is required, you must provide valid results.
Compliance with UK Employment Standards
Your UK role must comply with national pay and employment regulations, typically handled by your sponsor.
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When applying for a Sports Visitor Visa, you must show that your visit is strictly for valid sporting reasons, and you will not engage in any activity beyond what is allowed under visitor visa rules.
Permitted activities include:
Taking Part in Sporting Events
Participate in tournaments, games, or events individually or as part of a group.
Official Guestings and Promotions
Participate in promotional events, including media appearances, autograph signings, and interviews.
Trials (Non-Public)
Participate in sports trials not held in front of a paying audience.
Short-Term Training
Attend training sessions, as long as a UK sporting organisation does not pay you.
Top Rank Amateur Team Play
Join an amateur UK team or club for experience, provided you are considered an amateur in that sport.
Paid Arranged Engagements
Attend paid events like speaking engagements or media appearances scheduled before arrival and completed within 30 days of entry.
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You must have sufficient funds to:
- Support yourself
- Cover the reasonable costs of your visit.
- Without working or accessing government funds
Funds must:
- Be held in a UK-recognised financial institution
- Come from a genuine personal or professional relationship with any third-party sponsor
- Be from a third party who is lawfully present in the UK, compliant with immigration laws, and capable of supporting you.
There is no English language requirement for applicants under the Sports Visitor Visa route.
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If you are an elite athlete or a qualified coach and wish to work in the UK, follow the process below:
Obtain a Blessing of Office
You must obtain an endorsement from the recognised UK governing body of your sport. This confirms:
- You are an internationally recognised sports person or coach
- Your role will contribute to the top level of the sport in the UK.
Apply for the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- You will receive a unique CoS from your endorsing organisation.
Note: You must apply for your visa within three months of receiving your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE).
Send Your Online Application
- Go to the UK Government website: gov.uk
- Complete the International Sportsperson Visa application form
Prove Your Identity
Depending on your location and passport type, you must either:
- Visit a UK visa application centre and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo),
OR - Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app for digital ID verification.
Offer Supporting Documents
Upload the following documents with your application:
- Your co-signature and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) number
- Proof of funds, if applicable
- A valid travel document or passport
- Additional documents depending on your nationality (e.g., TB test results)
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When applying for the International Sportsperson Visa, you must submit a range of documents to prove your eligibility. Below is a checklist of commonly required documents:
- Provide the reference number from your Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your sponsoring employer or sports organisation.
- Submit proof of your English language skills (e.g., test certificate), unless exempt.
- Show that you can support yourself financially in the UK.
- This is usually demonstrated through recent bank statements, unless your CoS states that your sponsor will cover your costs.
- Provide a valid passport or travel document confirming your identity and nationality.
- Include any expired passports or travel documents that help establish your international travel history over the last five years (if required).
- If you are from a country where TB screening is mandatory, provide your TB test certificate.
- Submit a formal endorsement from the UK governing body of your sport.
- If your documents are not in English or Welsh, include certified translations.
- Based on your immigration history or personal circumstances, further documentation may be requested.
Application Fees
Visa fees vary depending on:
- Your length of stay (12 months or less / more than 12 months)
- Where do you live (inside or outside the UK)
To get the most accurate and current information, visit the official UK government website or consult a legal advisor.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
In addition to the visa fee, applicants must pay the IHS, which provides access to NHS healthcare during their stay.
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Processing times depend on whether you apply inside or outside the UK:
- Outside the UK: Decision typically within 3 weeks after your biometric appointment.
- Within the UK (switching or extending): May take up to 8 weeks.
Priority Services (Optional):
- Priority: Decision within five working days
- Super-Priority: Decision within 24 hours
Ensure your application is complete and includes all required documents to avoid delays in processing.
If you’re in the UK on a Sports Visitor Visa, you cannot undertake employment. This visa is for short-term, specific sporting engagements only, not general work.
You cannot:
- Take up employment
- Operate or start a business
- Work for a UK-based organisation
- Be self-employed
- Participate in internships or placements.
- Provide goods/services to the public.
You may:
- Attend Paid Permitted Engagements (PPE) if arranged before arrival and completed within 30 days
- Perform remote work if it’s not the primary purpose of your trip and for a non-UK employer.
- Attend job interviews, but must leave the UK and apply for the correct visa if offered a job.
If your goal is to live and work in the UK as a professional athlete or coach, the International Sportsperson Visa is a suitable route.
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If your visa is about to expire, you may apply to extend your stay under the same visa category.
To apply for an extension:
- Renew your endorsement from the UK sports governing body
- Obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Meet all original eligibility requirements
- Apply before your current visa expires
Failing to apply in time can affect your right to remain in the UK.
Extension Duration & Fees
- Visa can be extended for up to 3 additional years
- Extension fees may vary; always check the UK government site for the latest updates
Need help? Our immigration experts offer personalised advice in person or over the phone.
After five consecutive years on an International Sportsperson Visa, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — a form of permanent residence in the UK.
ILR Eligibility Requirements:
- You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months during your qualifying residency.
- Your employer must confirm that you are still needed in your current sporting role.
- You must pass the Life in the UK Test, which assesses your knowledge of British values, history, and culture.
- You must pay the ILR application fee (amount subject to change, check the official UK government website).
ILR status grants greater access to public services and may eventually lead to British nationality, provided no legal restrictions apply to your immigration history.
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What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
Family Visas
Partner Visas
Settlement in the UK
Settlement of EEA Nationals
British Citizenship and The Right of Abode
Challenge a Refusal
Removals/Deportations
Asylum/Human Rights
Sponsor License for a UK Business
UK Business Visas
Student Visas
Popular Work Visas
Other work visas and permits
Visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer
Temporary work visas
UK Visit Visas
Our team of specialist immigration barristers has deep expertise in assisting:
- Amateur and professional athletes
- Coaches and technical staff
- Sports officials
Whether you need:
- Advice on visa eligibility
- Help with a strong application
- Support for appealing a visa refusal
We’re here to offer professional, personalised service tailored to your circumstances.
We understand UK sports immigration law inside and out, and we’re confident in helping you achieve the outcome you need.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
May family members accompany me to the UK on an International Sportsperson Visa?
Yes. Your dependents can apply to join you in the UK, but they must meet financial requirements and submit separate visa applications. Under certain conditions, dependents are permitted to study or work.
Does the International Sportsperson Visa have a specific age limit?
There is no fixed age limit. However, you must be an elite athlete or a qualified coach endorsed by a UK sports body. Your age may indirectly influence eligibility, depending on your experience or role.
Is it possible to study on an International Sportsperson Visa?
Yes, you can study in the UK on this visa. However, your course of study must not conflict with your primary responsibilities as a sponsored sportsperson or coach.
Can I switch to another visa while on the International Sportsperson Visa?
In many cases, yes. You may switch to another visa route, like the Skilled Worker Visa or Global Talent Visa, if you meet all the requirements. It’s advisable to consult an immigration lawyer before switching.
Do I need a job offer to apply for the International Sportsperson Visa?
Yes. A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-based sports body is mandatory. This certificate confirms your role and is required for your visa application to proceed.
What happens if my visa is denied?
If denied, the Home Office will provide a written explanation. Depending on the reason, you can either request an administrative review or submit a new application. It’s strongly recommended to seek advice from a qualified immigration expert before taking action.
