If you are an elite sportsperson or a qualified coach who dreams of taking your sport to the highest level, you can apply for an International Sportsperson visa.
By doing so, you will have the opportunity to showcase your skills and talent on an international stage, while also developing your sport in the UK.
Remember that your sport's governing body must endorse your application.
Eligibility
You need to:
- have a valid certificate of sponsorship for your job
- prove that you can speak and understand English, if you’re applying to stay for longer than 12 months
- have personal savings so you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK
- show you can travel and your travel history over the last 5 years
- have tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country
- Your employer must make sure your job pays at least the minimum wage and follows the UK rules for how many hours a week you work. If your employer does not do this, your application will be refused.
Getting sponsored
Your sponsor is your employer. They’ll give you a certificate of sponsorship to prove they’re sponsoring you.
Certificate of sponsorship
A certificate of sponsorship holds your personal details and information about the job you’ve been offered. It’s an electronic record, not a paper document. Your sponsor will give you a certificate of sponsorship reference number to add to your application.
You can only use your certificate of sponsorship reference number once. You must use it within 3 months of getting it.
Sufficient Funds
You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.
You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for your visa.
If your employer can support, you financially
Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your employer will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work whilst in the UK?
If you plan to work in the UK, you can apply for a visa up to 3 months before your start date. This date is mentioned on your certificate of sponsorship.
How long will it take to get a decision?
3 weeks if you are applying from outside the UK
8 weeks if you are applying from inside the UK
How much will it cost?
You, your partner, or children will each need to Pay the application fee:
- If you’re staying up to 12 months, the fee is £298 per person.
- If you’re staying for longer than 12 months, the fee depends on whether you’re:
- applying outside the UK - £719 per person
- applying inside the UK to extend or switch - £827 per person.
How long is the visa for?
Your visa can last for up to 3 years. You can extend it as long as you’re still eligible.
Does this route lead to settlement in the UK?
After 5 years, you may be able to settle permanently in the UK if you’ve had at least one visa that lasted longer than 12 months.
Why choose UK Visas?
When it comes to visa applications, you want a service you can trust. UK Visas provide just that, with a proven track record of success. Choose UK Visas for expert guidance and a stress-free experience.
