INTERNATIONAL SPORTSPERSON VISA

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the UK International Sportsperson Visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring that only the most qualified athletes and coaches can enter the UK under this immigration route.

1. Endorsement from a Recognised Governing Body
   Applicants must secure an endorsement from the recognised governing body of their sport in the UK. This endorsement confirms the individual’s status as an elite sportsperson or qualified coach and affirms their contribution to the development of the sport at the highest level in the UK. Each sport has its own criteria for endorsement, which is reviewed by the Home Office in conjunction with the governing body.

2. Job Offer
   In most cases, applicants must have a formal job offer from a UK-based sports club, team, or organisation. The role must meet specific skill and salary requirements as outlined by the UK Home Office. The job offer is typically accompanied by a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employing organisation.

3. Financial Requirement
   Applicants who have not lived in the UK for at least 12 months must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves. This is usually done by showing a minimum of £1,270 in personal savings, held for at least 28 days prior to the application, or by securing financial support from the sponsoring organisation.

4. English Language Proficiency
   For visas lasting longer than 12 months, applicants must meet the English language requirement, which is set at Level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This can be proven through an approved English test or a degree taught in English, with some exceptions for nationals from certain English-speaking countries.

By meeting these key requirements, applicants can successfully apply for the UK International Sportsperson Visa and begin contributing to the UK’s sporting achievements. For detailed advice on fulfilling these criteria, contact Axis Solicitors.

Required Documents

To ensure a smooth and successful visa application process, it’s crucial to have all the necessary documents ready.

Here’s a checklist of the key documents you’ll need to provide when applying for the UK International Sportsperson Visa:

1. Governing Body Endorsement (GBE)
   • Obtain a letter or certificate from the recognised UK governing body for your sport.
   • The GBE must confirm your status as an elite athlete or coach and emphasise your international recognition and importance to the development of your sport in the UK.
2. Valid Passport
   • Provide a current and valid passport or travel document.
   • Ensure your passport has at least one blank page for the visa vignette if applying from outside the UK.
   • Check that your passport’s validity covers the entire duration of your intended stay in the UK.
3. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
   • Secure a formal job offer or contract from a licensed UK sponsor, such as a sports organisation, team, or club.
   • The CoS should clearly outline your job title, duties, salary, and employment period.
   • This document proves you have a genuine and suitable position in the UK that meets the visa requirements.
4. English Language Evidence
   • Demonstrate your English language proficiency by providing one of the following:
     • A valid test result from an approved English language test provider (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE).
     • Evidence of holding a degree taught in English from a recognised institution.
   • Nationals of majority English-speaking countries may be exempt from this requirement.
5. Financial Documentation
   • Show that you can support yourself financially during your stay in the UK.
   • Provide recent bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds, a letter from a sponsor, or a financial guarantee from your employer if they are sponsoring your stay.
6. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results
   • If you’re from a country where TB testing is required for UK visa applicants, include a valid TB test certificate from an approved clinic.
7. Immigration History
   • If applicable, provide documents related to your previous UK visas, immigration status, or any past refusals.
   • This may include copies of previous visas, entry/exit stamps, and refusal letters.
8. Supporting Documents
   • Consider including a cover letter to summarise your application and address any unusual circumstances, such as gaps in employment or travel history.
   • While optional, a well-crafted cover letter can provide valuable context and strengthen your application.

By carefully compiling these essential documents and ensuring they are accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with UK visa requirements, you’ll be well-prepared to submit a strong International Sportsperson Visa application.

For personalised guidance and support throughout the visa application process, consult with our experienced immigration lawyers at Axis Solicitors. We’re dedicated to helping elite athletes and coaches navigate the complexities of UK immigration law and achieve their sporting goals in the UK.

Costs of an International Sportsperson Visa

When planning your move to the UK on an International Sportsperson Visa, it’s essential to budget for the associated costs. The visa application fees and healthcare surcharge can vary depending on your circumstances and the length of your intended stay.

Visa Application Fees

1. For visa durations of up to 12 months:
   • The application fee is £298 per person.
2. For visa durations exceeding 12 months:
   • If applying from outside the UK, the fee is £719 per person.
   • If applying from within the UK to extend or switch to this visa, the fee is £827 per person.

Please note that these fees are subject to change, so it’s always advisable to check the official UK government website for the most up-to-date information.

Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)

In addition to the visa application fee, you’ll need to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge, which entitles you to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.

The IHS costs £1,035 per person per year of your visa duration. For example, if you’re applying for a 3-year visa, you’ll need to pay £3,105 in addition to your visa application fee.

There is a reduced IHS rate of £766 per year for children under 18 and students.

It’s important to note that the IHS is a mandatory fee for most visa applicants, and failure to pay the correct amount can result in your visa application being rejected or delayed.

Budgeting Tips

• Plan your finances early to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover the visa application fees, IHS, and other associated costs, such as travel and accommodation.
• Factor in any dependants (spouse/partner and children) who may be joining you, as they will also need to pay the visa application fee and IHS.
• Consider the cost of living in the UK, including housing, transportation, and other daily expenses, to ensure you have adequate financial resources to support yourself and your family during your stay.

International Sportsperson Visa Processing Times

Standard Processing:

• Outside the UK: Typically 3 weeks (15 working days).
• Inside the UK: Typically 8 weeks.

Please note these are estimates and actual processing times can vary depending on factors like the time of year, application volume, and the complexity of your individual case. Additional information requests or complex applications may also extend the processing time.

Expedited Processing Options

If you require a quicker decision, consider these expedited options:

• Priority Service:

  • Get a decision within 5 working days.
  • Costs an additional £500 on top of the standard visa application fee.
  • Available for both applications made inside and outside the UK.
  • Availability may be limited, so check with your visa application centre beforehand.

• Super Priority Service:

  • Receive a decision within 24 hours of your biometric appointment.
  • Costs an additional £1000 on top of the standard visa application fee.
  • Generally available only for applications made within the UK and at select visa application centres.
  • While it speeds up the process, it doesn’t guarantee visa approval.

Remember: It’s always recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for any unforeseen delays in processing.

Extensions and Settlement

The International Sportsperson Visa provides a pathway for elite athletes and coaches to extend their stay in the UK and potentially settle permanently.

Extending Your International Sportsperson Visa

If you wish to continue living and working in the UK beyond the initial duration of your visa, you may be eligible to apply for an extension. To qualify, you must:

1. Continue to meet the eligibility criteria for the International Sportsperson Visa.
2. Obtain a renewed endorsement from your sport’s governing body.
3. Secure a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.

You should apply for an extension before your current visa expires. Dependant partners and children must apply for their extensions separately, although they can do so at the same time as the main applicant.

International Sportsperson Visas can be extended for up to three years at a time. The standard processing time for an extension application is 8 weeks, but this can be reduced by using the priority or super-priority service for an additional fee.

Settling in the UK: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After living in the UK for 5 years on the International Sportsperson Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to settle permanently in the UK. To qualify for ILR, you must:

1. Meet the English language requirement, unless exempt.
2. Pass the Life in the UK test, demonstrating your knowledge of British culture, history, and values.
3. Have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your 5 years on the visa.

Time spent on the previous Tier 2 Sportsperson Visa or Tier 5 Creative and Sporting Visa (before October 2021) can also count towards the 5-year qualifying period for ILR.

Holding ILR gives you the right to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. After 12 months with ILR, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship, providing you meet the additional requirements.

Dependants

As an international sportsperson, you may want to bring your family with you to the UK. The International Sportsperson Visa allows your dependants to join you, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

Who Qualifies as a Dependant?

For the purposes of the International Sportsperson Visa, your dependants include:

1. Your spouse or civil partner.
2. Your unmarried partner, if you have been living together in a relationship for at least two years.
3. Your children under 18 years old, including those born in the UK during your stay.
   • Children born in the UK do not automatically acquire British citizenship.
   • You can add children to your visa before they turn 18 if you want them to stay in the UK.
4. Your children over 18 years old, if they are currently in the UK as your dependants.

Relationship Requirements

When applying for a dependant visa, you must provide evidence of your relationship:

• For spouses or civil partners: Proof of your marriage or civil partnership, which must be recognised in the UK.
• For unmarried partners: Evidence that you have been living together in a relationship for at least two years at the time of application.

Additional Requirements for Child Dependants

If your child dependants are over 16 years old, they must:

1. Live with you, the main visa holder, unless they are in full-time education (boarding school), college, or university.
2. Not be married, in a civil partnership, or have their own children.
3. Be financially dependent on you, the main visa holder.

You must provide evidence of your child’s address, such as:

• Credit card or bank statements
• Driving licence
• National Health Service (NHS) registration document
• Official letter from their college or university

Financial Requirements

Dependant applicants must meet certain financial requirements. You must show that you have:

• £285 for your partner
• £315 for one child, plus an additional £200 for each subsequent child

These funds must have been available for at least 28 consecutive days, with the 28th day falling within 31 days of the application date.

Dependant Visa Benefits and Duration

Successful dependant visa applicants will typically be granted a visa that ends on the same date as the main visa holder’s. With a dependant visa, your family members can:

• Work in the UK, except as a sportsperson or coach
• Study in the UK
• Travel abroad and return to the UK
• Become eligible to settle permanently in the UK after 5 years

Dependant visa holders can also access public benefits in the UK.

Common Reasons for Visa Refusals

• Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation: Missing or incorrect documents, errors on forms, or inconsistencies between documents can raise concerns. Double-check everything and ensure all information matches across your application.

• Failure to Meet Eligibility Criteria: Not having the required endorsement, not demonstrating sufficient financial means, or an outdated endorsement can lead to rejection. Carefully review the criteria and make sure your application is strong.

• Insufficient English Language Proof: Not providing adequate proof or submitting results from an unapproved test can cause problems. If required, ensure your English language test meets the visa standards.

• Financial Issues: Not clearly showing you can support yourself financially in the UK can lead to a refusal. Provide clear evidence, especially if you’re not sponsored.

• Previous Visa or Immigration Issues: Past violations, overstaying, or providing false information can significantly impact your application. Be transparent and address any previous issues proactively.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Thorough Preparation: Understand all eligibility criteria and ensure you meet them before applying.
• Meticulous Documentation: Double-check all documents for accuracy, consistency, and completeness.
• Strong Endorsement: Work closely with your sport’s governing body to secure a compelling endorsement highlighting your achievements and importance to UK sports.
• Financial Clarity: Provide clear and detailed evidence of your financial resources.
• English Language Compliance: Meet the language requirements and submit valid test results if needed.
• Timely Application: Start early to allow ample time for gathering documents, obtaining endorsements, and addressing any unexpected issues.

Remember, professional guidance can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of the visa process. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice.

Summary

The UK International Sportsperson visa is a specialised route designed for elite athletes, coaches and other sports professionals who are internationally recognised in their field. It allows them to live and work in the UK, contributing to the development and success of their sport at the highest level.

Who is eligible?

• Internationally recognised athletes, coaches, or sports professionals
• Endorsement from a relevant UK governing body
• Job offer or contract from a UK-based sports organisation
• Meet English language proficiency requirements
• Demonstrate financial stability

Benefits

• Opportunity for international competition and collaboration
• Career development and access to top-tier sports facilities
• Contribute to the development of UK sports
• Pathway to permanent residency after 5 years

Application Process

1. Obtain endorsement from a recognised sports body.
2. Secure a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor.
3. Gather required documents, including passport, job offer, endorsement, proof of English language proficiency, and financial documents.
4. Apply online and pay the visa fee.
5. Attend a biometric appointment to verify your identity.
6. Await a decision on your application.

Processing Times & Costs

• Standard processing: 3 weeks (outside the UK) or 8 weeks (inside the UK)
• Priority Service: 5 working days (£500 additional fee)
• Super Priority Service: 24 hours (£1000 additional fee, available in limited locations)
• Visa application fee: £298 (up to 12 months) or £719/£827 (more than 12 months)
• Immigration Health Surcharge applies per year of the visa

Need Assistance?

Applying for the UK International Sportsperson Visa can be complex. For expert guidance and support, contact our UK immigration specialists today.