UK International Sportsperson Visa

The UK International Sportsperson Visa allows elite athletes and qualified coaches to work in the UK. To be eligible, you must have a job offer from a UK sports club or organization and be recognized by your sport's governing body as internationally established.

This visa can be granted for up to 3 years, with the possibility of extension. It allows you to live, work, and even bring your family to the UK. After 5 years, you may also be eligible to apply for UK PR Visa. This UK International Sportsperson Visa replaced the Sportsperson (T2) visa and the sporting part of the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5).

Apply for UK International Sportsperson Visa

UK International Sportsperson Visa Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the UK International Sportsperson Visa, you must:

• Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer: Your employer (sponsor) will need to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) which will outline the job you will be undertaking in the UK. The CoS is an electronic record and not a physical document. When applying for this visa, you will be asked for the reference number given on your CoS.

• Prove your knowledge of English: To be eligible for this visa, you must also prove that you are fluent in English and that you can read, write, speak, and understand English to at least Level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

• Have enough money to support yourself in the UK: You will also need to demonstrate at least £1,270 in your bank account to prove your financial capability to support yourself in the UK.

UK International Sportsperson Visa Documents Required

When applying for the UK International Sportsperson Visa, you will need to provide:

• Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
• A valid passport and other identity documents.
• Evidence of funds to support yourself in the UK.
• Proof of knowledge of English.
• Your tuberculosis test results.

If your supporting documents are not in English or Welsh, you will be asked to provide a certified translation by an authorised translating body.

How to apply for UK International Sportsperson Visa?

You must apply for UK International Sportsperson Visa online. How you apply depends on whether you are currently living:

• Outside the UK.
• Inside the UK and extending your current visa.
• Inside the UK and switching from a different visa.

Your partner and children can also apply with you to stay in the UK as your ‘dependents’ if they are eligible.

Note: The application process for UK International Sportsperson Visa can get a bit complex, especially for first-timers. If you’re having trouble, seek guidance from the best UK Immigration Consultants in India at Nationwide Visas.

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UK International Sportsperson Visa Costs

Application costs

If you are staying in the UK for up to 12 months, the standard application fee for a UK International Sportsperson Visa is £298. If you are staying for longer than 12 months, the application depends on whether you are applying:

• Outside the UK: £719
• Inside the UK to extend or switch: £827

Money to support yourself

You need to have at least £1,270 in your bank account to prove you can support yourself in the UK. This amount must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, with the last day within 31 days of your visa application. Additionally, your partner and children must also show they have enough funds to support themselves while in the UK. You - or your dependents - will need:

• £285 for your partner
• £315 for one child
• £200 for each additional child

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay in the UK - which is usually £1,035 per year (per person).

UK International Sportsperson Visa Processing Time

According to the latest UK Visa processing time, the International Sportsperson Visa is processed within 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside the UK. The UKVI also offers an option to pay for a super-priority service for faster processing.

You can apply for this visa 3 months before your start date in the UK, which is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

UK International Sportsperson Visa Validity

The UK International Sportsperson Visa can be valid for up to 3 years.

You may also be eligible to apply for an extension. After 5 years, you may also be eligible to apply for UK PR – also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’.

UK International Sportsperson Visa Extension

You can usually apply for UK International Sportsperson Visa extension and stay in the UK if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. You must also have your endorsement renewed and a have new CoS reference number.

Need help?

Get in touch with Nationwide Visas, the best UK Immigration Consultants in India. Our team will carefully evaluate your case and offer the best solutions to immigrate to UK under the International Sportsperson Visa. Whether you need help with your visa application, document gathering, or settling in the UK - we’ve got you covered. Book a free consultation today!