International Sportsperson Visa
The International Sportsperson Visa is designed to allow elite athletes and coaches worldwide to come to the UK and compete at the highest level. If you are a professional athlete or coach, you may be eligible for this visa, which is valid for up to three years. At Legal Pathway Solicitors, we have extensive experience in helping international sportspersons secure their visas, and we can provide you with the expert guidance and support you need to navigate the process.
Eligibility Requirements for the International Sportsperson Visa
To apply under this visa category, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job
- You can prove that you can speak and understand English
- If you are applying to stay longer than 12 months, you must also have personal savings to support yourself when you arrive in the UK.
- You must show that you can travel and your travel history over the last 5 years.
- You have a tuberculosis test certificate.
- If you are switching from a student visa, you must have an eligible qualification.
Documents Required for the International Sportsperson Visa
The following documents are required for this visa:
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number (your employer will provide this)
- Proof of your English language proficiency if you are applying to stay for longer than 12 months (unless you are exempt)
- Evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK
- A valid passport or another document that shows your identity and nationality
- Expired passports or travel documents if you need them to show your travel history
- Your tuberculosis test results, if applicable
- A letter of endorsement from your sport’s governing body
Our experienced lawyers can help you gather the correct documents and provide a detailed list to ensure you have all the documents required for this application.
Meeting the English Language Requirement for the International Sportsperson Visa
You can prove your knowledge of English by:
- Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider
- Have an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD
- Being a national of an English-speaking country
Funds Required for the International Sportsperson Visa
You must demonstrate that you have at least £1,270.00 in your bank account to show that you can support yourself in the UK. These funds must be shown in your account for 28 days before the application.
Home Office Fees for the International Sportsperson Visa
The Home Office fee is made up of two payments:
- The Application Fee is £244 for a single applicant and £610 if the person applies outside the UK and stays longer than 12 months. If you apply to the UK to extend or switch your visa, the fee is £704.
- The Immigration Health Surcharge will be £624 per year, depending on how long you decide to stay.
Can Your Family Apply with You on the International Sportsperson Visa?
If you have a dependent child or partner, they can also apply as your dependents. They will be required to show evidence of their relationship with you, i.e. marriage or birth certificates of children. Your dependent partner must show they are in a marriage or civil partnership with you that the UK recognises. They must also show that they have been living together in a relationship with you for at least 2 years.
If you have dependent children over 16, they must show that they are in full-time education and are financially supported by you. They must not be married or have any children. Your dependents will also need evidence that they can support themselves in the UK.
Validity and Extension of the International Sportsperson Visa
The International Sportsperson Visa is initially valid for three years. You can extend this visa, providing you have met the eligibility requirements. You must make an application within 28 days of your visa expiring. If your application succeeds, you will be issued a three-year visa.
Taking an Additional Job on the International Sportsperson Visa
Yes, you can take a second job on this visa as long as you are working up to a maximum of 20 hours a week in either:
- The same profession as your main job
- A profession on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list
Contact Legal Pathway Solicitors
Our experienced lawyers can assist you with the International Sportsperson Visa application process. We can guide you on the requirements of this visa and the documents you require to make a successful application. Contact us at 0203 004 9956 or drop us an email at contact@legalpathway.co.uk. We would be more than happy to assist you with your application.
