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.

    Testimonials
    From Our Clients
    belinda kuagbelabelinda kuagbela
    22:59 15 Apr 24
    Syed DibaSyed Diba
    12:53 07 Feb 24
    Romana Kousar is a experienced solicitor who helped me alot and guided me for my immigration matter. I will still be facing difficulties if i did not have her as my lawyer. I recommend everyone to come to her.
    Farhana RahmanFarhana Rahman
    18:07 06 Feb 24
    The staff were very helpful in arranging a quick advice appointment. On arrival they were friendly and Romana reviewed our case thoroughly, provided us with vaulable advice and many options. We felt relieved that we had a positive case as we were stressing over a sponsorship visa. Highly recommend Legal pathway solicitors as they are very helpful and professional.
    Rabia AliRabia Ali
    13:34 16 Aug 23
    I am so happy today as I got good news for my case! First I did not know what to do and things were difficult for me. I had been to many lawyers. Then finally met a trustworthy solicitor Romana Kousar who really helped me so much. I can not thank her enough for what she has done for me. I will always recommend her.
    Faheem GhaznaviFaheem Ghaznavi
    10:15 22 Jul 23
    All i want to say is how knowledgable and helpful person Romana is. She handled my file and always gave me good advice. She always listened to my problems. I was in a messy situation. I am so glad someone recommended me to her. Well done Romana keep doing hard work.
    Sumera AhmadSumera Ahmad
    09:16 22 Jul 23
    Excellent Solicitor Romana. We got high standard care on our court case. She helped me win in court. She made communication easy and everything was clear for me.
    belinda kuagbelabelinda kuagbela
    22:59 15 Apr 24
    Syed DibaSyed Diba
    12:53 07 Feb 24
    Romana Kousar is a experienced solicitor who helped me alot and guided me for my immigration matter. I will still be facing difficulties if i did not have her as my lawyer. I recommend everyone to come to her.
    Farhana RahmanFarhana Rahman
    18:07 06 Feb 24
    The staff were very helpful in arranging a quick advice appointment. On arrival they were friendly and Romana reviewed our case thoroughly, provided us with vaulable advice and many options. We felt relieved that we had a positive case as we were stressing over a sponsorship visa. Highly recommend Legal pathway solicitors as they are very helpful and professional.
    Rabia AliRabia Ali
    13:34 16 Aug 23
    I am so happy today as I got good news for my case! First I did not know what to do and things were difficult for me. I had been to many lawyers. Then finally met a trustworthy solicitor Romana Kousar who really helped me so much. I can not thank her enough for what she has done for me. I will always recommend her.
    Faheem GhaznaviFaheem Ghaznavi
    10:15 22 Jul 23
    All i want to say is how knowledgable and helpful person Romana is. She handled my file and always gave me good advice. She always listened to my problems. I was in a messy situation. I am so glad someone recommended me to her. Well done Romana keep doing hard work.
    Sumera AhmadSumera Ahmad
    09:16 22 Jul 23
    Excellent Solicitor Romana. We got high standard care on our court case. She helped me win in court. She made communication easy and everything was clear for me.
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