The International Sportsperson visa is for elite sportspeople and coaches who are internationally established and whose employment will help to make a significant contribution to the development of their sport in the UK. They must be established at the highest level.
The immigration solicitors at Latitude Law are experts in all UK-inbound working visa categories and can advise you so that we are well-placed to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your visa application to play or coach sport here in the UK. We will help you navigate the tricky compliance issues that surround immigration law to ensure you are permitted to work legally in the UK.
“An International Sportsperson visa is for elite sportspeople and coaches who are internationally established and whose employment will help to make a significant contribution to the development of their sport in the UK. They must be established at the highest level”.
To be eligible for an International Sportsperson visa, you must be 16 years of age or over, and also, follow a two-stage process.
The first stage is to obtain a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) from the Governing Body for your relevant sport.
Each sport has its own governing body with specific endorsement criteria. The relevant governing body for each individual sport is responsible for issuing endorsements and will certify that the sportsperson is classed as “elite” for their relevant sport.
Once the GBE has been issued, the sportsperson must obtain a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) by their sponsoring club.
In support of an International Sportsperson visa, you will be required to provide the following documents:
Furthermore, you will not be required to meet the maintenance requirement if you have had permission to stay in the UK for more than 12 months.
The expert solicitors at Latitude Law can provide expert advice on all aspects of International Sportsperson visa applications. We can provide detailed guidance about the requirements or prepare the entire application alongside a detailed representation document explaining how the relevant rules are met.
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"Mohammed’s excellence, determination and guidance helped us at every step of our application. He is one of the most approachable solicitors we have ever come across and is equipped with brilliance in his field.”
Client – Ms Khanwaja
Latitude Law has significant experience of preparing successful International Sportsperson visa applications.
Thanks to our extensive knowledge of immigration rules, we are able to provide pragmatic advice and meet our clients’ needs. We have connections with the Home Office and other immigration authorities so we can advise you with confidence and ensure the entire immigration procedure runs smoothly and efficiently for you.
Working with a law firm can be a big decision, which is why we ensure that our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We are a highly driven team that is dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice.
As a boutique law firm specialising in UK-inbound immigration, our experts understand the complexity and uncertainty that constantly shifting visa and residence policies create for International Sportspersons. Our lawyers can provide up-to-the-minute legal advice on how any changes will impact your application.
We are pleased to be recognised as a leading law firm by the following independent bodies: The Times Best Law Firms 2024, Chambers & Partners 2024, Legal 500 2024 and Who'sWhoLegal 2024. These endorsements from the international legal directories demonstrate our integrity and success in dealing with difficult cases. We are also proud of our 5-star Google reviews from over 150 satisfied clients.
As the requirements for an International Sportsperson visa are complex, to ensure success, you should seek specialist advice from an immigration solicitor before you proceed with an application. Latitude Law’s specialist lawyers can advise you about your individual requirements and ensure that the conditions of your sponsored work are compliant with the very latest immigration rules.
Get in touch with our legal team today on 0300 131 6767 or fill out our enquiry form and we will get straight back to you. Face your future knowing you have the dedicated support of one of our expert lawyers.
To sponsor you as a International Sportsperson, the club or organisation will need a sponsor licence. Qualifying organisations are sporting bodies, clubs, event organisers, or another organiser operating or intending to work in the sporting sector. The organisation will need to be endorsed by the relevant sporting body before it can offer sponsorship to you.
To apply for an International Sportsperson visa, you must be able to provide:
Additional documents may be required depending on the country you will be applying from (or the visa you will be switching from, if applicable), or if your family members are applying with you as your dependants.
The Sportsperson visa costs £610 for an overseas application and £704 for an in-country extension or switch. You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Optional premium services such as priority processing are available at an additional cost.
International Sportsperson visas for entry clearance or permission to stay can be granted for up to 3 years.
You may switch from your existing visa category to the Sportsperson route from within the UK unless you hold status in any of these categories:
To be eligible to extend an International Sportsperson visa, the sportsperson must have had their endorsement renewed by their sport’s Governing Body and have received a new CoS reference number to be eligible to apply to extend their visa.
Visas can be extended for up to three years at a time.
Processing times will depend on the chosen method of submission. Standard applications can take up to 8 weeks, whereas priority applications can be processed in as little as 24 hours.
Home Office processing times are not guaranteed and are subject to change.
If an International Sportsperson visa is refused and you think the Home Office has made an error in considering the application, you can apply for administrative review.
Yes, the International Sportsperson visa can lead to settlement after 5 years in the UK.
International Sportsperson may be joined or accompanied by a dependent partner over the age of 18 and/or a dependent child under the age of 18.
An International Sportsperson visa permits switching to another visa category.
Are you looking to work in the UK? Getting a visa to work in the UK can be a complicated process. Some employment routes are governed by the Points-Based System (PBS). The rules can be complex and it is, therefore, vital that you consult a specialist immigration solicitor for legal advice and information before applying to work in the UK.
The Creative Worker visa is a temporary route that allows someone to work within the creative sector of the UK for a maximum period of 12 months, and is one of several UK visas available to temporary workers.
A Skilled Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. It is open to individuals wanting to work in the UK who have been offered an eligible job by an employer with an approved Sponsor Licence.
