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International Sportsperson Visa

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Introduction

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.

To speak to one of our solicitors about the International Sportsperson visa and how to make a successful application. Call us today on 0300 131 6767 or complete our enquiry form and we will get straight back to you.

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Who is eligible for an International Sportsperson visa?

“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.

For an initial consultation, call us now on 0300 131 6767

What documentation do I need to supply?

In support of an International Sportsperson visa, you will be required to provide the following documents:

  • 1.   Proof of ID, e.g., Passport
  • 2.   A GBE endorsement from the Governing Body for their relevant sport
  • 3.   A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by a Home Office approved sponsor.
  • 4.   If a sportsperson is applying for entry clearance or permission to stay for a period exceeding 12 months, will need to meet the English language requirement by demonstrating skills of at least level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening.
  • 5.   Must show personal savings of at least £1,270, which must have been held for at least 28 days before the date of your application. However, if the sponsor is an ‘A-rated sponsor’, they can certify the maintenance up to the end of the first month of employment in the UK. If the sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS, there will be no requirement to provide any evidence of finances.

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.

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How can Latitude Law help?

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.

Experience working with Mohammed

"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

Why choose Latitude Law?

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.

Call us today on 0300 131 6767 or fill out our enquiry form and we will get straight back to you. Let our legal experts take the uncertainty out of your International Sportsperson visa application so you can start your successful immigration journey today.

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Contact us

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.

International Sportsperson Visa FAQs

A UK club or organisation is looking to sponsor me. What do I need?

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.

What documents must I provide for my International Sportsperson visa application?

To apply for an International Sportsperson visa, you must be able to provide:

  • A valid passport or equivalent travel document
  • Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
  • Evidence of how you meet the English language requirement
  • Evidence of how you meet the maintenance requirement
  • A letter of endorsement from your sport’s governing body

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.

How much does it cost to make an International Sportsperson visa application?

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.

How long is the International Sportsperson visa valid?

International Sportsperson visas for entry clearance or permission to stay can be granted for up to 3 years.

Am I eligible to switch my existing visa to an International Sportsperson Visa?

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:

  • Visitor
  • Short-term Student
  • Parent of a child student
  • Seasonal worker
  • Domestic worker in a private household
  • Outside the Immigration Rules

Can I extend my Sportsperson visa?

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.

How long does it take to extend my application?

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.

What should I do if my application is refused?

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.

Can the International Sportsperson visa route lead to settlement?

Yes, the International Sportsperson visa can lead to settlement after 5 years in the UK.

Can I bring family members on the International Sportsperson visa?

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.

Can I switch to another visa category?

An International Sportsperson visa permits switching to another visa category.

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For an initial consultation, call us now on 0300 131 6767

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