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If you are a qualified coach or sportsperson looking to reside in the UK for work purposes, you will need to apply for a UK Sportsperson visa, previously known as the Tier 2 (Sportsperson) Visa. Latitude Law can offer expert assistance with your case.
Our team of professional immigration solicitors has a strong knowledge of Home Office policies, meaning 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.
If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, contact Latitude Law today by calling 0044 161 234 6800, or complete our contact form and we will be in touch at a time that suits you.
A UK 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.
All migrants in this category must be endorsed by their appropriate sports governing body to confirm that they meet the necessary criteria. The endorsement will confirm that:
Each sport has its own governing body with specific endorsement criteria, and we can assist you to identify the correct body and navigate their endorsement procedures.
Applicants will need to apply using the government website and fill in the dedicated online form.
For assistance with your application, contact Latitude Law today and we will support you throughout the process to ensure that your application is successful. Complete our contact form to arrange a call back or speak with us directly on 0044 161 234 6800.
Requirements under worker categories are very prescriptive. It is important to ensure your application is prepared carefully so that small errors do not result in your application being refused.
Our expert solicitors have decades of experience handling UK work visas in all categories, and we will work with you towards a positive outcome. We can support through all stages of this visa route, including:
To speak with our professional team of immigration solicitors about whether you qualify for a Sportsperson visa, or to discuss other options available to you, get in touch today. Call us on 0044 161 234 6800 or fill in our contact form and we will call back at a suitable time for you.
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.
To apply for a 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.
To sponsor you as a 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.
Sportsperson migrants may apply for a visa for up to 3 years, with the option to extend for up to an additional 3 years. Migrants are unable to extend their total stay beyond 6 years but may be eligible to apply for ‘indefinite leave to remain’ after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.
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.
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:
Are you hoping to work in the UK? Have you been offered a job role and seek permission to work here? Our immigration lawyers are experts in the operation of UK and European legislation that affects foreign workers.
If you need help securing a visa through the entrepreneur route, the immigration solicitors at Latitude Law are here to help. We can help you through the application process and provide legal advice and guidance on complex matters, such as appeals.
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All content on this page was reviewed by Latitude Law and is accurate as of 11/02/2019