Compete at the HighestLevel in the UK
Elite athlete visa guidance with 98%+ success rate. Play for UK clubs, coach professionally, and pursue settlement after 5 years.
For elite-level athletes and coaches with international reputation at the highest level. Requires endorsement from UK sports governing body. Path to settlement (ILR) after 5 years.
*Success rates based on properly prepared cases. UKVI makes final decisions on all applications.
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What is the International Sportsperson Visa?
The International Sportsperson Visa is for elite-level athletes and coaches who want to compete, coach, or work in UK sports at the highest international level. It requires endorsement from your sport's UK governing body.
Elite-Level Athletes
For sportspeople with established international reputation at the highest level. Compete for UK clubs and teams.
Sports Coaches
Top-tier coaches with international reputation can work with UK clubs, academies, and national teams.
Governing Body Endorsement
Your sport's UK governing body (FA, ECB, RFU, etc.) must endorse your elite status and contribution to UK sport.
Up to 3 Years
Initial visa for up to 3 years. Extend as many times as needed while maintaining elite status.
Bring Your Family
Partner and children can join you with full work and study rights. No restrictions on dependents' activities.
Path to Settlement
Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years, then British citizenship after 6 years total.
For World-Class Sports Professionals
The International Sportsperson Visa recognizes exceptional athletic talent and coaching expertise. Whether you're a professional footballer, cricketer, rugby player, tennis star, or elite coach, this visa allows you to pursue your sports career in the UK's world-class sporting environment. With endorsement from the relevant UK governing body and sponsorship from a licensed club or organization, you can compete at the highest level while enjoying a path to permanent settlement.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as an International Sportsperson, you must meet these requirements and receive endorsement from your sport's UK governing body.
Elite Status Requirements
You must have an established international reputation at the HIGHEST level in your sport. The governing body assesses your achievements and impact.
Evidence of elite status:
- International caps/appearances for national team
- Major tournament participation (Olympics, World Cup, Championships)
- World rankings in top tiers of your sport
- Medals at international competitions
- Professional contracts with top-tier clubs
- Recognition as elite coach with proven international track record
Governing Body Endorsement Required
Each sport has its own UK governing body (e.g., FA for football, ECB for cricket, RFU for rugby). They must confirm your elite international reputation before you can apply.
Sponsorship Requirements
Your UK employer must be a licensed sponsor and provide a Certificate of Sponsorship confirming your role and salary.
Sponsor types:
- Sports clubs (football, cricket, rugby clubs, etc.)
- Sports governing bodies (national organizations)
- Event organizers (for major sporting events)
- Sports academies and training centers
Certificate of Sponsorship must include:
- Your role (athlete, coach, or support staff)
- Salary and employment details
- Governing body endorsement reference
- Start and end dates of employment
No Minimum Salary!
Unlike Skilled Worker visas, there's NO minimum salary requirement. Your contract terms are agreed with your club/employer. However, you still pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
English & Financial
English language (12+ months only):
- A1 level in speaking and listening (very basic)
- NOT required for visas under 12 months
- Exempt if from English-speaking country
- Exempt if have degree taught in English
Financial maintenance:
- £1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days, OR
- Sponsor provides financial support letter (A-rated)
- Automatic exemption if in UK 12+ months
- Additional £285 for partner, £315/£200 for children
Often Exempt
Most professional clubs provide financial support letters as A-rated sponsors, meaning you won't need to show savings. Short-term visas (under 12 months) don't require English test either.
Required Documents
Submit these documents with your International Sportsperson Visa application for best chance of success.
Identity Documents
- Valid passport or travel document
- Previous passports (travel history)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if bringing partner)
Governing Body Endorsement
- Endorsement letter from UK sports governing body
- Confirmation of international reputation
- Statement of contribution to UK sport
- Reference number for endorsement
Sponsorship Documents
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Contract or offer letter from sponsor
- Details of sponsor licence
- Employment terms and salary
Career Achievements
- International caps/appearance records
- Tournament results and medals
- World rankings documentation
- Previous professional contracts
- Media coverage of achievements
Financial Proof
- Bank statements showing £1,270 for 28 days, OR
- Sponsor financial support letter (A-rated)
- Not required if in UK 12+ months
Additional Requirements
- TB certificate (if from listed country)
- English test (if 12+ months visa)
- Current UK visa/BRP (if extending)
- Certified translations for non-English documents
Expert Sports Visa Document Service
Our sports immigration specialists will help you obtain governing body endorsement, verify your sponsor's licence status, compile your achievement portfolio, and prepare a complete document package. We work with athletes and coaches in all sports including football, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, and more.
Application Process
Follow these steps to successfully apply for your International Sportsperson Visa.
Secure Job Offer from Licensed UK Sponsor
Get a job offer from a UK sports club, governing body, or event organizer with a valid sponsor licence. This could be a professional sports club, national team, sports academy, or major event organizer. Ensure your sponsor holds the correct licence type for International Sportsperson category.
Obtain Governing Body Endorsement
Your sponsor (or you) must obtain endorsement from the relevant UK sports governing body. They review your international achievements, caps, rankings, tournament results, and professional history. The governing body must confirm you have highest-level international reputation and will significantly contribute to UK sport development. Processing: 2-6 weeks depending on sport.
Receive Certificate of Sponsorship
Once endorsed, your sponsor assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with your role details, employment dates, and endorsement reference. The CoS is valid for 3 months from issue. You must apply for your visa at least 3 months before your job start date.
Complete Online Application
Apply online through the UK government website using the International Sportsperson visa form. Provide your CoS reference number, passport details, travel history for past 10 years, and employment history. The application can be saved and completed over multiple sessions.
Pay Application Fees
Pay application fee: £319 (under 12 months) or £769 (12+ months from outside UK) or £885 (12+ months from inside UK). Also pay Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year (e.g., £3,105 for 3-year visa). Priority services available for faster processing.
Attend Biometric Appointment & Submit Documents
Book and attend biometric appointment at visa application center. Provide fingerprints and photo. Submit all supporting documents: passport, CoS, endorsement letter, career achievements, financial proof, English test (if 12+ months), TB certificate (if required). Use "keep your passport" service if needed.
Receive Decision & Start Your UK Sports Career
Processing times: 3 weeks (outside UK) or 8 weeks (inside UK). Once approved, receive visa for up to 3 years. Compete or coach in UK sports at the highest level, represent your national team, work part-time in related fields, and bring your family. After 5 years continuous residence, apply for ILR earning £35,800+.
Timeline Summary
2-6 weeks
Governing body endorsement
3-8 weeks
Visa processing time
5 years
Continuous residence for ILR
Total timeline: 5-14 weeks from job offer to UK arrival. We expedite the endorsement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about the International Sportsperson Visa for elite athletes and coaches.
Speak to Sports Immigration Specialist
Get expert advice about governing body endorsement, sponsor requirements, and your visa application strategy.
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Free Eligibility Check
Check if you meet the elite-level requirements and get guidance on the endorsement process.
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98%+ Success Rate for International Sportsperson Visas
Our specialist knowledge of sports immigration and governing body endorsement processes has helped over 1,850 elite athletes and coaches successfully obtain UK visas with Loading... requirements. We work with all sports including football, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, and more.
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