UK International Sportsperson Visa – Complete Guide (2025)

If you’re an elite athlete or professional coach looking to work in the UK, the UK International Sportsperson Visa could be your perfect route. Whether you’ve been offered a contract by a British football club, are coaching national level talent, or representing your sport internationally, this visa gives you the chance to bring your skills to one of the world’s most passionate sporting nations.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through who qualifies, how to apply, how long you can stay, what the visa allows, and what steps you’ll need to take if you want to settle permanently. Whether you’re applying for yourself or helping someone through the process, this article will help you understand how it all works in simple terms.

What Is the International Sportsperson Visa?

The UK International Sportsperson Visa is the official immigration route for elite athletes and highly qualified coaches who want to live and work in the UK. It replaced the old Tier 2 Sportsperson visa and has become the go to option for international sports talent sponsored by UK clubs and organisations.

To apply, you’ll need:

• An endorsement from a recognised UK sporting governing body
• A Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK employer or club

This visa gives you the right to:

• Work in your sport at a professional level
• Coach or train athletes
• Live in the UK for up to 3 years (with extensions available)
• Travel freely
• Bring eligible family members

Whether you’re signing a one year contract or joining a longer-term coaching role, this visa gives you the freedom to focus on your career in UK sport.

Who Is Eligible for the Sportsperson Visa?

To qualify, applicants must already be performing at the top of their game internationally. This visa is not for hobbyists or part-time athletes, it’s strictly for those who are recognised at the highest level of their sport.

Core Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, you must:

• Be internationally recognised and active at the top level in your sport
• Be seen as someone who can make a significant contribution to UK sport
• Have an endorsement from a UK governing body, such as the FA, ECB, or RFU
• Be sponsored by a UK based employer that is licensed to hire overseas workers in sport

Your sponsor will need to issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) confirming the role and contract details.

English Language Requirement

The level of English you need to show depends on how long you plan to stay in the UK:

• For stays under 12 months, you need English at CEFR A1 level
• For stays of 12 months or more, the requirement is CEFR B1 level

You can meet this by passing an approved test, holding a degree taught in English, or being from an English speaking country.

How Long Can You Stay on a Sportsperson Visa?

The visa offers flexibility, depending on the length of your contract and your long-term plans.

• Up to 3 years initially
• You can extend it for up to 6 years total
• Shorter options are available if your contract is for less than 12 months

Your visa length will be tied to the details in your Certificate of Sponsorship, so if your contract is renewed, you may be able to extend your visa later.

How To Apply for the UK International Sportsperson Visa

Once you’ve secured your endorsement and sponsorship, you can begin the visa application process.

Application Steps

• Get endorsed by the UK governing body for your sport
• Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship from your club or employer
• Apply online through the UK government website
• Submit your biometric information (photo and fingerprints)
• Upload your documents
• Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Wait for your application decision

You can apply from outside the UK or, if eligible, switch from another visa from within the UK.

Documents You’ll Need

• A valid passport
• Your Certificate of Sponsorship
• A letter of endorsement from the UK governing body
• Proof you meet the English language requirement
• A TB test certificate, if you’re applying from a listed country

Make sure all documents are accurate and up to date. Missing or incorrect paperwork can delay your application.

Visa Fees, IHS & Processing Time

Here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Visa fee (up to 12 months): £319
• Visa fee outside the UK (over 12 months): £769
• Visa fee inside the UK (over 12 months): £885
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year
• Processing time: Usually 3 weeks, faster with priority service

Your IHS payment gives you full access to NHS healthcare while in the UK.

What You Can and Can’t Do on This Visa

The UK International Sportsperson Visa is focused on sport, but it also gives you the flexibility to live and contribute to wider society.

What you can do:

• Work as a professional athlete or coach for your sponsor
• Take on a second job, as long as it’s in the same sector or meets the visa rules
• Study, although some restrictions may apply
• Bring your partner and children with you as dependants
• Travel in and out of the UK freely

What you can’t do:

• Claim public funds or certain state benefits
• Work in other jobs not related to your sport (unless permitted)
• Settle straight away you’ll need to stay on the visa for 5 years before applying for ILR

Switching to or from the Sportsperson Visa

Already in the UK on another visa? You may be able to switch to the Sportsperson visa without leaving the country.

You can switch to this visa from routes like:

• Student visa
• Youth Mobility Scheme
• Skilled Worker visa (if your new role qualifies)

You can also switch from the Sportsperson visa to another type, like:

• Skilled Worker visa (for roles outside sport)
• Innovator Founder visa (if launching a business)
• Spouse visa (if you marry a UK citizen or settled person)

Check that you meet the criteria of the visa you’re moving to, and make sure your sponsor is authorised if the new role needs one.

Can You Get ILR on the Sportsperson Visa?

Yes. The UK International Sportsperson Visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous lawful residence.

To qualify for ILR, you’ll need to:

• Prove your ongoing sponsorship by a licensed sports organisation
• Meet the required salary and contract conditions
• Pass the Life in the UK test
• Meet the English language requirement (B1 or above)
• Avoid long absences from the UK (no more than 180 days in any 12 months)

Dependants (partner and children) can also apply for ILR if they’ve lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the rules.

FAQs – UK International Sportsperson Visa

Who qualifies for the UK International Sportsperson visa?

This visa is for elite level athletes and coaches who are recognised by their sport’s UK governing body and have a job offer from a licensed UK club or employer.

Can I bring my family with me on this visa?

Yes. You can bring your spouse or partner and children under 18. They must apply separately for an International Sportsperson Dependant Visa, and their visas will last as long as yours.

Can I apply for ILR with this visa?

Yes, after 5 years of living in the UK under this visa and meeting all the ILR requirements.

How long does the visa process take?

Standard processing takes around 3 weeks. If you need a quicker decision, you can pay extra for priority or super-priority services, depending on availability in your country.

The UK International Sportsperson Visa is a practical and respected route for professional athletes and coaches looking to live and work in the UK. It’s designed to support the UK’s sporting ambitions while offering flexibility for individuals and their families.

Whether you’re transferring to a Premier League club, coaching an Olympic team, or mentoring rising talent, this visa opens the door to opportunities across the UK’s world-class sports industry. With the ability to bring your family, work freely in your sport, and move toward permanent residency, the visa is more than just a work permit it’s a foundation for long-term life and success in the UK.

Need Help Applying for the UK International Sportsperson Visa?

If you’re ready to apply or unsure about the process, our immigration team is here to help. Call 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment for free immigration advice and tailored guidance. We’ll help make the application process smooth so you can focus on your career and your future in the UK.