International Sportsperson Dependant Visa UK

If you’re moving to the UK on an International Sportsperson visa, you’ll likely want to bring your loved ones with you. Your partner and children can join you under the International Sportsperson Dependant Visa route.

This guide breaks down who can apply, what you’ll need, and what your family can expect once they arrive in the UK. Whether you’re a footballer, cricket player, coach, or athlete sponsored by a UK organisation, this route offers a clear way for your family to stay with you while you continue your sporting career.

Who Can Apply as an International Sportsperson Dependant Visa?

If you hold a valid International Sportsperson visa, your immediate family members may be able to join you in the UK as dependants.

Eligible Family Members

The following people can apply as your dependants:

• Your husband, wife or civil partner
• Your unmarried partner, as long as you’ve lived together for at least two years
• Your children under the age of 18, including biological, adopted or stepchildren

Each person will need to submit their own application, and you’ll need to show that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.

Key Requirements for International Sportspersons Dependant Visa

To be granted an International Sportsperson dependant visa, your family must meet certain requirements.

Here’s what you’ll need to show:

• You (the main applicant) have valid leave under the International Sportsperson visa route
• The relationship between you and your partner is genuine and continuing marriage certificates or evidence of living together for two years is helpful
• Any children applying must be under 18, dependent on you, and not living independently (this means they shouldn’t be married, in a civil partnership, or working)
• In some cases, you may need to show that you have enough money to support your family, unless you are already settled or exempt

UKVI will look closely at documents to confirm your relationship, so it’s important everything is clear and up to date.

Application Process for International Sportsperson Dependant Visa

The process for applying as a dependant is mostly done online and is very similar to other UK visa routes.

How to Apply for International Sportsperson Dependant Visa

• Complete the application form online via the official UKVI website
• Submit biometric information this means fingerprints and a photo
• Upload your documents, or attend a visa centre if required
• Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Wait for a decision, which usually takes 3 to 8 weeks depending on the service you choose

Each dependant must submit their own application, even children. If you’re applying at the same time as the main visa holder, you can often link the applications together.

Required Documents

The following documents are usually needed:

• A valid passport
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate, or proof of two years’ cohabitation for unmarried partners
• Birth certificates for children
• Proof of address, such as shared tenancy agreements or utility bills
• Financial evidence (e.g. bank statements) if needed to show maintenance funds

Always check that documents are in English or come with a certified translation.

Visa Fees, Duration & Processing Times

Applying for an international sportsperson dependant visa involves a few fees, and processing times can vary depending on how quickly you need a decision.

Fees:

• Application fee (outside the UK): £769
• Application fee (in the UK): £885
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per person, per year

Click here for more details. 

How long is the visa valid?

Dependants are normally granted the same visa length as the main sportsperson. If your visa is for two years, your partner and children will usually be granted two years as well.

Processing time:

• Standard processing usually takes around 3 to 8 weeks
• Priority services may offer faster turnaround, often within 5 working days

What Can Sportsperson Dependants Do in the UK?

Once your family is granted a dependant visa, they’ll have a lot of freedom to build their life in the UK.

They can:

• Work in most jobs, including full-time and part-time roles (no need for employer sponsorship)
• Study at any level from primary school to university
• Use NHS services, once the IHS has been paid
• Travel in and out of the UK as needed

They cannot:

• Claim public funds or certain benefits
• Work as a professional sportsperson or coach, unless they’ve applied for their own visa to do so

This visa route is designed to help families live comfortably in the UK while the main applicant focuses on their sporting commitments.

Settlement (ILR) for Dependants of International Sportspersons

Your partner and children may eventually be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) which means they can live in the UK permanently without the need to renew their visa.

To qualify for ILR, they’ll need to:

• Have lived in the UK for 5 continuous years under the dependant route
• Still be in a genuine relationship with you (the main visa holder)
• Show they have not been absent from the UK for long periods during those 5 years
• Meet the English language requirement and pass the Life in the UK test (for adults only)

Children may also be able to apply for settlement after 5 years, or in some cases, become eligible for British citizenship.

It’s important to keep all visa extensions up to date during the 5 year period to avoid any gaps that could affect settlement rights.

FAQs – International Sportsperson DependantsVisa

Can the family of a UK sportsperson visa holder join them in the UK?

Yes. Partners and children under 18 can apply to join the main visa holder. This helps families stay together while the sponsored athlete or coach works in the UK.

Can sportsperson dependants work in the UK?

Yes. Most dependants can work without needing a sponsor. There are some restrictions, such as not working professionally in sport unless permitted.

Do sportsperson dependants get the same visa length?

Yes. The length of the dependant visa usually matches the time granted to the main sportsperson. If they extend their visa, you’ll need to extend yours too.

Can children of sportspersons study in UK schools?

Yes. Children can attend school in the UK without needing a separate student visa. There are no limits on what level of education they can access.

If you’re planning to move to the UK on an International Sportsperson visa, your family doesn’t have to be left behind. The Dependants of International Sportsperson visa route makes it possible for your partner and children to join you with the right to work, study and settle over time.

With flexible rules and clear pathways to long-term residency, this visa helps keep families together while supporting international sporting talent in the UK.

Need Guidance Applying as a Dependant?

If you’re unsure about how to apply or which documents to include, our team at solicitors in Manchester can help. We offer free immigration advice and friendly support to get your application right the first time.

Call us on 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment to chat live or request a free callback. We’ll handle the legal side so you can focus on what really matters, settling in and enjoying life in the UK with your family.