International Sportsperson visa

The International Sportsperson visa is for elite sportspersons and qualified sports coaches who are recognised as being at the highest level of their sport internationally. You will need to be sponsored on a short or long-term contract and have been endorsed by an appropriate UK sports governing body.

International Sportsperson visas are available for a period of either 12 months or less, or for a period exceeding 12 months.

The International Sportsperson visa provides a route to settlement for sportspersons who have been granted leave in the International Sportsperson category for a period exceeding 12 months.  All applicants may be joined or accompanied by a dependent partner and children.  

What are the requirements to apply for an International Sportsperson visa?

You need to:

• have a valid certificate of sponsorship for your job;
• usually prove that you can speak and understand English, if you’re applying to stay for longer than 12 months;
• have personal savings so you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK;
• show you can travel and your travel history over the last 5 years;
• have tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country;
• have an eligible qualification, if you’re switching from a student visa.