United Kingdom

Duration

1+ Year

International Sportsperson Visa UK

About

Elite athletes and certified sports coaches who are recognised as being at the top level of their sport internationally are eligible for the international sportsperson visa. You must be sponsored on a temporary or permanent basis and have the approval of the relevant UK sports governing body.

It is a specific kind of UK work visa that is based on a points system. If your sport's governing body recognises you as an elite member of your profession, you may be eligible for this visa. You can enter the UK with this visa and stay there for a total of three years. However, you must have a position where you can significantly improve your sport in the UK.

Eligibility

You may file for a UK Sportsperson visa if:

  • You are not a Swiss or an EEA citizen.
  • You might need to provide evidence that you can understand and speak English.
  • You are a skilled coach or an outstanding athlete.
  • You have received recognition from the international top tier of your profession by the governing organisation of your sport.
  • Your employment will promote your sport at the greatest level in the UK.

Documents

Gathering the necessary paperwork for a UK Sportsperson Visa is a crucial component of your visa application. The following is the necessary documentation for a UK Sportsperson Visa:

  • A current passport or other proof of identity and nationality
  • Prove that you are proficient in English.
  • Proof that you have the personal funds necessary to support yourself in the UK
  • A letter of sponsorship from the governing body of your sport
  • The reference number on your sponsorship certificate.
  • Provide the reports for Tuberculosis tests if you are from a country where it is common.

Process

When to Apply
You may file for this visa if you are recognized internationally as a top tier of your profession. You have up to 3 months before your anticipated trip to the UK to apply for a Sportsperson visa UK. However, due to the amount of time it takes to process visas, you may apply late up to three weeks ahead of your scheduled departure for the UK.

Visa Processing Time
If you are outside of the UK, you will often receive a verdict on your visa within about three weeks of submitting your online application. If you are residing in the UK, it can take eight weeks.

How to Apply
Contrary to what it may seem, applying for a UK Sportsperson Visa is not difficult. The application procedure actually entails a number of phases that you must complete. Follow these steps while applying for this visa.

  • Obtain a certificate of sponsorship from the governing body of your field.
  • Submit a thoroughly filled visa application form online and pay the visa fee.
  • Provide all the required documents and wait for the confirmation.

Duration & Fees

Duration
The maximum duration of a Tier 2 UK Sportsperson Visa is three years. You must be able to promote your sport at a certain level during your stay.

Fees
Your desired length of stay will affect the cost. The cost for stays up to 12 months is 259 GBP per person. Whether you are applying from outside or inside the UK will affect the price in case you are planning to stay for more than a year. For instance, it costs 625 GBP from outside and 719 GBP from inside the UK.

Extension

You have up to three years to use your visa. If you are still qualified, you may extend it. If you've had at least one of your visas that lasted longer than 12 months within the previous five years, you might be eligible to move permanently to the UK.

FAQS

Can you bring dependents to the UK on an International Sportsperson visa?
You can seek to bring your family over to the UK as your dependents if you have a UK Sportsperson Visa. The following relatives are eligible:

  • your spouse or partner
  • your under 18 kid
  • if your child is above 18 and residing in the UK as a dependent

Which method will get you a UK visa the quickest?
When you apply, you can select "priority service" if you are qualified. In addition to the application cost, you must pay 500 GBP. A decision will be sent to you in 5 working days.

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