International Sportsperson Visa UK

Competing or coaching professionally in the UK as an overseas national involves more than sporting talent. The immigration process can be complex, and a misstep with your application or sponsorship paperwork can put your career plans at risk.

Having clear, reliable legal guidance from the outset makes all the difference.

At BHD Solicitors, our specialist immigration team helps elite athletes, professional coaches, sports clubs, and agents navigate the International Sportsperson Visa, from initial eligibility checks through to endorsement, sponsorship, and settlement. Based in London and Croydon, we offer a practical and personalised service at every stage of the process.

Contact our International Sportsperson Visa solicitors in London and Croydon

For sportsperson visa guidance and a free telephone consultation, call our London or Croydon offices today on 0208 681 5128 and speak to one of our senior immigration lawyers.

What is the International Sportsperson visa?

The International Sportsperson visa is the UK immigration route for elite athletes and qualified coaches who are internationally established and whose work will contribute to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK. It replaced the former Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa and is sponsored by a licensed UK employer, such as a professional sports club.

Who can apply for a sportsperson visa?

The sportsperson visa is available to:

• Elite sportspersons who are internationally established in their sport
• Qualified sports coaches who will develop their sport at the highest level in the UK
• Overseas nationals with a valid job offer from a UK employer holding a sponsor licence

The visa covers a wide range of sports, provided the relevant governing body is able to issue an endorsement.

International Sportsperson visa requirements

To qualify, you must meet all of the following:

• Hold a genuine job offer as an elite sportsperson or qualified coach
• Hold a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence
• Obtain a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) from the relevant governing body for your sport
• Meet the English language requirement at the required level
• Demonstrate that you satisfy the maintenance (financial savings) requirement

Each requirement must be satisfied before you submit your application.

Governing body endorsement explained

The Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) is a formal confirmation from the recognised governing body for your sport in the UK. It confirms that you are an internationally established elite sportsperson or qualified coach and that your presence will meaningfully contribute to the development of your sport at the highest level.

Without a valid GBE, an International Sportsperson visa application cannot proceed. We can advise you on which governing body applies to your sport and assist in preparing the supporting evidence needed for a successful endorsement.

Certificate of Sponsorship and employer sponsorship

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a unique reference number assigned by your UK employer, confirming the details of your role and intended start date. Your employer must hold a valid sponsor licence issued by the Home Office to assign a CoS.

If your sports club does not yet hold a sponsor licence, we can assist with the application. We also advise clubs and organisations on their ongoing sponsor compliance obligations to protect their licence and avoid penalties.

How to apply for an International Sportsperson visa

The application process involves several stages: your employer confirms or obtains their sponsor licence; your governing body issues a GBE; your employer assigns you a CoS; and you then submit your visa application online to the Home Office with supporting documents, including proof of your English language ability and financial savings.

You can apply from outside the UK for entry clearance, or from inside the UK as a switch or extension. Applications can be submitted up to three months before your start date. Our solicitors will guide you through every stage, from document preparation to submission, to maximise the likelihood of a positive outcome.

International Sportsperson visa fees and processing times

Current application fees are:

• Up to 12 months: £340 per person
• Over 12 months, applying from outside the UK: £819 per person
• Over 12 months, extending or switching inside the UK: £943 per person

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which funds access to NHS services, is payable in addition at approximately £1,035 per year. Dependant fees apply separately.

Standard processing takes approximately three weeks for applications made outside the UK and approximately eight weeks for applications made inside the UK. Priority services are available at an additional cost.

Visa duration and extension

The International Sportsperson visa is granted for up to three years at a time and can be extended while you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. There is no overall cap on extensions, provided your sponsor continues to support your application and your GBE remains valid.

Switching to the International Sportsperson visa

If you are currently in the UK on another visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa or a Global Talent Visa, you may be able to switch to the International Sportsperson route without leaving the country. Our team will review your current immigration status and advise on whether a switch is possible.

Path to settlement (ILR)

After five years on the International Sportsperson Visa, where at least one grant of permission exceeded 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR gives you the right to live and work in the UK permanently, without immigration restrictions.

Following ILR, you may wish to apply for British citizenship. Our solicitors can advise you on both pathways and help ensure your application is thorough and well-prepared.

Bringing family members to the UK

Your partner and dependent children may be able to join you in the UK under the International Sportsperson Dependant Visa route. Dependants are entitled to live, work, and study in the UK for the same period as your visa. Each dependant must meet their own suitability and maintenance requirements. We can advise the whole family on eligibility and manage applications together.

Why choose BHD Solicitors?

Our immigration team has assisted elite athletes, professional coaches, sports clubs, and agents for many years. We understand the time pressures that come with contracts and competition schedules and work efficiently to meet your deadlines. We offer face-to-face, telephone, and virtual appointments from our offices in London and Croydon. If your application is refused, we can also assist with appeals and administrative reviews.

Frequently asked questions about the International Sportsperson visa

How much does the International Sportsperson visa cost?

The application fee is £340 for a visa of up to 12 months, £819 for over 12 months when applying from outside the UK, and £943 for over 12 months when extending or switching inside the UK. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is payable in addition at approximately £1,035 per year. Dependant application fees apply separately.

How long does the International Sportsperson visa take to process?

Applications made outside the UK are typically processed in approximately three weeks. Applications made inside the UK, including extensions and switches, typically take approximately eight weeks. Priority and super-priority services are available at an additional cost for faster decisions.

Can I bring my family on an International Sportsperson visa?

Yes. Your partner and dependent children can apply to join you in the UK as dependants and will be able to live, work, and study here for the same period as your visa. Each application is assessed individually, and all dependants must meet the relevant eligibility and maintenance requirements.

What sports are covered by the International Sportsperson visa?

The visa covers a wide range of professional and elite sports, provided the relevant UK governing body can issue a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE). Sports commonly covered include football, cricket, rugby, athletics, tennis, and boxing, among others. We can advise whether your sport qualifies and which governing body applies.

Can I extend my International Sportsperson visa?

Yes. The visa can be extended in increments of up to three years, provided you continue to meet all eligibility requirements, hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer, and your governing body endorsement remains in place. There is no overall limit on the number of extensions.

What is a Governing Body Endorsement?

A Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) is a formal confirmation from the relevant UK sports governing body that you are an internationally established elite sportsperson or qualified coach and that your role will develop your sport at the highest level. A valid GBE is a mandatory requirement and must be in place before you submit your International Sportsperson Visa application.

Can I switch to the International Sportsperson visa from another visa?

In most cases, yes. If you are lawfully in the UK on an eligible visa, including a Skilled Worker visa or a Global Talent visa, you may be able to switch without leaving the country. Your eligibility will depend on your current immigration status and whether you meet all requirements of the sportsperson route.

What happens if my visa application is refused?

If your application is refused, you may have the right to an administrative review or, in some cases, an appeal. The available options depend on the reason for refusal and your immigration status at the time. Our team can review the refusal notice and advise on the most appropriate next steps. Find out more about our appeals and reviews service.

Get expert advice from International Sportsperson visa solicitors in London and Croydon

As an established UK immigration law firm in Greater London, we can draw upon our vast resources to provide tailored, practical and affordable solutions to support you while offering a personalised and caring service.

For more information and to arrange a consultation with one of our senior immigration solicitors, contact your local branch in London or Croydon.