Question 1

What is the process to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship for the International Sportsperson visa?

Accepted Answer

To obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), your UK-based employer must be a licensed sponsor and they will issue you a CoS, a unique reference number, after offering you a job. This number is required to apply for the visa and must be used within three months of being issued. Ensure your employer meets all sponsorship obligations.

Question 2

What is the first step in applying for the International Sportsperson visa?

Accepted Answer

The first step is to secure an endorsement from a recognized UK sports governing body. This endorsement validates that you are internationally established and can significantly contribute to your sport in the UK.

Question 3

How can I get an endorsement from a recognized sports governing body?

Accepted Answer

To receive an endorsement, contact the recognized governing body of your sport in the UK. They will assess your international standing or potential contribution to the sport and issue an endorsement if you meet their criteria. Each sport may have specific requirements, so check the governing body’s guidelines.

Question 4

How do I obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship for this visa?

Accepted Answer

You must be offered a role by a UK-based employer who is an approved sponsor. The employer will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is a crucial requirement before you can submit your visa application.

Question 5

What documents are required to prove my international sports experience?

Accepted Answer

You should provide records of participation in international competitions, letters from previous employers or coaches, and any awards or recognitions. Official documentation showing your involvement at a high level is crucial, such as signed letters, certificates, or media coverage.

Question 6

What is the minimum salary requirement for the International Sportsperson visa?

Accepted Answer

The minimum salary requirement is £25,000 per annum. This salary must be guaranteed by your sponsoring organization and adhere to the specific salary guidelines of your role's occupation code.

Question 7

What is the minimum salary requirement for the International Sportsperson visa?

Accepted Answer

The minimum salary requirement is £25,000 annually. However, this may vary depending on your specific sport and role. Verify the exact salary requirements with the relevant sports governing body, as bonuses and sponsorship deals are generally excluded from this calculation.

Question 8

How can I prove my English language proficiency for the visa application?

Accepted Answer

You can demonstrate your English proficiency by passing an approved English language test at CEFR Level B1 or higher. Alternatively, if you have a degree taught in English, it may suffice as proof of language ability.

Question 9

How do I prove English language proficiency for this visa?

Accepted Answer

You can prove English proficiency by passing an approved test at CEFR level B1 or higher, or by having an academic qualification taught in English that’s recognized by UK NARIC as equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree. Ensure you provide the necessary certificates or recognition letters.

Question 10

What are the maintenance funds requirements for the International Sportsperson visa?

Accepted Answer

You need to show you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before your visa application date. This ensures you can support yourself without public funds.

Question 11

What are the maintenance fund requirements for the International Sportsperson visa?

Accepted Answer

You need to demonstrate that you have enough personal savings to support yourself upon arrival in the UK. This typically means having at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 days consecutively before applying. If your sponsor covers your maintenance, they must confirm this on your CoS.

Question 12

How long does it take to process the International Sportsperson visa?

Accepted Answer

Visa processing typically takes up to three weeks after your application has been submitted. However, processing times can vary, so it's advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

Question 13

How long does the application process take for the International Sportsperson visa?

Accepted Answer

The processing time for the International Sportsperson visa is usually around 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK, or 8 weeks if you apply from within the UK. Ensure all documents are correctly submitted to avoid delays.

Question 14

Can I apply for settlement on an International Sportsperson visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the International Sportsperson visa offers a pathway to settlement. You may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain after meeting the residency and other specific requirements over time.

Question 15

Can I bring my family with me on the International Sportsperson visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can bring family members, including your partner and children under 18, to the UK. They will need to apply as your dependents and meet specific requirements, such as demonstrating sufficient maintenance funds for themselves.

Question 16

What documents do I need to provide for the criminal record requirement?

Accepted Answer

You'll need to provide a criminal record certificate from any country where you've lived for 12 months or more in the past ten years. This must be submitted with your visa application to prove good character.

Question 17

What are the costs associated with applying for the International Sportsperson visa?

Accepted Answer

The visa application fee is £259. Additionally, you must pay the healthcare surcharge, which typically costs £624 per year. Ensure you account for these costs and check for any updates on fees on the UK government’s official website.

Question 18

What should I do if my visa application is rejected?

Accepted Answer

If your application is rejected, review the reason provided and address the issues before reapplying. You may also consider appealing the decision or seeking legal advice to explore your options.

Question 19

Is it possible to switch to another visa category from the International Sportsperson visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can switch to another eligible visa category if your circumstances change and you meet the new visa requirements. Common options include the Skilled Worker visa or a visa based on family relationships. Check eligibility criteria for the desired visa category.

Question 20

Are there any specific sports that qualify for this visa?

Accepted Answer

The visa is intended for elite athletes and coaches in sports recognized by UK sports governing bodies. The specific sports and criteria vary, so it's crucial to check with the relevant governing body for your sport.

Question 21

How can I apply for settlement in the UK on this visa?

Accepted Answer

You can apply for settlement, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain, after living in the UK for five years on the International Sportsperson visa. You must demonstrate continued employment, meet the salary threshold, and pass the Life in the UK test.

Question 22

Can family members join me on the International Sportsperson visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your dependents (spouse/partner and children under 18) can apply to join you in the UK. They will need to submit separate applications and meet the maintenance funds requirement.

Question 23

What happens if my application is refused?

Accepted Answer

If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. You may have the option to request an administrative review or reapply. It's crucial to address the reasons for refusal before reapplying to increase your chances of success.

Question 24

How much does the International Sportsperson visa application cost?

Accepted Answer

The visa application fee varies depending on the length of your stay and whether you're applying inside or outside the UK. Additional costs may include the healthcare surcharge and any applicable English test fees.

Question 25

Can I work for multiple employers on the International Sportsperson visa?

Accepted Answer

You can work for the sponsor listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship and may take additional employment in the same sport at the same level, provided it doesn’t interfere with your main job. Always check the specific conditions and get approval from your sponsor.

Question 26

What happens if my employment with the sponsor ends before my visa expires?

Accepted Answer

If your employment ends, you'll need to find a new sponsor and apply for a new Certificate of Sponsorship. Failure to do so may lead to your visa being curtailed, requiring you to leave the UK.

Question 27

Are there any restrictions on the type of work I can do?

Accepted Answer

While your primary employment must be with your sponsor, you can undertake supplementary work in the same sport at a similar level. However, you cannot take employment outside of your endorsed sport unless it's permitted by visa conditions.

Question 28

Can I change employers while on the International Sportsperson visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but you must obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer and apply for a visa update before starting your new job. The new employer must also be an approved sponsor.

Question 29

What should I do if I change my job or employer while on this visa?

Accepted Answer

If you change your job or employer, you must apply to update your visa with a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new sponsor. This application should be made before starting the new job to avoid violating visa conditions.

Question 30

What type of endorsement is needed to qualify for this visa?

Accepted Answer

An endorsement from a UK sports governing body is required. This endorsement confirms your international status and capability to contribute significantly to your sport's development in the UK.

International Sportsperson visa FAQ

Featured Questions

What is the process to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship for the International Sportsperson visa?Timeline00

What is the process to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship for the International Sportsperson visa?

What is the first step in applying for the International Sportsperson visa?Application Process0

What is the first step in applying for the International Sportsperson visa?

Eligibility Questions

Are there any specific sports that qualify for this visa?00

Are there any specific sports that qualify for this visa?

What type of endorsement is needed to qualify for this visa?0

What type of endorsement is needed to qualify for this visa?

Application Process Questions

What is the first step in applying for the International Sportsperson visa?00

What is the first step in applying for the International Sportsperson visa?

How can I prove my English language proficiency for the visa application?0

How can I prove my English language proficiency for the visa application?

Documents Questions

What documents are required to prove my international sports experience?00

What documents are required to prove my international sports experience?

What documents do I need to provide for the criminal record requirement?0

What documents do I need to provide for the criminal record requirement?

Costs Questions

What are the costs associated with applying for the International Sportsperson visa?00

What are the costs associated with applying for the International Sportsperson visa?

How much does the International Sportsperson visa application cost?0

How much does the International Sportsperson visa application cost?

Timeline Questions

What is the process to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship for the International Sportsperson visa?00

What is the process to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship for the International Sportsperson visa?

How long does it take to process the International Sportsperson visa?

How long does it take to process the International Sportsperson visa?

General Questions

How can I get an endorsement from a recognized sports governing body?00

How can I get an endorsement from a recognized sports governing body?

How do I obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship for this visa?0

How do I obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship for this visa?

Quick Facts

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How can I get an endorsement from a recognized sports governing body?General00

How can I get an endorsement from a recognized sports governing body?

How do I obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship for this visa?General00

How do I obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship for this visa?

What documents are required to prove my international sports experience?Documents00

What documents are required to prove my international sports experience?

What is the minimum salary requirement for the International Sportsperson visa?General00

What is the minimum salary requirement for the International Sportsperson visa?

What is the minimum salary requirement for the International Sportsperson visa?General00

What is the minimum salary requirement for the International Sportsperson visa?

How can I prove my English language proficiency for the visa application?Application Process00

How can I prove my English language proficiency for the visa application?

How do I prove English language proficiency for this visa?General00

How do I prove English language proficiency for this visa?

What are the maintenance funds requirements for the International Sportsperson visa?General00

What are the maintenance funds requirements for the International Sportsperson visa?

Can I apply for settlement on an International Sportsperson visa?00

Can I apply for settlement on an International Sportsperson visa?

What should I do if my visa application is rejected?00

What should I do if my visa application is rejected?

How can I apply for settlement in the UK on this visa?00

How can I apply for settlement in the UK on this visa?

What happens if my application is refused?00

What happens if my application is refused?

How long does the application process take for the International Sportsperson visa?00

How long does the application process take for the International Sportsperson visa?

What is the minimum salary requirement for the International Sportsperson visa?00

What is the minimum salary requirement for the International Sportsperson visa?

What is the minimum salary requirement for the International Sportsperson visa?00

What is the minimum salary requirement for the International Sportsperson visa?

How do I prove English language proficiency for this visa?00

How do I prove English language proficiency for this visa?

What are the maintenance funds requirements for the International Sportsperson visa?00

What are the maintenance funds requirements for the International Sportsperson visa?

What are the maintenance fund requirements for the International Sportsperson visa?00

What are the maintenance fund requirements for the International Sportsperson visa?

Can I bring my family with me on the International Sportsperson visa?00

Can I bring my family with me on the International Sportsperson visa?

Is it possible to switch to another visa category from the International Sportsperson visa?00