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The International Sportsperson visa is designed for elite professionals in the sports industry who aim to be based in the UK. This visa category is for athletes, coaches, or qualified sportspeople recognized by their sport's governing body as being at the highest level of their profession internationally. The main purpose is to allow these individuals to work or compete in the UK, contributing to the development of their sport within the country. Applicants must have a sponsorship from a sports club or organization in the UK and an endorsement from the relevant governing sports body.
Sportsperson
The International Sportsperson visa is designed for elite professionals in the sports industry who aim to be based in the UK. This visa category is for athletes, coaches, or qualified sportspeople recognized by their sport's governing body as being at the highest level of their profession internationally. The main purpose is to allow these individuals to work or compete in the UK, contributing to the development of their sport within the country. Applicants must have a sponsorship from a sports club or organization in the UK and an endorsement from the relevant governing sports body.
Applicants must be recognized by a sports governing body as being at the highest level of their profession internationally. This recognition ensures that the applicant has achieved significant success and is considered an elite athlete or coach in their sport. The governing body must be one that is recognized by the UK Home Office, and the recognition should be current and relevant to the applicant's role in the UK.
Applicants must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK-based sports club or organization that holds a sponsor license. The sponsor must be authorized to bring in international sportspersons and must provide a detailed job description, including the duration and nature of the role.
An endorsement from the relevant sports governing body is required, confirming the applicant's status as an elite sportsperson. This endorsement must be obtained before applying and should detail the applicant's international standing and contributions to the sport.
Applicants must provide a valid passport or travel document as proof of identity and nationality. The document should have at least one blank page for the visa and be valid for the duration of the stay in the UK.
Applicants must submit documents proving their endorsement by the relevant sports governing body and sponsorship by a licensed UK sports club. These documents should be official and include all necessary details such as the applicant's role, duration of stay, and salary.
Applicants must meet the minimum salary threshold of £25,000 per year. This salary must be specified in the Certificate of Sponsorship and should reflect the applicant's role and experience in the sport.
Applicants must demonstrate they have enough personal savings to support themselves in the UK without recourse to public funds. This typically means having at least £1,270 available in a bank account for 28 days prior to the application.
Applicants must prove their knowledge of English by passing an approved English language test at CEFR level A1 or higher, or by having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognized by UK NARIC as equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree.
Applicants from certain countries must provide a valid tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if they are staying in the UK for more than six months. The test must be conducted at a clinic approved by the Home Office.
Applicants must provide a criminal record certificate from any country they have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. This requirement helps ensure that the applicant is of good character and poses no risk to the UK.
Applicants must show they have enough funds to support themselves without relying on public funds. This typically requires having at least £1,270 available in a bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying.
Applicants must pay the application fee of £610. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of application submission. The fee covers the cost of processing the visa application and is subject to change.
Applicants are required to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a digital photograph, at a visa application center. This information is used to create a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if the visa is granted.
Disclaimer: We are not immigration advisors. For professional immigration advice, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or OISC-registered advisor.
Up to 3 weeks weeks