The International Sports Person Visa (also known as the Tier 2 Sports Person Visa) is a UK visa designed for professional athletes or coaches from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who wish to come to the UK to play their sport at a professional level. This visa enables athletes, coaches, and other key sports staff to live and work in the UK to engage in their sporting career.

Key Features of the International Sports Person Visa

• For Professional Athletes & Coaches: This visa is aimed at athletes or coaches who have a recognized, high level of talent in their sport and have an offer from a UK-based sports organization.
• Sponsorship Required: Applicants must have a job offer from a UK sports organization or club that is a licensed sponsor.
• Temporary Work Visa: This is generally a temporary visa, allowing the applicant to live and work in the UK for a limited period, though extensions may be available.
• Pathway to Settlement: After spending 5 years in the UK on a Tier 2 Sports Person Visa, you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), leading to permanent residency.

Eligibility Requirements for the International Sports Person Visa

To qualify for the International Sports Person Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor

• You must have a job offer from a UK sports organization, such as a professional sports team, club, or a sports governing body.
• The organization must be a licensed sponsor for the Tier 2 Sports Person Visa.
• The role you are being hired for must meet specific criteria, and you must be able to demonstrate that you are an elite sports person or high-level coach.

2. Sponsorship Certificate

• Your employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), a unique reference number that proves the organization is sponsoring you and offering you a job. The COS includes details about your role, salary, and job description.

3. Skill and Expertise

• As an athlete, you must demonstrate that you are recognized as being at the top level in your sport. This could mean being selected for your national team, having an internationally recognized ranking, or being a player/coach at an internationally recognized club.
• Coaches must show evidence of their coaching qualifications and experience, particularly at a professional level.

4. English Language Requirement

• You must show that you meet the UK’s English language requirement. This can be demonstrated by:
  • Passing an approved English language test.
  • Holding a degree or other qualification taught in English.
  • If you are from a majority English-speaking country, you may be exempt from this requirement.

5. Salary Requirements

• The job must meet certain salary thresholds set by the UK government. For most roles under the Tier 2 Sports Person Visa, the salary must be at least £21,000 per year or the “appropriate” rate for your sport (whichever is higher).
• For example, elite football players may have a different salary requirement compared to other athletes in smaller sports.

6. Financial Requirements

• You must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK unless your sponsor confirms that they will cover your maintenance costs. The minimum financial requirement is typically £1,270 in your bank account unless your sponsor is covering your living costs.

Application Process for the International Sports Person Visa

Step 1: Get a Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship

• To begin, you must secure a job offer from a UK-based sports organization.
• Once you have the job offer, the employer must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship to support your visa application.

Step 2: Apply for the Visa

• After receiving your Certificate of Sponsorship, you can apply for the Tier 2 Sports Person Visa online via the UK Home Office website.
• Documents you will need to provide:
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).
  • Proof of your English language proficiency.
  • Evidence of your sports achievements and expertise.
  • Passport or other travel documents.
  • Proof of your financial means (if required).
  • Tuberculosis test results (if required, depending on your country of residence).

Step 3: Biometrics and Immigration Health Surcharge

• You will need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) at a visa application center.
• You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS grants you access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The annual surcharge is typically £624.

Step 4: Wait for the Decision

• Once you’ve submitted your application and provided all necessary documents, you should receive a decision on your visa within 8 weeks.

Duration of the International Sports Person Visa

• The Tier 2 Sports Person Visa can be granted for a period of up to 3 years.
• You can extend the visa if necessary, depending on the length of your contract with your sponsor and your ongoing eligibility.
• After spending 5 years in the UK on the Tier 2 Sports Person Visa, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants permanent residency.

Rights and Benefits of the International Sports Person Visa

• Work and Play: You can live and work in the UK to play your sport professionally or coach.
• Bring dependents: You can bring your spouse/partner and children under 18 with you as dependents. They can work or study during their stay.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: After 5 years, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to stay in the UK permanently.
• Flexibility: You are permitted to work only for the sports organization that sponsors you, but you may be able to switch sponsors within the same sport.

Conclusion

The International Sports Person Visa is an excellent route for professional athletes and coaches who wish to live and work in the UK. It allows talented individuals to join top-tier sports teams or coaching roles, contribute to the development of sports in the UK, and potentially gain permanent residency through Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years. If you have the necessary skills and achievements in your sport, this visa provides an opportunity to further your career in one of the world’s most popular sports markets.