I want to thank the team of white rose visas for their great collaboration in assisting my Tier 5 visa application to the UK. Indeed, they are excellent in their service provision. Special bravo goes to Tracey whom I worked with directly.
I'm very thankful to the WHITE ROSE VISAS for helping me with my immigration application. The people are really friendly, professional and organised. So if you need any advise about immigration, I highly recommend them
What Can White Rose Visas do for You?
We can offer support across the entire International Sportsperson visa application process:
whether you’re a Sponsor Licence company hoping to bring sportspeople to the UK;
or you’re an individual sportsperson making your own application.
How Do I Qualify for an International Sportsperson Visa?
You need the following to be eligible for a UK International Sportsperson visa:
Elite Sportsperson or Coach. You need to be an elite sportsperson or coach who will be able to support your sport at a significant national level in the UK.
Governing Body Endorsement. To prove the above eligibility, you will need to be endorsed by your sport’s governing body in the UK. The list of current governing bodies can be found here.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You will also need a CoS from a licenced sponsor in the UK.
English Language. Most applicants will need to prove their knowledge of English to at least a CEFR A1 level by passing an approved English language test. You can also meet this requirement if you’ve passed a recognised academic qualification taught in English.
Money to support yourself. You need to hold at least £1,270 (at the time of writing) in your bank account to prove you can support yourself whilst in the UK. Alternatively your sponsor can support your maintenance for you through your certificate.
Can I bring my Family Members to the UK on the International Sportsperson Visa?
Yes, your partner and children can apply to join you in the UK as your dependents as long as they’re eligible. White Rose Visas can support your dependent applications alongside your main visa application.
What Restrictions Are There on an International Sportsperson Visa?
You must work in the role you’ve been sponsored for, though you can take on a second job whilst on an International Sportsperson in certain circumstances. This can include work as a sports broadcaster, and you are allowed to play for your national team in the UK.
However, you must not start working your second job until you’ve started your main sponsored job. You also won’t have access to any public funds, and won’t be allowed to start or manage a business in the UK.
How Long is the International Sportsperson Visa Granted For?
International Sportsperson visas can be granted for a maximum of three years. After this, applicants can apply to extend their visa for an additional three years.
During your extension application, your endorsement will need to be renewed by your sport’s governing body.
Does the UK International Sportsperson Visa lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
The International Sportsperson visa can lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR), also known as Settlement. You’ll be eligible to apply for ILR after spending five consecutive years in the UK through the International Sportsperson route.
You’ll need to meet the salary requirement, which at the time of writing is £35,800 or more a year. You’ll also need to pass the Life in the UK test and will need your sponsor to confirm you’re still required to fulfill your job. Your UK absences must be limited to 180 days in any 12 month period and it is worth noting that international commitments relating to your job will be included in this overall limit. Finally you’ll need to pass the Life in the UK test.
Once you have ILR, you will be eligible to apply for UK Citizenship.
How Do I Become a Sponsor Licence Holder for Sportspeople?
To bring elite sportspeople to the UK for sporting careers or broadcasting duties, organisations need to apply for and maintain a Sponsor Licence. There is no unique licencing route for sports worker sponsors, you will need to go through the main Sponsor Licence process.
White Rose Visas has supported many sporting companies across the UK with their Sponsor Licence duties and new International Sportsperson applications. Find out more about our Sponsor Licence Premium Support Package on our licencing page.
Key Information for UK International Sportsperson Applicants
In other explainers and blog posts, we have covered other key topics relevant to the International Sportsperson visa:
Can I be self-employed on an International Sportsperson Visa?
Depending on their chosen sport, it’s common for elite sportspeople to be technically self-employed. This is permissible under the UK’s International Sportsperson visa, as long as you still obtain sponsorship from a licenced sponsor. Our blog explains how this works.
English Language Requirements for UK visa applications
Most International Sportspeople will need to prove a certain level of English proficiency if they apply to live and work in the UK for longer than 12 months. If you need to take a test, read through our previous blog first.
Moving to the UK as a Physiotherapist
If you’re a physiotherapist who works with sportspeople, you’ll instead need to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. We’ve supported many physiotherapists with their move to the UK in the past – find out more about White Rose Visas’ partnership with Physio First.
Do I need a Skilled Worker licence?
This previous WRV blog post explains when you will need to apply for a Sponsor Licence to sponsor workers, which is relevant information for sports companies hoping to bring sportspeople to the UK.
WRV Sponsor Licence Support
Find out more about how we can support your sporting company’s Sponsor Licence on our Sponsor Licence services page.
