eLHR

You can apply for an International Sportsperson visa if you meet the requirement and your sport’s governing body endorses your application

You may approach our Sportsperson visa UK, due to an interest in applying for this visa for the first time, or you might wish to switch to this visa from another visa type. We also advise and assist those who may have been unsuccessful in their application for a Sports visa for the UK

Sport-Person Visa UK
Sport-Person Visa

What is a Sport-person visa UK?

A Sportsperson Visa (the Sportsperson visa (T2))is a type of UK work visa that is part of the points-based visa system. If you are an elite sportsperson or qualified coach you may be able to work in a sporting role in the UK with a UK Sportsperson Visa. This visa is applicable if you are recognised by your sport’s governing body as being an elite member of your profession. The Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting visa (T5), is designed for up-and-coming sportspeople and creative workers.

 

This visa allows you to enter and live in the UK as a foreign national for a maximum of three years. This is provided you work within a role in which you will make an exceptional difference to your sport in the UK.

 

As a holder of the T2 Sportspersons visa, for example, you would be able to stay in the UK for up to three years, or six years if you are successfully approved for an extension. You would also be allowed to do the following on this visa:

  • Work for your sponsor in the job outlined in your Certificate of Sponsorship
  • Take on a second job in certain circumstances
  • Play for your national team in the UK
  • Work as a sports broadcaster
  • Do voluntary work
  • The study provided that it does not interfere with the job for which you have a sponsorship
  • Travel abroad and return to the UK
  • Bring your ‘dependant’ partner and children with you to the UK, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements for this

Those in the UK on the T2 Sportspersons visa are not, however, permitted to access public funds or to start and run a business. They are also not allowed to start a second job until they have begun working for their sponsor.

The T5 Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting visa, meanwhile, enables the successful applicant to come to the UK for up to 12 months, or the time is given in their Certificate of Sponsorship plus up to 28 days – whichever is shorter. If you meet the requirements for an extension, you could extend your T5 visa for up to 12 months, or the time that your Certificate of Sponsorship states plus 14 days – whichever is shorter.

Those who come to the UK on this T5 Sports visa are permitted to do the following:

  • Study (an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate will be required for some courses)
  • Work for their sponsor in the job their Certificate of Sponsorship describes
  • Do a second job in the same industry and at the same level as their main job for up to 20 hours per week
  • Do a job on UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)’s Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week
  • Work as a sportsperson for their national team while it is playing in a British University and College Sport (BUCS) competition
  • Work as a sports broadcaster
  • Bring their ‘dependant’ partner and children with them to the UK, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements for this

Holders of the Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting visa (T5) are not allowed to get public funds or to start their own businesses.

Requirements

Whichever Sports visa for the UK you are interested in applying for – the T2 or the T5 route – it is important to be well informed on the relevant requirements before you apply.

You have the right to apply for the T2 Sportsperson visa if all of the following conditions are present:

  • You are an elite sportsperson or qualified coach, who is recognised by the governing body of your sport as being at the highest level of your profession internationally
  • Your sport’s governing body is endorsing your application
  • Your employment will develop your sport in the UK at the highest level
  • You satisfy the other eligibility requirements for this visa

The other eligibility requirements for the T2 visa include:

  • Having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for your job
  • Proving your English language knowledge
  • Having sufficient personal savings to support yourself when you come to the UK
  • Showing that you can travel, and your travel history over the past five years
  • Having tuberculosis test results, if you are from one of the countries in the UK Government’s list for this
  • Having an eligible occupation, if you are switching from a Tier 4 visa

Meanwhile, the Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting visa (T5) is the category of visa for which up-and-coming sportspeople must apply, if the below conditions are the case:

  • They have been offered work in the UK as a sportsperson or creative worker
  • They satisfy the other eligibility requirements for this visa

The other eligibility requirements for the T5 visa include:

  • Making a significant contribution to your sport at the highest level in the UK
  • Having a Certificate of a Sponsorship reference number
  • Having enough money to support yourself in the UK; you will normally be required to have a minimum of £1,270 available unless you are exempt
How to switch your sport-person visa:

You can apply to change (‘switch’) from another visa to a Sportsperson visa. You should apply before your current visa expires. Your partner or children will need to apply separately to switch their visas. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must:

  • meet the Sportsperson visa requirements
  • be in the UK on an eligible visa – most visas are eligible
  • have an eligible qualification, if you’re switching from a student visa or studying for a PhD
Visas that are not eligible

You cannot apply to switch to this visa if you’re currently in the UK:

  • on a visit visa
  • on a short-term student visa
  • on a Parent of a Child Student visa
  • on a seasonal worker visa
  • on a domestic worker on a private household visa

You must leave the UK and apply for a sport-person visa if you’re in one of these categories.

If you have a student visa or are studying for a PhD

If you’re switching from a student visa, you must have been sponsored by a licensed sponsor to get one of the following qualifications:

  • a UK bachelor’s degree
  • a UK master’s degree
  • a postgraduate certificate in education
  • a professional graduate diploma in education

If you’re a PhD student, you must have completed at least 12 months of study during your most recent stay in the UK. This can be through a licensed sponsor or another visa that allowed you to study.

How long you can stay
You can apply to extend your stay in the UK with an International Sportsperson visa for up to 3 years at a time.

For More Information on this visa route, Contact us at e-lhr.

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