International Sportsperson visa
- Details
- Written by: Wembley Solicitors
You can apply for an International Sportsperson visa if you are an elite sportsperson or qualified coach and meet the eligibility requirements.
Applying for a UK International Sportsperson visa can be a complex process, with specific requirements and documentation needed to ensure a successful application. To ensure a successful outcome, it is important to seek expert guidance.
At Wembley Solicitors, our experienced immigration solicitors can provide expert guidance and support throughout the entire UK International Sportsperson visa application process. From assessing your eligibility and preparing your application to representing you in any correspondence with the Home Office, we are here to ensure a smooth and successful application journey.
To get started on your International Sportsperson visa application or to learn more about our services, contact us today at 0203 417 3700. Our dedicated immigration solicitors are ready to assist you and provide the professional guidance you need.
Page Contents
- What is an International Sportsperson visa UK?
- International Sportsperson visa requirements
- Documents required for International Sportsperson visa
- International Sportsperson visa application processing time
- How long you can stay in the UK?
- How can we help with your International Sportsperson visa application?
- Book a consultation with an immigration solicitor
- Need legal advice & assistance?
What is an International Sportsperson visa UK?
The International Sportsperson visa UK is a visa category designed for professional athletes, coaches, and sports officials who wish to enter the United Kingdom to participate in sporting activities at an elite level.
You can apply for an International Sportsperson visa if you meet the eligibility requirements and your sport's governing body endorses your application, confirming:
- you're an elite sportsperson or qualified coach
- you're internationally established
- your employment will develop your sport in the UK at the highest level
This visa replaced the Sportsperson (T2) visa and the sporting part of the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5).
International Sportsperson visa requirements
To apply for the UK International Sportsperson visa, you must meet certain requirements and demonstrate your eligibility. You need to:
- have a valid certificate of sponsorship for your job
- usually prove that you can speak and understand English if you're applying to stay for longer than 12 months
- have personal savings so you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK
- show you can travel and your travel history over the last 5 years
- have tuberculosis test results if you're from a listed country
Your employer must make sure your job pays at least the minimum wage and follows the UK rules for how many hours a week you work. If your employer does not do this, your application will be refused.
Documents required for International Sportsperson visa
When applying for the UK International Sportsperson visa, you will need to submit several documents to support your application. When you apply you’ll need to provide::
- a valid passport or travel document.
- expired passports or travel documents if you need them to show your travel history.
- your certificate of sponsorship reference number.
- a letter of endorsement from your sport's governing body.
- financial documents demonstrating your ability to support yourself during your stay in the UK.
- proof of your knowledge of English if you are applying to stay for longer than 12 months (unless you're exempt).
- TB (tuberculosis) test result (if applicable).
You may need to provide additional supporting documents depending on your circumstances.
International Sportsperson visa application processing time
You should get a decision on your International Sportsperson visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK using a standard service. If applying from inside the UK, it usually takes around 8 weeks.
Visa application using super priority service
You may be eligible to apply for a visa using the "Super Priority Service" to get a faster decision by the end of the next working day (within 24 hours). You'll need to pay the "Super Priority Service" fee in addition to the visa application fee.
Visa application using priority service
You can choose the "Priority Service" when you apply for a visa to get a faster decision within 5 working days. You'll need to pay the "Priority Service" fee in addition to the visa application fee.
Applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website.
How long you can stay in the UK?
The duration of stay permitted on an International Sportsperson Visa UK depends on the nature of your sporting activities and contractual arrangements. It may be granted for short-term visits, seasonal competitions, or long-term engagements, typically up to a maximum of three years initially.
How can we help with your International Sportsperson visa application?
Our expert team of UK immigration solicitors and lawyers will be able to assist you with any type of UK International Sportsperson visa application.
Immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors will:
- Provide detailed immigration advice.
- Assess your circumstances and eligibility for a UK visa application.
- Explain the entire UK visa application process.
- Give you a completed checklist of documents according to the type of visa application and your circumstances.
- Check all the supporting documents to ensure that they are sufficient and in the correct format.
- Fill out the complete application form and prepare detailed representations/cover letter for the Home Office UKVI about the Immigration Rules.
- Book an appointment for you to enrol your biometrics.
- Upload all the supporting documents.
- Liaise with the Home Office UKVI throughout the process until we receive the decision.
- Keep you updated with every stage of your visa or immigration application.
Contact our immigration solicitors in Wembley, London on 020 3417 3700 or fill in the enquiry form for immediate legal advice & assistance with your UK visa application.
Book a consultation with an immigration solicitor
For detailed advice, you can book an In-Person, Online, or Phone consultation session with our expert UK immigration solicitors in London for just £60 (Plus VAT).
During the consultation session, our immigration solicitor will discuss your immigration matter in detail and advise you about the relevant immigration laws, procedures, requirements, and documents.
Need Legal Advice & Assistance?
We provide expert advice, practical assistance, and professional representation to guide you through the application and decision-making process, from start to finish.
We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.
Contact our solicitor today to get legal advice and assistance with your UK immigration matters.
You can call us on 02034173700 or leave your details here for a callback request regarding your legal matter.
