International Sportsperson

Eligibility

Elite sportsperson or qualified coach, internationally established, endorsed by the sport’s governing body. English required for stays over 12 months. Funds £1,270.

Key facts (checked 31 Oct 2026)

What you can and cannot do, how long you can stay (official)

How long it takes

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

• 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
• 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

If your application is successful, your decision email will tell you what you’ll get to prove your immigration status and what you need to do next.

Source: GOV.UK – Overview

How long you can stay

Your visa can last for up to 3 years. You can extend it as long as you’re still eligible.

After 5 years, you may be able to settle permanently in the UK if you’ve had at least one visa that lasted longer than 12 months.

Source: GOV.UK – Overview

What you can and cannot do

You can:

• work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
• do a second job in certain circumstances
• play for your national team in the UK
• work as a sports broadcaster
• do voluntary work
• study as long as it does not interfere with the job you’re sponsored for
• travel abroad and return to the UK
• bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

• get public funds
• start or run a business
• apply for a second job until you’ve started working for your sponsor

Source: GOV.UK – Overview

Full eligibility criteria (official)

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.

Certificate of sponsorship

A certificate of sponsorship holds your personal details and information about the job you’ve been offered. It’s an electronic record, not a paper document. Your sponsor will give you a certificate of sponsorship reference number to add to your application.

You can only use your certificate of sponsorship reference number once. You must use it within 3 months of getting it.

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for your visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:

• you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months
• your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270

Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your employer can support you instead

Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your employer will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.

Source: GOV.UK – Eligibility (checked 31 Oct 2026)

Knowledge of English

You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply. You can prove it in one of the following ways, by:

• having a degree from a UK institution

• having a degree from an institution that was outside the UK and taught in English

• passing an English test from an approved provider

If you have already proved your knowledge of English in a previous successful visa application, you may not have to prove it again.

If you have a degree from a UK institution

You can prove your knowledge of English if you have a degree-level qualification that was both:

• taught in English

• awarded by a UK institution, even if you studied outside the UK

If you have a degree from an institution outside the UK

If your degree was taught in English and was not awarded by a UK institution, you’ll need to apply for an assessment from Ecctis.

Ecctis will give you a code to confirm that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher and was taught in English.

Passing an English test

If you do not have any qualifications that prove your knowledge of English, you will need to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) with an approved provider.

You must pass the test with at least level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale in speaking and listening.

Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English

You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries or territories:

• Antigua and Barbuda

• Australia

• the Bahamas

• Barbados

• Belize

• the British overseas territories

• Canada

• Dominica

• Grenada

• Guyana

• Jamaica

• New Zealand

• Malta

• St Kitts and Nevis

• St Lucia

• St Vincent and the Grenadines

• Trinidad and Tobago

• USA

You also may not have to prove your knowledge of English in other circumstances - check the full visa guidance.

Source: GOV.UK – Knowledge of English (checked 31 Oct 2026)

Documents checklist (official)

Documents you'll need

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

• your certificate of sponsorship reference number (your employer will give you this)
• proof of your knowledge of English if you are applying to stay for longer than 12 months (unless you’re exempt)
• evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you)
• a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
• expired passports or travel documents if you need them to show your travel history
• your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country
• a letter of endorsement from your sport’s governing body

If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll need to provide a certified translation.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Read the guidance about the money you’ll need and how to prove it.

Source: GOV.UK – Documents you'll need (checked 31 Oct 2026)

How to apply, step by step (official)

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for an International Sportsperson visa.

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

• use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
• have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a visa application centre

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you do need an appointment:

• you’ll need to take your passport with you to the visa application centre (you’ll be able to collect it on the day)
• you may have to travel to get to your nearest centre (this could be in another country)

Apply for an International Sportsperson visa

Once you’ve started your application you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it.

Find out how to sign in to your account.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

After you apply

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if the application has not been processed yet.

You’ll get an email containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Source: GOV.UK – Apply from outside the UK (checked 31 Oct 2026)

Partner and children (official)

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can also apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.

If your partner or child’s application is successful, their visa will usually end on the same date as yours. If a child’s parents have visas with different expiry dates, the child’s visa will end on the earlier date.

Your relationship

A dependent partner or child is any of the following:

• your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner
• your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay
• your child over 18 if they currently have permission (‘leave to enter’ or ‘leave to remain’) to be in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove one of the following:

• you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK
• you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply
• you’ve been in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply but you cannot live together, for example because you’re working or studying in different places, or it’s not accepted in your culture

If you’re not living together, you’ll need to prove that you have an ongoing commitment to each other, for example by providing evidence that you:

• communicate regularly with each other
• support each other financially
• care for any children you have together
• spend time together as a couple, for example on holiday or at events

If your child is 16 or over

They must:

• live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)
• not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children
• be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as:

• a bank statement
• credit card bills
• driving licence
• NHS registration document
• an official letter from their university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner or children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

You - or your partner or child - will need:

• £285 for your partner
• £315 for one child
• £200 for each additional child

Example

You - or your partner or child - would need to have £600 to bring your partner and one child with you to the UK (£285 for your partner and £315 for your child).

You would also need to have £1,270 to support yourself for your own application.

You - or your partner or child - will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of you or them applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when they apply, unless either:

• you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months
• your employer can cover your family’s costs during your first month in the UK - this must be confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship

If your partner or child is applying at a different time to you, they’ll only need to prove they have enough money to support themselves if they have been in the UK for less than one year.

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must either:

• apply online as your partner
• apply online as your child

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK.

They’ll also need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

Proving their identity

As part of an application, your partner and children will need to prove their identity. They’ll either:

• use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity document - they’ll also create or sign into their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

• have their fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a visa application centre

They’ll be told what they need to do when they apply.

If they need an appointment:

• they’ll need to take their passport with them to the visa application centre (they’ll be able to collect it on the day)
• they may have to travel to get to their nearest centre (this could be in another country)

Getting a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

If their application is successful, their decision email will tell them what they’ll get to prove their immigration status and what they need to do next.

Apply from inside the UK (extend or switch their visa)

If you extend or switch your visa, your partner or child’s current visa will still be valid until its original end date. Your partner or child need to apply to extend or switch their visa, either:

• at the same time as you
• at any time before their current visa expires

This includes children who have turned 18 during your stay.

If your partner or child is currently in the UK on a Student visa, they can only switch if they have either:

• completed the course they were sponsored to study
• studied for a PhD for at least 24 months

How to apply

The application form will tell you if you can include your partner and children in your application or whether they need to apply separately.

If your partner or child apply separately, they’ll need to either:

Source: GOV.UK – Your partner and children (checked 31 Oct 2026)

Extending, switching and changing job (official)

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your stay in the UK under an International Sportsperson visa.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically extend if you extend yours. If they do not extend their visa, it will be valid until its original end date.

They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must have your endorsement by your sport’s governing body renewed and a new certificate of sponsorship reference number.

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.

Fees

Check the fees for your type of visa.

You’ll also need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. There’s no fee for this.

Apply to extend your an International Sportsperson visa

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it.

Find out how to sign in to your account.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

• use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

• have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

How long it takes

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

You’ll be contacted if your circumstances or application are more complicated, for example if:

• your supporting documents need to be verified

• you need to attend an interview

• you have a criminal conviction

If your application is successful

You’ll get an eVisa (a digital record of your identity and immigration status).

Your decision email or letter will tell you how to get access to your eVisa. You’ll need to create a UKVI account.

Source: GOV.UK – Extend your visa (checked 31 Oct 2026)

Switch to this visa

You can apply to change (‘switch’) from another visa to an International Sportsperson visa.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically switch to this visa if you switch yours. If they do not switch their visa, it will be valid until its original end date.

They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must:

• meet the International Sportsperson visa eligibility requirements
• be in the UK on an eligible visa - most visas are eligible

If you’re currently in the UK on a Student visa, you must also meet one of the following requirements:

• you have completed the course you were sponsored to study
• your job start date is after your course has finished
• you’re studying for a PhD full time, and have been for at least 24 months

Visas that are not eligible

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

• on a visit visa - unless you’ve been doing permitted activities as a sportsperson
• on a short-term student visa
• on a Parent of a Child Student visa
• on a seasonal worker visa
• on a domestic worker in a private household visa
• on immigration bail
• because you were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

You must leave the UK and apply for an International Sportsperson visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories.

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.

Fees

Check the fees for your type of visa.

You’ll also need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. There’s no fee for this.

Apply to switch to an International Sportsperson visa

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it.

Find out how to sign in to your account.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

• use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

• have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

How long it takes

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

You’ll be told if it will take longer, for example if:

• your supporting documents need to be verified
• you need to attend an interview
• your application is complex because of your personal circumstances, for example you have a criminal conviction

If your application is successful

You’ll get an eVisa (a digital record of your identity and immigration status).

Your decision email or letter will tell you how to get access to your eVisa. You’ll need to create a UKVI account.

Source: GOV.UK – Switch to this visa (checked 31 Oct 2026)

Taking a second job

You can take a second job on this visa if you’re working up to 20 hours a week in either:

• the same profession as your main job
• a profession on the Skilled Worker immigration salary list

You can also do unpaid voluntary work.

Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for a new visa. You’ll need to be sponsored by your second employer and get a new certificate of sponsorship.

When to apply for a new visa

You cannot apply for a new visa until you’ve started work with your first sponsor.

You cannot start work with your second sponsor until your visa application has been approved.

How to apply

You must apply online for an International Sportsperson visa.

You must be in the UK to apply.

Documents you’ll need to provide

You need to provide some documents with your application.

You must also provide a letter explaining that you want to change your current permission to stay.

Your letter must state:

• your name
• your date of birth
• your current certificate of sponsorship reference number
• the date when your current permission to stay runs out

Source: GOV.UK – Taking a second job (checked 31 Oct 2026)

Processing times and faster decisions (official)

Standard: Usually 3 weeks (GOV.UK visa processing times).

• Priority service: +£500, usually a decision within 5 working days (settlement, citizenship and family-from-outside-UK: usually 30 working days).
• Super priority service: +£1,000, usually a decision by the end of the next working day after you prove your identity. Not available for citizenship.
• Availability depends on the route, the country and whether you use a UKVCAS centre or the ID Check app; there is a daily limit. You are told at the point of applying whether it is offered.

Source: GOV.UK – Get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application (checked 31 Oct 2026)

How the application works (official)

1. Check eligibility and gather documents (sections above). Sponsored routes: get your CoS/CAS reference first; endorsed routes: get your endorsement first.
2. Apply online on GOV.UK and pay the fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (if it applies) – IHS.
3. Prove your identity: either the UK Immigration: ID Check app (if offered) or an appointment at a visa application centre (outside the UK) or UKVCAS service point (inside the UK) for fingerprints and photo.
4. Upload documents and wait for the decision. Do not travel or leave the UK before a decision if applying from inside the UK – it can withdraw your application.
5. Your permission is issued as an eVisa in your UKVI account; physical BRPs are no longer issued. Link your passport to it and use share codes to prove your rights – GOV.UK eVisas.

Path to settlement (ILR) and citizenship

After 5 years (if granted for longer than 12 months).

Citizenship normally needs ILR (or settled status) held for 12 months – or immediately if married to a British citizen – plus the residence, absences, good character, Life in the UK test (£50) and English B1 requirements. See GOV.UK – Settle in the UK and GOV.UK – Citizenship if you have ILR.