International Sportsperson Visa

You can apply for an International Sportsperson visa if all of the following conditions apply:

you are an elite sportsman or a qualified coach, recognized by the governing body of your sport as at the highest level of your profession internationally
the governing body of your sport is approving your application
your employment will develop your sport in the UK at the highest levels
you meet the other eligibility requirements

What you can and cannot do

You can:

work for your sponsor in the work described in your sponsorship certificate
do a second job under 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 work you are sponsored for
travel abroad and return to the UK
bring your partner and children with you as "dependants", if they are eligible

You cannot:

Your sponsor is your employer. They will give you a sponsorship certificate to prove that they are sponsoring you.

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you should start working in the UK. This date is indicated on your sponsorship certificate.

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

You may need to allow more time if you need an appointment to do so. You will find out if you need it when you start the application.

After applying online, proving your identity and providing documents, you will usually receive a decision on your visa within:

3 weeks, if you are outside the UK.

Your visa can last up to 3 years. You can extend it while you are still eligible.

After 5 years, you may be able to settle permanently in the UK.