If you are an international sportsperson or qualified coach, then you could be eligible for the UK Sportsperson Visa (T2) if you will be making a contribution to the development of your sport whilst in the country.
A Sportsperson Visa 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.
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.
The Sportsperson Visa is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system, to be eligible an applicant must score at least 70 points.
You can score 50 points by getting a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to prove to the Home Office that you have a job offer in the UK. You will need to prove that the role you will be doing will make a significant contribution to the development of your sport and that you are:
You must get your endorsement from your sports governing body and to be able to issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship they hold a sponsor licence to employ overseas workers.
A further 10 points can be scored by meeting the English language requirements. Applicants for a sportsperson visa don’t have to meet the same English language requirements as applicants for other work visas. Instead of being able to pass an accredited English test at CEFR level B1, Sportspersons can be eligible as long as they pass at at least level A1.
The final 10 points can be scored by meeting the maintenance requirements. You will need to prove that you can support yourself financially whilst in the UK. To do this you will need to show that you have had at least £1,270 in your bank account for a continuous period of at least 28 days within 31 days of applying for your visa.
The Sportsperson Visa allows you to work in the UK in the job described on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). As well as this you can also:
This visa also allows you to bring your family members with you to the UK. The dependents that you can bring with you include your partner and any children that are eligible.
Whilst the Sportsperson Visa does open up many opportunities in the UK, there are some limitations. You cannot access public funds whilst you are here and you also cannot start or run a business or apply for a second job until you have started working for your sponsor.
You can apply for a visa to work as a Sportsperson in the United Kingdom up to 3 months before you intend to travel here. The application process can be complicated, as well as filling in the application form you will need to be able to prove to the Home Office that you can meet all of the eligibility requirements. To do this, you will need to provide a substantia portfolio of supporting documents.
Our expert immigration lawyers have decades of experience and are trained in all areas of immigration law. They can help you understand if you are eligible for a Sportsperson Visa and can offer professional immigration advice about all of the options available to you. Our lawyers can arrange and organise your Certificate of Sponsorship and liaise with your UK Sponsor and Sport’s Governing Body. Our services also include thorough document checks and the completion of your application form.
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Yes, you can apply to extend your Sportsperson Visa providing that you still meet the eligibility requirements. You will need to renew your endorsement from your Sport’s governing body and will also need a new Certificate of Sponsorship. If you do wish to extend your visa, you will need to apply before your current visa expires. If your application is successful, you will be able to continue to work in the UK for another 3 years and 14 days.
After this extension, you must leave the UK. You can only apply for the Sportsperson Visa again if you will have an annual salary of at least £35,800. However, if you have lived in the UK continuously for 5 years or more and would like to stay, you could be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain. To find out whether you could be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain, speak with our immigration lawyers today.
Yes – you can work or do voluntary work for a second employer while in the UK on a Sportsperson Visa. However, this work cannot impact your role as a sportsperson and you must not begin this job until you have begun working for your registered sponsor.
Our team of expert immigration lawyers can help you find out if you are eligible for a Sportsperson Visa.
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Contact one of our immigration advisers using our online enquiry form or by calling us now for tailored information on your enquiry and application for a UK Sportsperson Visa.
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