International Sportsperson Visa FAQs

January 1, 2026

The International Sportsperson visa route is for an elite sportsperson or qualified sports coach who is internationally established and can make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at its highest level in the UK.

This is a sponsored route, and therefore the business requires a sponsor licence. The route has both short-term (up to 12 months) and long-term (over 12 months) options. 

There’s a two-stage process to obtain a visa in this route:

  1. Obtain a Governing Body Endorsement from the Governing Body for the relevant sport; and
  2. Apply for entry clearance or permission to stay under the International Sportsperson visa route.

This visa allows elite sportspersons or internationally established qualified sports coaches to live and work in the UK. 

Yes. As part of the application process, you will need to confirm details relating to your employer. Your employer must have a valid sponsor licence and issue you with a Certificate of Sponsorship before you apply for your visa. 

Yes. You can do this through either of the below options:

  • Have a degree level qualification that was taught in English. Ecctis will need to approve that it is valid. 
  • Passing the Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
  • Have a GCSE at A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, or gained it through study at a UK school under the age of 18.

You will need to:

  • proof of English requirement
  • show that you have paid Ecctis to check that your qualification is valid
  • a valid passport

You may also need to provide the following:

  • Your biometric residence permit (BRP) or online proof of your immigration status if you are swapping from one visa to another
  • proof of your relationship with your partner and children, if they are joining
  • Tuberculosis test results if you are from a qualifying country

The visa can last for up to 3 years. Following the initial grant of leave, you can apply to extend your visa, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements. 

Yes, subject to meeting eligibility requirements, you can apply for your partner and children aged under 18 to join you as your dependents.  

You may be eligible to apply for another visa, like the Skilled Worker Visa. 

Yes, international sportspersons who have, at any point in the preceding 5 years, been granted leave as an international sportsperson for a period exceeding 12 months, can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years’ continuous residence in the UK. 

Yes. Current processing times are 8 weeks when applying from inside the UK, or 3 weeks when applying from overseas. For an additional fee, you can prioritise your application and receive an expedited decision. Please note: these timeframes are a guideline, and some applications do take longer to receive a decision.

The fees charged by Home Office can be found on their official website here. You will also need to pay the healthcare surcharge, found on the Home Office website. 

Yes. You will need to attend an appointment at your nearest visa centre to have your photograph taken and to submit your fingerprints. This is for your visa. 

How can we help

We provide expert, personalised immigration advice to both individuals and businesses. With our strong working relationship with the Home Office, we are well placed to efficiently manage and progress Skilled Worker visa applications.

Contact us to speak with one of our experienced immigration specialists and find out how we can support you.

Usof Shah
Legal Director, Immigration
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This reflects the law and market position at the date of publication and is written as a general guide. It does not contain definitive legal advice, which should be sought in relation to a specific matter.

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