Apply For a Sportperson Visa

The International Sportsperson Visa has replaced the Sportsperson Visa (T2) and offers elite sportspeople long term stay in the UK. This is for athletes and coaches who will be representing and training with UK-based teams.

About The International Sportsperson Visa

The International Sportsperson Visa offers a long-term option for those who may be a part of UK-based sports teams. The International Sportsperson Visa can last for up to 3 years, with the potential to extend if you continue to meet the visa requirements. Depending on their circumstances, sportspeople who spend a limited amount of time in the UK may prefer to apply for shorter-term visas, for example, a Permitted Paid Engagement Visa.

If a sportsperson is due to move to the UK to reside here while training, coaching, or officiating, it is highly advisable to ensure that your application for the Sportsperson Visa has a good chance of acceptance on the first attempt. This will avoid the drawn-out and costly Administrative Review process.

That is where we can help. At QC Immigration we have an experienced team that will be able to assist a sportsperson with their visa application. We will offer helpful guidance and will assist you in putting together a strong and convincing application that clearly highlights your eligibility. This will give you the best chance of acceptance on your first attempt, which will allow you to compete or train in the UK with no disruption to your schedule.

International Sportsperson Visa requirements

Sportspeople seeking long-term stay in the UK must meet a number of requirements in order to successfully apply for an International Sportsperson Visa. It is important to ensure that they do so before applying in order to make the application process as clear and easy as possible.

This visa will require an endorsement from your sport’s governing body. You must contribute towards your sport’s development at the highest level and you must also meet general requirements for a visa with a longer stay. Requirements include:

  • Proof of your knowledge of English (for stays over 12 months)
  • Evidence that you can financially support yourself.
  • A valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
  • History of your travels over the last 5 years.
  • An eligible qualification if you’re switching from a Student Visa.

Note that there may be additional requirements depending on your circumstances and which country you are applying from, such as a tuberculosis test or certified translations of your documents.

This visa offers up to 3 years of stay with an option to extend should you meet – and continue to meet throughout your stay – the eligibility criteria. This offers the sportsperson a route towards a 5-year Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Sponsorship

Teams or organisations looking to bring over sportspeople as employees must obtain a Sponsor Licence; this will also require you to obtain an endorsement from your sport’s governing body. Your sport’s governing body must be recognised and approved by the Home Office.

Meeting requirements for the Sportsperson Visa

It is important to make sure that you are eligible and are able to highlight this to the Home Office when applying for the International Sportsperson Visa. We can help you with this. Book a consultation with us and we will help you put together a comprehensive and convincing application.

Our team with decades of combined experience will be able to put you on the path that gives you the highest likelihood of success with your first visa application.

Other Routes

For sportspeople seeking shorter access to the UK for a single competition or event, there are alternative visa routes that offer shorter periods of stay.

Sports Visitor or (Standard) Visa

If you are coming to join a team or association, typically you will need to be sponsored by an employer. If you are going to be in the UK only for a single event then a Visitor Visa might be appropriate. This visa will allow you to visit the UK for up to 6 months where you will be able to take part in sporting activities or training.

This route is also available for sporting officials, such as referees who may be seeking to access the UK in order to officiate sporting events.

Permitted Paid Engagement Visa

If you only seek to access the UK for a single event the most applicable visa option would be the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa.

It is similar to the Sports Visitor (Standard) Visa although you will only have a single month of stay. Athletes, coaches, and officials can apply for this visa if they only intend on spending a short period in the UK for sporting activities or competitions.

Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Visa

If you require a period of stay between a year and two years but do not intend on staying longer than this or pursuing ILR, you may benefit from the Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Visa.

You will be granted a 12 to 24 months stay, depending on your exchange scheme. You will need a certificate of sponsorship as well as the finances to support yourself in order to successfully apply for this visa.

Have a questions?

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How we work

1
consultation.

We start a discussion by understanding your history, and we will clearly outline the best option available and any recommendations to save you time and costs.

2
instruction.

Once you instruct us to be your legal representative, we will start preparing your case. We may require more information about you to help you more effectively.

3
documents.

Documentation is a crucial part of an immigration application. We will customise a document list to guide your preparation. Your dedicated lawyer will check the documents and advise of any improvements needed.

4
application.

We will complete your application to the Home Office and may also write a cover letter with strong legal arguments where relevant. We may discuss this with you to confirm the final details.

5
submission.

We will submit your application to the Home Office, Court authorities securely. We will represent you as the main point of contact with them for any further requests.

6
interview.

You may sometimes be invited to attend a Home Office interview or Court hearing. While this may sound daunting, we will help you prepare and provide guidance on what questions to expect.

7
decision.

As soon as we receive a decision from the Home Office, we will get in touch with you to share the news.

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What clients say

We did multiple assignments with QC and were very happy with the fast response and results we achieved on our applications.

manish rungta
manish rungta
Google five star client rating

Qiyin was very quick to respond to my inquiries. She was very professional, supportive and helpful. Highly recommended!

Ainul Nadhirah Hanafiah
Ainul Nadhirah Hanafiah
Google five star client rating

Qiyin listened very attentively to my concerns and reassured me. Gave me a lot of insight into how I need to plan my application in a very personal way. Would definitely highly recommend.

Sashi Ganes
Sashi Ganes
Google five star client rating

Very professional team, who helped me gain EU Settled status pre-Brexit using a new Android app. It is refreshing to see that QC-immigration team adopts fast the technology and is on top of all changes in legislation. They got my full trust.

Victoria Rusnac
Victoria Rusnac
Google five star client rating

Hafsah made my application look so simple and easy even though i was doubtful about my case before approaching QC. I can’t believe my ILR application got approved by Home office within 24 hrs of biometric appointment. Thank you Hafsah for helping me get this done.

Shubha Shet
Shubha Shet
Google five star client rating

It was a pleasure working with Qiyin and her team. They were very helpful and responsive all the time. They helped me with my Permanent Residence which was succesful and was received in less than a month. I will work with them again in the future, so I strongly recommend this Immigration office to everyone.

Nasos Balasis
Nasos Balasis
Google five star client rating

Definitely the best law firm I've ever dealt with. Hafsah Awan is an amazing lawyer, she is extremely professional, she truly cares, and gives great advise to ensure all goes smoothly. My entire process with Hafsah went really well, and we successfully got our Start-up visas to the UK, many thanks to Hafsah for her great efforts. I also loved that they are very responsive, to emails, calls, etc. Qiyin Chuah, the founder, actually helped me in the last moment during her weekend, I was very thankful for that, as not many people would even get back to you during the weekend. Overall, an amazing law firm, I'm very pleased, and I truly wish Hafsah, Qiyin, and the rest of QC Immigration team all the best, God bless you all :)

Ahmad Agha
Ahmad Agha
Google five star client rating

I had an exploratory conversation with QC Immigration. Qiyin was professional and personable throughout our conversation, explaining clearly the current criteria and regulatory considerations to keep in mind. I would have no reservations in appointing them for representation should there ever be a need, as Qiyin provided from the outset, the calm assurance of having the knowledge, experience and an individual approach that I strongly value.

May Loke
May Loke
Google five star client rating

Very good service and professional company! I contact them trough a friend because I had problem with a Family Visa in Scotland, they helped me and advised in all the process and they solved what I needed to solve so quick. Specially Qiyin and Marianna. I would always come back to them again if I needed and also recommend them. As I said, very good and Professional.

Martin Nicolas Camaño Martin
Martin Nicolas Camaño Martin
Google five star client rating

Both my fiancé and I used QC Immigration this year for our new visa and naturalisation applications, respectively, and were very happy with the service. Our main point of contact was Marianna, who was very prompt and thorough in her preparation of our applications and helpful throughout every step of the process with our concerns, etc. Highly recommend QC Immigration. Thank you again, Marianna!

Sarah Monaco
Sarah Monaco
Google five star client rating

My friend had recommended QC Immigration and I was not disappointed! Marianna was my main point of contact and she was kind, prompt and very efficient. I had a lot of questions and Marianna was very quick in replying to me. I would definitely recommend QC Immigration.

Malulie Tongprasert
Malulie Tongprasert
Google five star client rating

They were extremely professional and thorough throughout the application process. I even shared my travel plans and they worked based on my timelines, which based on experience, most companies don't prioritise. Highly recommend working with them if you want to be stress free and want your application handled with care.

Shruthi Padmanabhan
Shruthi Padmanabhan
Google five star client rating

I have been using QC Immigration to help prepare for my partner's Proposed Civil Partnership Visa application. We have been dealing with Marianna since January, and have found her to be extremely professional, knowledgeable and personable. She has always responded to my queries and concerns, (however neurotic!) and she has paid great attention to detail. It has been an invaluable service, and should our application be successful in this instance, I will not hesitate to appoint QC Immigration again to assist with the next stages. Many thanks again for your hard work and for showing us such an understanding and caring attitude! :)

Bethany Taylor-James
Bethany Taylor-James
Google five star client rating

My partner and I recently used QC Immigration when applying for a UK partner visa. They were very professional throughout and dealt with all questions and queries accordingly. Marianna was our main point of contact and was extremely diligent and reassuring throughout the process. We appreciated their attention to detail and extensive knowledge of UK immigration law and would highly recommend them to any prospective clients.

Eliot Parker
Eliot Parker
Google five star client rating

FAQ

How long does it take to get a decision?

The Home Office will typically give you a decision within 8 weeks of the application date if you are in the UK, or 3 weeks if you’re outside the UK. Priority services may be available for an additional fee.

What happens if my Sportsperson Visa is rejected?

If your visa is rejected, you may lodge an Administrative Review. This would depend on the merits of your case and can be both costly and time-consuming. It is advisable to bring on legal assistance if your visa has been rejected so that you can put forward a comprehensive and convincing case in order to increase the likelihood of the Home Office reconsidering its decision.

Can I bring my family to the UK on a Sportsperson Visa?

You can bring dependants on an International Sportsperson Visa. This means that you can bring your partner and children under the age of 18 (unless they are already residing in the UK and you are switching to a Sportsperson Visa from another visa). They will need to apply separately from your visa application.

How do I apply for the Sportsperson Visa?

All applications are made online, on the Home Office website. You will need to check that you have all the required documents before applying.

How much will my Sportsperson Visa cost?

The cost of your visa may depend on the duration of your stay and whether you are applying from outside the UK or switching visas in the UK.If you’re staying up to 12 months, the fee is £259 per person.If you’re staying for longer than 12 months, it costs:£625 per person if applying from outside the UK£719 per person if applying from inside the UK to extend or switchGet in touch if you would like more guidance.Make sure you also consider additional costs, such as the Immigration Health Surcharge, biometrics, any translations required or legal fees.

Can I extend a Sportsperson Visa?

A Sportsperson Visa can be extended if you wish to stay longer. The extension application should be made before the visa expires. Dependants may also apply to extend at the same time or prior to visa expiry.

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