Immigration and Asylum
Professional sport has its own immigration requirements. International Sportsperson is the current route for eligible elite sportspeople and qualified coaches whose work will develop their sport in the UK at the highest level. SJS can help you and the sponsoring organisation understand the endorsement, sponsorship and application stages.
Understanding your next steps
The relevant sports governing body must endorse the application. Its assessment is separate from the immigration application and concerns the required sporting standard. A club contract or an invitation to compete does not replace that endorsement.
The employer acts as sponsor and provides the certificate of sponsorship. We can review the immigration requirements, including the intended period of permission, financial evidence and any English language requirement applicable to the application.
Playing, coaching, additional work and business activity are subject to the conditions of the visa. If the arrangement involves several clubs, a second job or a later change, these details should be raised before an application is submitted.
A clear way forward
Provide the contract or offer, the proposed duties, your immigration history and any governing body correspondence already received.
We identify the sponsorship and endorsement documents needed and explain the applicant's requirements alongside the employer's responsibilities.
We agree the legal work and review the evidence, including any separate applications for eligible partners or children.
Planning ahead
We will identify the legal fees for the agreed application work. Home Office charges depend on the application and period requested; the healthcare surcharge and any separate endorsement costs may also need budgeting.
Build endorsement and sponsorship into the season or contract timetable. The intended start date must be consistent with the application rules. A scheduled fixture does not guarantee that a visa decision will arrive in time.
Read our published Price Guide, then contact us to confirm the work you need and the costs involved.
View Price GuideUseful to know
It is the current route that replaced Sportsperson T2 and the sporting part of the former Temporary Worker Creative and Sporting route.
No. Governing body endorsement and the route's elite sportsperson or qualified coach criteria must be met, as well as the sponsorship and immigration requirements.
Eligible partners and children may apply as dependants. Their documents and requirements need to be checked as part of the family's plans.
It may, if the qualifying period and other conditions are met. The length and type of previous permission matter, so settlement should be checked individually.
General information about UK immigration. Contact us for advice about your circumstances.
SJS Solicitors · Balham
