Overview
If you meet the necessary criteria and receive endorsement from your sport’s governing body, you can apply for an International Sportsperson visa. This endorsement confirms that you are an elite sportsperson or qualified coach, internationally recognized, and that your employment will contribute to the highest level of development in your sport within the UK. This visa replaces the Sportsperson (T2) visa and the sporting category of the Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting visa (T5).
For individuals from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, there may be an opportunity to apply for the free EU Settlement Scheme if they or their family members were already living in the UK by December 31, 2020. The application deadline for most people was June 30, 2021, but exceptions exist for those with later deadlines or reasonable grounds for being unable to apply on time (such as illness or domestic abuse). It is advisable to check eligibility for the EU Settlement Scheme.
If you do not qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme, you will need a visa to work in the UK. However, Irish citizens are exempt from applying for a visa or for the EU Settlement Scheme.
As an applicant, your employer serves as your sponsor, providing a certificate of sponsorship to confirm their sponsorship of your visa application.
Process time
When applying for a work visa in the UK, you can submit your application up to 3 months before the intended start date, which is specified on your certificate of sponsorship.
As part of the application process, you will need to provide proof of your identity and submit the required documents. It is important to note that scheduling an appointment may require additional time. You will be informed if an appointment is necessary when you begin your application.
After submitting your application online, verifying your identity, and providing the necessary documents, you can typically expect to receive a decision on your visa within 3 weeks if you are outside the UK or within 8 weeks if you are already in the UK. If you require a faster decision and have an appointment, you may have the option to pay for an expedited process. The availability and procedure for this varies depending on whether you are inside or outside the UK.
Cost
There are several costs associated with the application. You, your partner, or children will be required to pay the application fee, the healthcare surcharge (usually £624 per year), and demonstrate sufficient personal savings as per the eligibility requirements. The specific application fee depends on the duration of your intended stay. For stays up to 12 months, the fee is £259 per person. If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, the fee differs based on whether you are applying from outside the UK (£625 per person) or applying within the UK for an extension or change of visa (£719 per person).
Visa Duration
The duration of your visa can be up to 3 years initially, and you can extend it as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. If you have had at least one visa lasting longer than 12 months and have resided in the UK for 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent settlement in the country.