A1.45 International Sportsperson Visa
This visa is for recognised elite sportspersons or qualified coaches, aiming to drive the development of UK sports at the highest level through your employment.
Your application must be endorsed by the governing body of your sport, confirming that you:
Are an elite sportsperson or qualified coach
Have international standing
Your employment will contribute to the development of your sport in the UK
This visa has replaced the former Sportsperson (T2) visa and the sporting component of the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5).
Your employer (e.g., sports club, sporting institution) will act as your sponsor.
Your sponsor will provide you with a certificate of sponsorship reference number to verify their employment of you.
You can submit your application up to 3 months before the start date of your UK employment as specified on your certificate of sponsorship.
You may be able to pay an additional fee to obtain a faster decision on your application.
Generally £1,035 per person per year of stay.
You must demonstrate that you hold at least £1,270 in personal savings, with the following conditions:
You have been residing in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months.
Your employer confirms on the certificate of sponsorship that they will cover your living expenses for the first month (up to £1,270).
The visa can be granted for a maximum of 3 years and can be extended as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. After 5 years of cumulative residence, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
Work for your sponsor in the role outlined in your certificate of sponsorship.
Take on a second job under specific circumstances (see detailed requirements below).
Represent your national team in competitions in the UK.
Work as a sports broadcaster.
Undertake voluntary work.
Study provided it does not interfere with your sponsored employment.
Travel abroad and re-enter the UK freely.
Bring your eligible partner and children to the UK as your dependants.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Hold a valid certificate of sponsorship reference number.
English Language Proficiency: If applying for a stay of more than 12 months, you will usually need to prove your English language ability (see details below).
Sufficient Funds: Have at least £1,270 in personal savings (unless exempt).
Travel History: Provide a record of your travel over the past 5 years.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test: If you are from a listed country, you must provide a valid TB test result.
Endorsement from Sport Governing Body: This is a key document confirming that you meet the standards for being an elite sportsperson or coach.
You only need to reach CEFR Level A1 (listening and speaking skills).
Nationals from major English-speaking countries (e.g., the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.) are exempt from this requirement.
Certificate of sponsorship reference number.
(If applicable) Proof of English language proficiency.
Proof of personal savings (e.g., bank statements).
Valid passport and old passports (to show travel history).
(If applicable) TB test result.
Endorsement letter from the relevant sport governing body.
All documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Applications must be submitted online.
Verify your identity via the UK Immigration: ID Check App or by attending a visa application centre to provide biometric information.
You can switch to this visa from most other visas while in the UK, though student visa holders must meet specific conditions (e.g., completion of their course).
For visa renewal, you must obtain a new endorsement from the sport governing body and a new certificate of sponsorship.
Your dependants include your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner (with proof of cohabitation for at least 2 years, etc.), and children under the age of 18.
Dependants must submit a separate application.
Dependants can work in the UK (excluding roles as sportspersons or coaches), study, and travel in and out of the UK freely. They may also apply for indefinite leave to remain if they meet the eligibility criteria. They cannot claim public funds.
Children born in the UK to visa holders do not automatically acquire British nationality and must apply for a dependant visa separately.
You may take on a second job for up to 20 hours per week if it meets one of the following criteria:
If you wish to take on a second job that does not meet the above conditions, you must apply for a new visa with sponsorship from a second employer.
High Eligibility Threshold: This visa is exclusively designed for internationally recognised elite sportspersons and coaches, making it inaccessible to ordinary sports practitioners.
Endorsement Letter is Critical: The endorsement letter from the relevant UK sport governing body is the core of your application, verifying your talent and value to UK sports development.
Long-term Settlement Route: As a long-term work visa, it offers a clear path to indefinite leave to remain after 5 years, which is highly attractive to top-tier athletes.
Low English Language Requirement: With only a CEFR A1 level required, it has one of the lowest English standards among all long-term work visas in the UK.
Clear Restrictions on Second Jobs: Limited part-time work is permitted, but there are strict restrictions on the field and hours; any work beyond these limits requires a new visa application