Are you a professional athlete looking to take your career to the next level? Then the United Kingdom might be your perfect destination. As a result of the country’s world-class facilities and thriving sports record, it is increasingly becoming a goal for most athletes like you.
However, the migration and visa application process can be overwhelming and confusing. Thankfully, this article provides all you need to know on how to migrate to the UK with an international sportsperson visa.
From the eligibility benchmarks to the application process, you’re covered! So, sit back, relax, and learn how to bring your dreams of playing sports in the UK to life!
READ: How to Migrate to the UK
Who is Eligible to Migrate to the UK with an International Sportsperson Visa?
You can migrate to the UK with an international sportsperson visa if you are:
- A professional athlete with an endorsement from the UK sport governing body. Also, if you have a proven track record of competing at the highest level in your sport.
- A coach who a UK sports governing body has endorsed. Also, with a verified record of coaching at the highest level.
- A sports official with a track record of officiating at the highest level willing to continue working as a sports official in the UK. Sports officials include referees, umpires, and many more.
- Support staff or a strength and conditioning coach with an endorsement by the UK sports governing body.
Requirements Needed to Migrate to the UK with an International Sportsperson Visa
You must note that the sportsperson visa is only designed for professionals, not amateur athletes or players. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:
Endorsement
First and most importantly, you must have a valid endorsement from the body that governs your sport. You cannot migrate to the UK with the international sportsperson visa without an endorsement. This endorsement proves that you identify as an elite sportsperson. Also, it shows that you have been actively involved in your sport at an advanced level.
Evidence of Achievements
When applying for a UK sportsperson visa, it is also mandated that you provide all evidence of your accomplishments as a sportsperson. The evidence may include the following:
- your performance records,
- proof of your participation in important global competitions, and many more.
Maintenance Funds
You are expected to have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself without requesting any public funds.
Also, you must have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row, the 28th day being within the 31 days of applying for your visa. You will have to show proof of this during your visa application. So, don’t try to play any tricks.
Language Proficiency
The UK government expects that you should be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, at least to an elementary level, before applying for the UK sportsperson visa. For this reason, you may need to take an English language test to verify your proficiency.
Criminal Record Certificate
The UK government requires individuals applying for the sportsperson visa to provide a criminal record certificate. This certificate, also called the police clearance certificate, reveals any criminal convictions an individual has received.
The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that immigrants do not pose a risk to public safety in the UK. Also note that not all criminal convictions translate to visa denial, as they evaluate each case on an individual basis.
READ: How to Migrate to the UK with a Start-Up Visa
The International Sportsperson Visa Validity Period
The United Kingdom offers athletes different sportsperson visa routes, including Skilled Worker and Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visas. The validity period of these visas depends on the particular visa program, the applicant’s employment structure, and other individual circumstances.
The skilled worker visa is for elite sportspeople and coaches funded by a UK employer. The validity of this visa depends on the the length of the employment contract, which is usually a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of three years.
If the athlete or coach wishes to prolong their stay beyond three years, they must apply for a new visa and meet the eligibility requirements.
On the contrary, the Tier 5 visa is designed for sportspeople sponsored by a UK employer for a shorter period. With this visa, you can stay in the UK for up to a year, with an option to extend for an additional year.
Unlike the skilled worker visa, the Tier 5 visa lasts for a minimum of one month and a maximum of 12 months. In addition to the discussed visa programs, the UK also provides visitor visas for sportspeople looking to participate in a sporting event.
The validity period of these visas may vary, depending on the event duration. Also, it may be issued for a few days to several months.
READ: How to Migrate to the UK with a Skilled Worker Visa
Steps to Apply for the UK International Sportsperson Visa
As stated in the introduction, applying for a UK international Sportsperson Visa can be daunting, and we suggest you seek professional help from our migration experts. Below are some easy steps to apply and migrate to the UK with an international sportsperson visa.
1. Check Your Eligibility Status
Before you start any application process, you must meet the eligibility criteria. This includes:
- having a sponsor with a valid skilled worker sponsor license
- being able to verify your remarkable skills
- having a valid certificate of sponsorship,
- evidence of your English language proficiency test, and many more.
2. Submit Your Application Online
Also, you must complete and submit your application online through the UK Home Office. Furthermore, you must provide your details, travel plans, and employment details.
3. Pay for Your Visa
You are mandated to pay your visa fee upon your application submission. The current visa fee for a primary applicant stands at £629. However, you will pay an additional £629 fee for any accompanying dependants.
You must pay the fees in full to avoid any uncertainties in the visa application process. Also, before you pay, we advise you to confirm the latest charges from relevant authorities, as fees are subject to periodic change.
4. Go for Your Biometric Appointment
You may be required to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph, which are part of the application process.
5. Wait for a Decision and Get Your Visa
After submitting your application and attending your biometric appointment, you will have to wait for a decision on your visa application. You must know that the processing time depends on the application center’s workload and your case’s complexity.
Luckily, if your application is successful, you will be issued a visa vignette, which allows you migration into the UK with your international passport.
READ: How to Apply for the UK Spouse Visa
Conclusion
As stated earlier, migrating to the United Kingdom as a sportsperson is an exciting and rewarding journey. The UK provides many opportunities for you to compete or play sports globally and get handsomely rewarded for it.
We hope this article helps you with all you need to increase the odds of a successful visa application and start your journey toward achieving your sporting dreams in the United Kingdom. Finally, remember that the journey of a thousand miles begins with tiny steps. Start getting ready for your move now! With patience and perseverance, you can fulfil your dream of migrating to the UK as an athlete.