UK International Sportsperson Visa (T2)

Guide to the UK International Sportsperson Visa (T2)

The UK International Sportsperson Visa is designed for elite athletes and qualified coaches who are internationally established and whose employment will contribute to the development of their sport in the UK at the highest level. This visa replaced the former Sportsperson (T2) visa and the sporting part of the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5).

Eligibility Requirements of the UK International Sportsperson Visa

To qualify for the UK International Sportsperson Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Endorsement

  • You must obtain an endorsement from your sport's governing body in the UK. The governing body must confirm:
    • You are an elite sportsperson or qualified coach.
    • You are internationally established.
    • Your employment will contribute significantly to the development of your sport in the UK.

A list of approved sport governing bodies can be found on the UK Government’s website.

2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

  • You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-based sponsor (e.g., a professional club, organisation, or institution).
  • The CoS must detail your role, employment period, and salary.

3. English Language Proficiency

  • If you are applying for a visa to stay for more than 12 months, you must prove your knowledge of English by:
    • Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
    • Having a degree taught in English or a recognised qualification equivalent to a UK degree.
    • Having GCSE, A-level, or Scottish National qualifications obtained in the UK.

Exemptions apply for certain nationalities or if your role qualifies under specific conditions.

4. Financial Maintenance

  • You must demonstrate you have enough money to support yourself in the UK, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance on your CoS.
  • This typically means showing at least:
    • £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days.

5. Tuberculosis Test

  • If you are applying from a country requiring tuberculosis tests, you must provide a valid TB test certificate.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Secure Your Endorsement

    • Contact the relevant UK sport governing body to apply for an endorsement.
    • Ensure you meet all requirements for approval.
  2. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

    • Your UK employer or sponsor must issue you a CoS, containing a unique reference number.
  3. Prepare Your Supporting Documents

    • A valid passport or travel document.
    • Your endorsement letter from the governing body.
    • Your CoS reference number.
    • Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).
    • Evidence of financial maintenance (if applicable).
    • Tuberculosis test certificate (if required).
  4. Submit Your Application Online

    • Apply through the official UK Government website.
    • If you are applying from within the UK (extending or switching visas), ensure your current visa allows for this.
  5. Provide Biometric Information

    • Attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app (if eligible) to verify your identity.
  6. Pay the Fees

    • Application fees (detailed below).
    • Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS), if applicable.
  7. Await a Decision

    • Processing times are usually:
      • 3 weeks for applications submitted outside the UK.
      • 8 weeks for applications submitted inside the UK.

UK International Sportsperson Visa Fees

The government fees for the UK International Sportsperson Visa are made up of two parts:

Visa Application Fees:

    • Up to 12 months: £298.
    • More than 12 months:
      • From outside the UK: £719.
      • From inside the UK (extensions/switching): £827.

    Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

    • £1,035 per year for most applicants.

    Priority or Super Priority Processing (Optional):

    • Priority: £500 for processing within 5 working days
    • Super Priority: £1,000 for next-working-day decisions.

    Duration of Visa

    • The visa can be granted for:
      • Up to 3 years initially, with the option to extend for another 3 years.
      • After 5 years, visa holders may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided they meet the settlement criteria.

  • Dependants

    • Who Qualifies as a Dependant?

      • Your partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner).
      • Your children under 18 (or over 18 if they are already in the UK as your dependant).
    • Application Process for Dependants:

      • Each dependant must submit a separate visa application and pay the required fees.

    Rights and Restrictions

    What You Can Do:

    • Work in the role specified on your CoS.
    • Take on additional work, subject to some restrictions.
    • Study in the UK.
    • Bring eligible dependants to the UK.
    • Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.

    What You Cannot Do:

    • Access public funds (e.g., benefits).
    • Change jobs or employers without applying to update your visa.

    How Immtell Can Help

    Here at Immtell we simplify the UK International Sportsperson Visa process, ensuring your application is accurate and meets all requirements. Here's how we can help:

    1. Eligibility Check: We confirm your eligibility, including endorsement and sponsorship criteria.
    2. Document Review: Assistance with preparing and reviewing all necessary documents to avoid errors or delays.
    3. Application Support: Step-by-step guidance to complete and submit your application with confidence.
    4. Dependants Assistance: Support with applications for your partner and children.
    5. Ongoing Advice: Help with visa extensions, settlement applications, and navigating UK immigration rules.

    Contact Immtell today to ensure your visa application is smooth, compliant, and successful.

    Ready to start your application?

    Contact Immtell today for expert assistance with your UK International Sportsperson Visa.

    Further Reading

    UK Sports Visitor Visa

    UK Sports Visitor Visa: Participate in the UK's Thriving Sports Scene with a Sports Visa

    Guide to Successfully Obtaining a UK Work Visa in 2025

    How to Obtain a Work Visa for the UK in 2025

    How to Get a Work Visa in the UK

    Updated Guide to Getting a Work Visa for the UK (2025)

    UK Skilled Worker Visa

    UK Skilled Worker Visa: Navigate to Working in the UK

    UK Skilled Worker Dependant Visa Process

    Building a Future Together: Navigating the UK Skilled Worker Dependant Visa Process

    The UK Immigration Process: A Guide for Newcomers

    Your Essential Guide to Navigating the UK Immigration Process with Confidence

    It’s been a game changer

    "We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

    Richard Lee, Property Management

    Gavin is AMAZING!

    He showed up on time, he is extremely informed about the whole immigration process and provides valuable insights and provides a plethora of options for your specific case. Definitely would work with him again!

    Alicia Cedron

    I don't have words...

    I don't have words to thank Gavin and his team. I have been struggling to get my priority slot for past one month. But Gavin made it happen in just one day. It completely feels like magic come live. Thanks a lot Immtell team for your help. Do the same and fantastic work in future. All the best.

    Anbu Arasan

    Turnaround incredibly quick!

    We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

    Hannah

    Smooth & Fast Service

    Gavin has been truly amazing in assisting me with my priority cos slots. I have been trying for more than 3 weeks to get one but couldn’t. Gavin helped me get it in very first attempt. It was lovely working with him. Definitely would recommend him if you want a smooth and fast service.

    Damini Naidu

    It’s been a game changer

    "We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

    Richard Lee, Property Management

    Gavin is AMAZING!

    He showed up on time, he is extremely informed about the whole immigration process and provides valuable insights and provides a plethora of options for your specific case. Definitely would work with him again!

    Alicia Cedron

    I don't have words...

    I don't have words to thank Gavin and his team. I have been struggling to get my priority slot for past one month. But Gavin made it happen in just one day. It completely feels like magic come live. Thanks a lot Immtell team for your help. Do the same and fantastic work in future. All the best.

    Anbu Arasan

    Turnaround incredibly quick!

    We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

    Hannah

    Smooth & Fast Service

    Gavin has been truly amazing in assisting me with my priority cos slots. I have been trying for more than 3 weeks to get one but couldn’t. Gavin helped me get it in very first attempt. It was lovely working with him. Definitely would recommend him if you want a smooth and fast service.

    Damini Naidu

    It’s been a game changer

    "We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

    Richard Lee, Property Management

    Gavin is AMAZING!

    He showed up on time, he is extremely informed about the whole immigration process and provides valuable insights and provides a plethora of options for your specific case. Definitely would work with him again!

    Alicia Cedron

    I don't have words...

    I don't have words to thank Gavin and his team. I have been struggling to get my priority slot for past one month. But Gavin made it happen in just one day. It completely feels like magic come live. Thanks a lot Immtell team for your help. Do the same and fantastic work in future. All the best.

    Anbu Arasan

    Turnaround incredibly quick!

    We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

    Hannah

    Smooth & Fast Service

    Gavin has been truly amazing in assisting me with my priority cos slots. I have been trying for more than 3 weeks to get one but couldn’t. Gavin helped me get it in very first attempt. It was lovely working with him. Definitely would recommend him if you want a smooth and fast service.

    Damini Naidu

    It’s been a game changer

    "We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

    Richard Lee, Property Management

    Gavin is AMAZING!

    He showed up on time, he is extremely informed about the whole immigration process and provides valuable insights and provides a plethora of options for your specific case. Definitely would work with him again!

    Alicia Cedron

    I don't have words...

    I don't have words to thank Gavin and his team. I have been struggling to get my priority slot for past one month. But Gavin made it happen in just one day. It completely feels like magic come live. Thanks a lot Immtell team for your help. Do the same and fantastic work in future. All the best.

    Anbu Arasan

    Turnaround incredibly quick!

    We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

    Hannah

    Smooth & Fast Service

    Gavin has been truly amazing in assisting me with my priority cos slots. I have been trying for more than 3 weeks to get one but couldn’t. Gavin helped me get it in very first attempt. It was lovely working with him. Definitely would recommend him if you want a smooth and fast service.

    Damini Naidu

    It’s been a game changer

    "We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

    Richard Lee, Property Management

    Gavin is AMAZING!

    He showed up on time, he is extremely informed about the whole immigration process and provides valuable insights and provides a plethora of options for your specific case. Definitely would work with him again!

    Alicia Cedron

    I don't have words...

    I don't have words to thank Gavin and his team. I have been struggling to get my priority slot for past one month. But Gavin made it happen in just one day. It completely feels like magic come live. Thanks a lot Immtell team for your help. Do the same and fantastic work in future. All the best.

    Anbu Arasan

    Turnaround incredibly quick!

    We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

    Hannah

    Smooth & Fast Service

    Gavin has been truly amazing in assisting me with my priority cos slots. I have been trying for more than 3 weeks to get one but couldn’t. Gavin helped me get it in very first attempt. It was lovely working with him. Definitely would recommend him if you want a smooth and fast service.

    Damini Naidu

    It’s been a game changer

    "We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

    Richard Lee, Property Management

    Gavin is AMAZING!

    He showed up on time, he is extremely informed about the whole immigration process and provides valuable insights and provides a plethora of options for your specific case. Definitely would work with him again!

    Alicia Cedron

    I don't have words...

    I don't have words to thank Gavin and his team. I have been struggling to get my priority slot for past one month. But Gavin made it happen in just one day. It completely feels like magic come live. Thanks a lot Immtell team for your help. Do the same and fantastic work in future. All the best.

    Anbu Arasan

    Turnaround incredibly quick!

    We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

    Hannah

    Smooth & Fast Service

    Gavin has been truly amazing in assisting me with my priority cos slots. I have been trying for more than 3 weeks to get one but couldn’t. Gavin helped me get it in very first attempt. It was lovely working with him. Definitely would recommend him if you want a smooth and fast service.

    Damini Naidu