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
- Secure Your Endorsement
- Contact the relevant UK sport governing body to apply for an endorsement.
- Ensure you meet all requirements for approval.
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Your UK employer or sponsor must issue you a CoS, containing a unique reference number.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- Pay the Fees
- Application fees (detailed below).
- Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS), if applicable.
- Await a Decision
- Processing times are usually:
- 3 weeks for applications submitted outside the UK.
- 8 weeks for applications submitted inside the UK.
- Processing times are usually:
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:
- Eligibility Check: We confirm your eligibility, including endorsement and sponsorship criteria.
- Document Review: Assistance with preparing and reviewing all necessary documents to avoid errors or delays.
- Application Support: Step-by-step guidance to complete and submit your application with confidence.
- Dependants Assistance: Support with applications for your partner and children.
- 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.
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
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