International Sportsperson visa
🇬🇧 United Kingdom visas · Work
What it is
For elite sportspeople and qualified coaches endorsed by their sport's governing body to develop their sport in the UK at the highest level.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- Up to 3 years per grant, extendable
- Processing time
- 3–8 weeks
- Maximum validity
- 3 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Direct route
- Dependants
- Yes
- English requirement
- A1 (speaking and listening)
- How to apply
- Online
- Health insurance
- Not required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Health surcharge
- GBP 1,035 per year
- Proof of funds (main applicant; held at least 28 days in a row, day 28…)
- GBP 1,270
- Application fee (up to 12 months)
- GBP 340
- Application fee (longer than 12 months, applying outside the UK)
- GBP 819
- Application fee (longer than 12 months, extend or switch inside the UK)
- GBP 943
Key requirements
- Elite sportsperson or qualified coach internationally established at the highest level
- Endorsement from the recognised UK governing body for your sport
- Job offer and certificate of sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor
- Meet English language requirement (over 12 months)
- Sufficient personal savings
Working on this visa
work for sponsor in the CoS job; second job up to 20 hours/week in same profession or a Skilled Worker immigration salary list profession; can play for national team and work as sports broadcaster; CANNOT start or run a business; cannot…
Bringing family
Your partner and children can also apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.
Money you must show
main applicant; held at least 28 days in a row, day 28…
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 19 July 2026.