This comprehensive International Sportsperson Visa UK guide covers everything elite athletes and qualified coaches need to know about working in the United Kingdom in 2026. Whether you're a professional footballer, rugby player, cricketer, or coach, this guide explains the UK sports visa requirements, application process, current fees (updated April 2025), and the pathway to permanent residency. Since Brexit ended freedom of movement, all international athletes—including EU nationals—now require this visa to compete professionally in the UK.
International Sportsperson Visa UK: Complete Guide 2026
The International Sportsperson Visa is the primary immigration route for elite athletes and coaches seeking to work in the United Kingdom. Introduced in October 2021, this visa replaced the former Tier 2 Sportsperson and Tier 5 Creative and Sporting visas, consolidating them into a single, streamlined route.
Since Brexit ended freedom of movement in January 2021, all international athletes—including those from EU countries—must obtain an International Sportsperson Visa to compete professionally in the UK. This represents a fundamental shift in how clubs recruit overseas talent, with Premier League, Championship, and other professional teams now required to navigate the visa system for all non-British players.
What Are the UK Sports Visa Requirements?
To qualify for an International Sportsperson Visa UK, you must be at least 16 years old, have endorsement from your sport's governing body confirming elite status, hold a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer, demonstrate £1,270 in savings (unless sponsor-certified), meet English language requirements for stays over 12 months (CEFR A1), and pass a TB test if required.
The UK sports visa eligibility requirements are designed to ensure only genuinely elite athletes and coaches can access this immigration route. The Home Office assesses applications based on several key criteria:
Core Eligibility Requirements
- Age: Must be at least 16 years old
- Elite Status: Internationally recognised as an elite sportsperson or qualified coach
- Governing Body Endorsement: Required from the relevant UK sports governing body (e.g., FA for football)
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Valid CoS from a Home Office licensed sponsor
- Financial Requirement: £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days (or sponsor certification)
- English Language: CEFR Level A1 (speaking and listening) for stays over 12 months
- TB Test: Required if applying from a listed country
Visa Duration Options
The International Sportsperson Visa is available in two durations, determined by the length of your employment contract:
Your visa will be granted for the duration stated in your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, or the maximum duration for your visa type, whichever is shorter. For those not meeting the elite criteria, the Skilled Worker visa may be an alternative route, though it has different requirements including a higher salary threshold.
What is a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE)?
A Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) is confirmation from the relevant UK sports governing body that an athlete is internationally established at the highest level and will make a significant contribution to their sport in the UK. For football, the FA uses a points-based system requiring 15 points across criteria including international appearances, domestic league quality, and club performance.
The governing body endorsement is a critical requirement unique to the International Sportsperson Visa. Each sport maintains its own criteria for what constitutes "elite" status. Before your sponsor can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, you must first secure endorsement from the relevant governing body.
UK Sports Governing Bodies
Football GBE Points System
For professional footballers, the FA employs a sophisticated points-based assessment. Players require a total of 15 points across multiple criteria including international appearances, domestic league quality (FIFA ranking), club league position, and continental competition participation. If a player achieves between 10-14 points, clubs can submit to an Exceptions Panel demonstrating "exceptional circumstances."
How Much Does an International Sportsperson Visa Cost in 2026?
International Sportsperson Visa fees in 2026 range from £319 (up to 12 months) to £885 (over 12 months, in-UK applications). Additionally, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year for adults or £776 for under-18s. Optional priority processing costs £500 (5 working days) or £1,000 (next working day). Employers pay separate Certificate of Sponsorship fees of £55-£525.
The UK visa fees for the International Sportsperson route were updated in April 2025. Fees vary depending on the visa duration and whether you're applying from inside or outside the UK:
Visa Application Fees (April 2025 onwards)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
All International Sportsperson Visa applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge to access NHS healthcare:
- Adults (18+): £1,035 per year
- Under 18s: £776 per year
- 3-year visa (adult): £3,105 total
- 3-year visa (under 18): £2,328 total
Employer/Sponsor Costs
Clubs and organisations sponsoring athletes also incur costs. From April 2025, Certificate of Sponsorship fees increased significantly:
- Visa application fee: £769
- IHS (3 years): £3,105
- Total applicant cost: £3,874
- Plus employer CoS fee: £525
How to Apply for an International Sportsperson Visa UK
The UK sports visa application process involves several steps. You can apply up to 3 months before your start date listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship:
- Step 1: Secure Governing Body Endorsement from your sport's authority
- Step 2: Obtain Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK club/employer
- Step 3: Complete online application on gov.uk
- Step 4: Pay visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Step 5: Book and attend biometrics appointment at a VAC
- Step 6: Submit supporting documents (passport, TB test, English evidence)
- Step 7: Wait for decision and receive eVisa confirmation
How Long Does UK Sports Visa Processing Take?
Standard UK visa processing time for International Sportsperson applications is approximately 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and up to 8 weeks for in-country applications. Priority service (£500) aims for a decision within 5 working days, while Super Priority (£1,000) targets next working day decisions.
Processing times can vary during peak transfer windows (summer and January) when application volumes increase. Clubs should factor visa processing periods into their recruitment timelines, particularly for players needing to be registered before competition deadlines.
What Can You Do on an International Sportsperson Visa?
Once approved, visa holders can undertake the following activities:
- Work: In the sponsored role specified on your CoS
- Represent national team: During their UK visit
- BUCS competitions: British Universities & Colleges Sport events
- Sports broadcasting: Temporary commentary/punditry engagements
- Supplementary work: Up to 20 hours/week in same profession or shortage occupation
- Study: Provided it doesn't interfere with sponsored employment
- Voluntary work: Unpaid charitable activities
- Travel: In and out of the UK freely
- Bring dependants: Partner and children can apply to join you
Settlement and ILR for International Sportspersons
After five years of continuous residence in the UK, International Sportsperson Visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as permanent residence or settlement.
ILR Requirements for Sportspersons
- 5 years continuous residence: On qualifying visa routes
- Absence limit: No more than 180 days outside UK in any 12-month period
- Minimum salary: £35,800 per year from main sponsored job
- English language: CEFR Level B1 (unless exempt)
- Life in the UK test: Required for ages 18-64
- Continued endorsement: Still needed for your sport
- ILR fee: £3,029 (2026)
After holding ILR for 12 months, sportspersons become eligible to apply for British citizenship. If married to a British citizen, you may be eligible immediately after receiving ILR.
Family Members and Dependants
International Sportsperson Visa holders can bring their partner (spouse, civil partner, or partner of 2+ years) and dependent children under 18 to the UK. Dependants have their own financial requirements:
- Partner: £285 maintenance funds
- First child: £315 maintenance funds
- Each additional child: £200 maintenance funds
Dependants can work in most occupations (except as sportspersons or coaches), study, and travel freely. They must apply for ILR separately after 5 years and meet the Life in the UK test and English language requirements.
- Visa fees range from £319 (short-term) to £885 (in-UK extension) plus £1,035/year IHS
- Governing Body Endorsement required before sponsor can issue CoS
- Standard processing takes 3 weeks (outside UK) or 8 weeks (inside UK)
- ILR available after 5 years with £35,800 minimum salary
- Post-Brexit: All EU and non-EU athletes need this visa for professional sport
For official guidance, visit the gov.uk International Sportsperson Visa page or consult the Immigration Rules Appendix International Sportsperson.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Sportsperson Visa UK?
The International Sportsperson Visa is a UK work visa designed for elite athletes and qualified coaches who are internationally recognised in their sport. It replaced the former Tier 2 Sportsperson and Tier 5 Creative and Sporting visas in October 2021. The visa allows stays of up to 3 years per grant and provides a pathway to permanent settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence.
How much does an International Sportsperson Visa cost in 2026?
The visa fee ranges from £319 (up to 12 months) to £885 (over 12 months, in-UK extension). Additionally, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year for adults (£776 for under-18s). Priority processing costs an extra £500 (5 working days) or £1,000 (next working day). For a 3-year visa, expect to pay approximately £3,874 total including IHS.
What are the UK sports visa requirements?
You must be at least 16 years old, have endorsement from your sport's governing body confirming elite status, hold a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer, demonstrate £1,270 in savings (unless sponsor-certified), meet English language requirements (CEFR A1) for stays over 12 months, and pass a TB test if applying from a listed country.
How long does UK sports visa processing take?
Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and up to 8 weeks for in-country applications (extensions or switches). Priority service (£500 extra) aims for a decision within 5 working days, while Super Priority (£1,000 extra) targets next working day decisions. Processing times may be longer during peak transfer windows.
What is a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE)?
A Governing Body Endorsement is confirmation from the relevant UK sports authority (e.g., FA for football, ECB for cricket) that an athlete is internationally established at the highest level and will significantly contribute to UK sport. For football, the FA uses a 15-point system based on international appearances, league quality, and club performance. The endorsement must be obtained before a sponsor can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Can I extend my International Sportsperson Visa?
Yes, you can extend your visa for up to 3 years at a time, provided you continue to meet eligibility criteria. You'll need a renewed endorsement from your governing body and a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer. The extension fee is £885 for stays over 12 months (in-UK applications). Apply before your current visa expires to maintain continuous residence status.
Can my family join me on a UK sports visa?
Yes, your partner (spouse, civil partner, or partner of 2+ years) and dependent children under 18 can apply as your dependants. They must meet financial requirements: £285 for partner, £315 for first child, £200 for each additional child. Dependants can work in most jobs (but not as sportspersons or coaches), study, and travel freely. Their visa ends on the same date as yours.
How do I qualify for settlement (ILR) as a sportsperson?
After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK on qualifying visas, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Requirements include: earning at least £35,800 per year from your main sponsored job, no more than 180 days abroad in any 12-month period, English language at CEFR B1 level, and passing the Life in the UK test. The ILR fee is £3,029. After 12 months with ILR, you can apply for British citizenship.