Endorsement Criteria for International Sportspersons

To qualify as an International Sportsperson, the applicant must secure an endorsement from the relevant Sports Governing Body listed in Appendix Sports Governing Bodies. The endorsement letter must:

• Verify International Standing: Confirm that the applicant is recognized at the highest international level in their sport.
• Acknowledge Contribution: Specify that the applicant will significantly contribute to the advancement of their sport at the highest level in the UK.
• Provide Endorsement Details: Include the unique endorsement number issued by the Sports Governing Body.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Requirements for International Sportspersons

The applicant must obtain a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from their prospective employer, which must meet the following conditions:

• Detailed Confirmation: Clearly state the applicant’s name, their role as an International Sportsperson, the job details, and the salary offered.
• Timely Assignment: Ensure the CoS was issued before the applicant entered the UK, especially if they last held permission as a Visitor engaged in sporting activities.
• Specified Start Date: The job start date, as declared by the sponsor, must be within three months of the application date.
• Single Use: The CoS must not have been previously used in any approved or refused application. However, it may have been part of a rejected, invalid, or withdrawn application.
• Validity Maintenance: The CoS must not have been withdrawn by the sponsor or canceled by the Home Office.
• Endorsement Number Inclusion: State the unique endorsement number provided by the relevant Sports Governing Body listed in Appendix Sports Governing Bodies.
• UK-Based Intentions: Confirm the applicant’s intention to reside and perform their job in the UK.
• Job Eligibility: Verify that the role matches the applicant’s qualifications and expertise.

Sponsor Requirements

The sponsor must be authorized by the Home Office to employ individuals under the International Sportsperson route and should hold an A-rated status on the Home Office’s register of licensed sponsors. However, if the applicant was previously granted permission under this route and is reapplying to continue with the same sponsor, the A-rated requirement may not apply.

Genuineness Criteria for International Sportsperson Visa Applicants

Applicants seeking to switch to an International Sportsperson visa through Aden & Co Solicitors must:

• Demonstrate a genuine intention and ability to fulfill the specific role for which they are being sponsored.
• Ensure they do not engage in any employment beyond their sponsored role, except as permitted under ISP 11.3 guidelines.

Financial Requirements for International Sportsperson Visa Applicants

The financial criteria vary depending on the applicant’s duration of residence in the UK:

• For Applicants Residing in the UK for 12 Months or More:
  Applicants who have held valid permission to stay in the UK for 12 months or longer by the application date automatically meet the financial requirement without the need to provide evidence of funds.
• For Applicants Residing in the UK for Less Than 12 Months:
  Applicants in this category must meet one of the following conditions:

• • Possess personal funds amounting to a minimum of £1,270, maintained consistently for at least 28 days, as outlined in Appendix Finance.
  • Have their A-rated sponsor confirm on the Certificate of Sponsorship that they will provide financial support of at least £1,270 for the applicant’s accommodation and upkeep during their first month of employment if required.

English Language Proficiency Requirement for International Sportsperson Visa

For applicants switching to an International Sportsperson visa for a period exceeding 12 months, demonstrating English language proficiency is mandatory unless exempted. Applicants must:

• Achieve a minimum of level A1 in speaking and listening, as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• Satisfy the English Language requirement as detailed in Appendix English Language.

Parental Consent Obligation for International Sportspersons Under 18

Applicants under the age of 18 at the time of their visa application must provide documented consent from:

• Both parents, or
• A parent holding sole legal responsibility, or
• The applicant’s legal guardian.

This consent must explicitly endorse the following aspects:

• Approval of the visa application.
• Confirmation of the applicant’s living and care arrangements in the UK.
• If applying for entry clearance, confirmation of the travel arrangements to the UK and reception plans upon arrival.

Expedited Visa Decisions with Super Priority Service

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our highly skilled immigration team offers an expedited visa application process, ensuring swift outcomes through the Priority or Super Priority Service. By utilizing these services, you can avoid lengthy waits—often months or even years—for a decision on your application.

Our dedicated fast-track immigration solicitors are equipped to meticulously prepare and promptly submit your application, enabling you to receive a decision at an accelerated pace.

As trusted immigration specialists based in London, we are officially registered with the Home Office, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), and its authorized partner UKVCAS Sopra Steria. This registration allows us to offer Priority and Super Priority Services for applications such as switching to an International Sportsperson visa. Decisions for Priority Service applications are typically delivered within five working days, while Super Priority Service applications are generally finalized within 24 hours, often by the end of the next working day.

How Aden & Co Solicitors Can Assist You with Your International Sportsperson Visa Application

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our expert immigration team offers specialized guidance and legal representation on a fixed-fee basis for your International Sportsperson visa application. Our all-inclusive fixed fee ensures that all necessary legal work is covered until the Home Office UKVI reaches a decision on your application. The services provided by our skilled immigration lawyers throughout the application process include:

Expert Legal Advice on Requirements: Our team will assess your situation and provide tailored advice on the specific criteria you need to meet to ensure your application’s success.

Comprehensive Document Guidance: Aden & Co Solicitors will provide you with a detailed list of documents required to support your application for the International Sportsperson visa, ensuring you have everything in order.

Document Review and Evaluation: We will meticulously review all your submitted documents to ensure they comply with UK immigration rules, leaving no room for errors that could delay your application.

Completion of Application Forms: Our legal experts will complete the relevant forms for your International Sportsperson visa application, ensuring accuracy and adherence to the guidelines.

Priority or Super Priority Submission: If applicable, we will submit your online application through the Priority or Super Priority service, helping expedite the decision-making process for your visa application.

Appointment Scheduling for Biometrics: After your application submission, we will schedule your biometrics enrolment appointment at the application centre to proceed with the next steps.

Preparation of a Detailed Cover Letter: Aden & Co Solicitors will draft a comprehensive cover letter, addressing all legal requirements and providing a clear explanation of your application to support a positive outcome from UKVI.

Uploading Supporting Documents: Prior to your biometrics appointment, we will upload all necessary supporting documents online to ensure they are available for review.

Continuous Follow-Up and Updates: Our team will stay in close contact with UKVI and handle all follow-up activities until a decision is made on your visa application.

Comprehensive One-Off Immigration Services by Aden & Co Solicitors

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer a variety of specialized one-off legal services designed for individuals seeking assistance with their UK visa and immigration applications. These services are ideal for those who prefer not to engage with our full-service package but still require expert guidance. Our one-off services ensure a streamlined and efficient approach to your immigration process, offering the following options: