Endorsement Requirements for International Sportspeople
Applicants seeking endorsement as an international sportsperson must provide a letter from the relevant Sports Governing Body, as outlined in the Appendix of Sports Governing Bodies, which should confirm the following:

• The applicant’s international standing at the highest level of their sport.
• The applicant’s commitment to making a meaningful contribution to the advancement of their sport at the elite level within the UK.
• The unique endorsement number assigned by the relevant Sports Governing Body to the applicant.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Requirements for International Sportspeople
To qualify for the International Sportsperson visa, applicants must possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the intended role. The CoS must fulfill the following criteria:

• The document must clearly identify the applicant’s name, confirm their sponsorship status as an International Sportsperson, and provide details of the job role and salary offered by the sponsor.
• It must have been issued before the applicant’s entry into the UK if applying for permission to remain, especially for those previously holding visitor status while engaging in sports-related activities.
• The start date of employment, as stated by the sponsor, should not exceed three months from the application submission date.
• The CoS must not have been used in any prior applications that were granted or refused, although it may have been used in an application that was rejected as invalid, voided, or withdrawn.
• It should not have been cancelled by the sponsor or the Home Office.
• The document must specify the unique endorsement number issued by the appropriate Sports Governing Body.
• It must confirm the applicant’s intention to reside in the UK.
• The CoS must also assert that the applicant is qualified to perform the proposed role.

The sponsoring organization must be authorized by the Home Office to issue sponsorship under the International Sportsperson route. Sponsors must be listed as A-rated on the Home Office’s register of licensed sponsors unless the applicant is applying to continue working for the same sponsor under the same terms as their prior authorization.

Genuineness Requirement for International Sportspersons
For applicants applying for an extension of their International Sportsperson visa, they must:

• Demonstrate a genuine intent and capability to perform the role for which they are being sponsored.
• Confirm they will not seek employment outside of the designated role unless otherwise permitted under the International Sportsperson guidelines.

Financial Requirements for International Sportsperson Visa Extension
For applicants seeking an extension of their International Sportsperson visa who have resided in the UK with permission for 12 months or more at the time of application, there is no need to demonstrate financial funds. They will automatically meet the financial criteria.

However, for applicants who have lived in the UK for less than 12 months, they must either:

• Provide evidence of holding at least £1,270 in funds for a continuous 28-day period, in accordance with Appendix Finance; or
• Rely on confirmation from their A-rated sponsor via the Certificate of Sponsorship, stating that they will, if required, support and provide accommodation for the applicant through the first month of their employment with a minimum of £1,270.

English Language Requirement for International Sportsperson Visa Extension
Unless exempted, applicants for an International Sportsperson visa extension for more than 12 months must demonstrate proficiency in English. Specifically, they must show an ability in speaking and listening at least at the A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The applicant must also meet the English Language requirements as outlined in Appendix English Language.

Parental Consent for International Sportsperson Applicants Under 18
If the applicant is under 18 years of age on the date of application, written consent from either:

• Both parents; or
• One parent, if they hold sole legal responsibility; or

The applicant’s legal guardian,
is required. This consent must confirm agreement with the following:

• Support for the application;
• Confirmation of the applicant’s living and care arrangements in the UK; and
• If the application is for entry clearance, approval of the applicant’s travel and reception arrangements upon arrival in the UK.

Super Priority Service for Faster Decision in 24 Hours

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our team of expert immigration solicitors specializes in providing a swift and efficient visa application process through our Priority Service or Super Priority Service. With these services, you can significantly reduce the waiting time for a decision, avoiding delays that can stretch to months or even years.

Our fast-track immigration solicitors are dedicated to expediting your application process. By submitting your application under the Priority or Super Priority Service, we ensure a quicker resolution of your case.

As authorized immigration solicitors based in London, we are fully registered with the Home Office, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), and its commercial partners, UKVCAS Sopra Steria. This allows us to offer Priority or Super Priority Services for applications such as the extension of the International Sportsperson visa. A Priority Service application is typically processed within 5 working days, while a Super Priority Service application is often decided within 24 hours, usually by the close of the next working day.

How We Can Assist You

Our dedicated team of immigration solicitors offers comprehensive legal advice and representation on a fixed-fee basis, particularly for your application to extend the International Sportsperson visa. The fixed fee covers all the work involved in processing your application until a decision is made by the Home Office UKVI.

Our solicitors will carry out the following tasks as part of our immigration services:

• Guidance on Eligibility Requirements: Our experts will provide clear advice on the specific requirements needed for your immigration application to succeed.
• Document Preparation: We will compile a detailed list of supporting documents required for your International Sportsperson visa extension and ensure they align with UK immigration rules.
• Document Evaluation: Our solicitors will carefully assess your documents to ensure they meet the Home Office’s standards and immigration criteria.
• Completion of Application: We will accurately fill out the application form for your International Sportsperson visa extension, ensuring all necessary information is included.
• Application Submission via Priority or Super Priority Service: If applicable, we will submit your application through the Priority or Super Priority Service for a faster decision.
• Appointment Scheduling: After submission, we will arrange your appointment at the application centre for biometric enrolment.
• Cover Letter Drafting: A well-crafted cover letter will be prepared by our immigration specialists, outlining the legal grounds for your application to support approval by the Home Office UKVI.
• Document Uploading: Prior to your biometrics appointment, we will ensure all supporting documents are uploaded to the online portal for consideration.
• Ongoing Follow-Up: Our team will manage all necessary follow-up tasks until a decision is rendered on your application.

One-Time Immigration Services for UK Visa Applications

Aden & Co Solicitors offers an array of specialized one-time legal services for individuals seeking assistance with their UK visa and immigration applications. These services are ideal for clients who prefer not to engage in a comprehensive service package but require professional support for specific aspects of their immigration process. Below is a list of one-time services available for UK visa and immigration applications: