Aspiring elite athletes and qualified sports coaches who are internationally recognized for their contributions to their field can apply for the UK International Sportsperson Visa. This visa allows individuals to contribute significantly to the development of their sport at the highest level within the UK. To qualify, applicants must secure a Governing Body Endorsement from an authorized Sports Governing Body listed in Appendix Sports Governing Bodies. For visa durations exceeding 12 months, meeting the English language requirement is mandatory. Applications for this visa type are processed under the guidelines outlined in Appendix International Sportsperson of the Immigration Rules.

Aden & Co Solicitors, renowned for their expertise in UK immigration law, offer unparalleled legal services supported by a stellar reputation, as evidenced by their 5-star Google Reviews from 99% of their clients.

Our experienced immigration solicitors in London specialize in providing fixed-fee expert guidance for International Sportsperson Visa entry clearance applications. Whether you require free initial advice online or a comprehensive consultation, our team is here to assist you with every aspect of your application. Book an appointment today to ensure a seamless visa process and take the first step toward achieving your professional goals in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria for the UK International Sportsperson Visa

To successfully apply for the UK International Sportsperson Visa, applicants must adhere to the following stringent requirements outlined in the Immigration Rules:

Submission of a Valid Application

Applicants must ensure they submit a legitimate entry clearance application from outside the UK. This application should comply with all stipulations detailed in Appendix International Sportsperson of the Immigration Rules.

Age Criteria

It is mandatory for applicants to be at least 16 years old at the time of their application.

Consent from Sponsoring Entities

Applicants who have received funding for UK studies, including tuition fees and living expenses, from a government or international scholarship agency within the 12 months preceding their application, must furnish written consent from the respective authority or organization.

Compliance with Suitability Standards

Applicants must meet the suitability standards and should not be disqualified under Part 9 of the Immigration Rules, which outlines grounds for refusal.

Tuberculosis Screening

Where applicable, applicants are required to provide a valid medical certificate confirming they have been screened for active pulmonary tuberculosis in accordance with paragraph A39 and Appendix T of the Immigration Rules. This certificate must confirm the absence of active tuberculosis.

Eligibility Criteria for International Sportsperson Visa

To qualify for the International Sportsperson visa, applicants must fulfill specific points-based requirements. The total points required depend on the duration of the visa being sought:

• For stays of 12 months or less: A total of 70 points is required.
• For stays exceeding 12 months: A total of 80 points is mandatory, combining requirements from both Table A and Table B.

Table A

This table outlines the mandatory criteria applicable to all applicants:

Table B

Additional criteria for applicants seeking permission exceeding 12 months:

Endorsement Criteria for International Sportsperson Visas
Applicants seeking an International Sportsperson visa must secure a formal endorsement from the relevant Sports Governing Body, as outlined in Appendix Sports Governing Bodies. This endorsement must:

• Confirm the applicant’s established reputation at the highest international level.
• Affirm the applicant’s capacity to significantly contribute to the advancement of their sport in the UK at an elite level.
• Provide a unique endorsement number issued by the respective Sports Governing Body.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Requirements for International Sportsperson Visas
A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is mandatory for applicants under this route. To be deemed valid, the CoS must:

• Specify the applicant’s name, their sponsorship as an International Sportsperson, job role details, and the proposed salary.
• Be issued before the applicant enters the UK, especially if the applicant is transitioning from a Visitor visa where they engaged in permitted sporting activities.
• Include a start date no later than three months from the application date.
• Not have been used in any prior application that was granted or refused (it may, however, have been used in applications rejected as invalid, voided, or withdrawn).
• Remain active, without being withdrawn by the sponsor or canceled by the Home Office.
• Reference the unique endorsement number provided by the relevant Sports Governing Body.
• Confirm the applicant’s intention to reside and work in the UK.
• Verify the applicant’s qualifications for the specified role.

The sponsoring organization must hold authorization from the Home Office to sponsor roles under the International Sportsperson route. Additionally, the sponsor should have an A-rated status on the Home Office’s register of licensed sponsors unless the applicant is continuing with the same sponsor from their previous International Sportsperson visa permission.

Genuineness Criteria for an International Sportsperson
Applicants seeking the International Sportsperson visa in the UK must:

• Demonstrate a genuine intention and capability to fulfill the specific role for which they are sponsored.
• Refrain from undertaking employment outside the sponsored role unless permitted under ISP 11.3.

Financial Prerequisites for an International Sportsperson
For those applying for entry clearance under this visa category, the financial requirements are as follows:

• The applicant must possess a minimum of £1,270 in available funds for at least 28 consecutive days, as outlined in Appendix Finance.
• Alternatively, the applicant’s A-rated sponsor can confirm on the Certificate of Sponsorship their commitment to provide financial maintenance and accommodation for the applicant, up to £1,270, if necessary, for the first month of employment.

English Language Proficiency for an International Sportsperson
Applicants must meet the English language requirement unless exempt. For visas exceeding 12 months, they must demonstrate proficiency in speaking and listening at a minimum A1 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The requirements are further detailed in Appendix English Language.

Parental Consent Criteria for International Sportspersons Under 18
For international sportspersons under the age of 18, securing parental or guardian consent is a mandatory requirement when submitting an application. Applicants must provide documented consent from:

• Both parents, or
• One parent, if they hold sole legal responsibility, or
• The legal guardian of the applicant.

The consent letter must explicitly confirm approval for:

• The submission of the application.
• The applicant’s living and care arrangements within the UK.
• If the application involves entry clearance, the applicant’s travel to the UK and their reception arrangements upon arrival.

How Can Aden & Co Solicitors Assist You?

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our highly skilled immigration team specializes in providing comprehensive legal advice and representation for your entry clearance application on a fixed-fee basis. From start to finish, we ensure expert handling of your application, guiding you through every step until the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) delivers a decision.

Here’s how we support you:

Tailored Advice on Requirements

We meticulously analyze your circumstances and advise you on the specific requirements you must meet for a successful entry clearance application.

Customized Document Checklist

Our immigration lawyers provide you with a detailed and personalized list of supporting documents essential for strengthening your application.

Document Review & Compliance

Our team carefully reviews your documents, ensuring they align with the Immigration Rules and address all relevant criteria.

Completing the Application Form

We professionally complete your application form, saving you time and reducing errors to maximize success.

Priority & Super Priority Submission

Where applicable, our solicitors expedite your process by submitting your online application through Priority or Super Priority services, helping you secure faster decisions.

Appointment Scheduling Assistance

Post submission, we handle the logistics of booking your biometric appointment with the application center.

Comprehensive Cover Letter Preparation

Our experts craft a well-structured cover letter, clearly outlining how your application satisfies the legal and procedural requirements, increasing the likelihood of approval.

Secure Online Document Upload

Before your biometric appointment, we ensure all supporting documents are uploaded online for seamless processing.

Thorough Follow-Up

We remain dedicated to your case, undertaking all necessary follow-up actions with the ECO until a final decision is reached.

Tailored One-Off Services for Entry Clearance Applications

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer an array of bespoke legal services specifically designed to assist with UK visa entry clearance applications. These services are ideal for individuals who prefer not to engage in our comprehensive legal packages. By opting for our one-off services, you gain access to targeted expertise and support tailored to meet your specific needs. Explore our range of specialized legal solutions to streamline your UK entry clearance application process.

Our Transparent Fixed Fees for International Sportsperson Visa Entry Clearance to the UK

Aden & Co Solicitors offer expert legal services for International Sportsperson visa applications with fixed fees ranging from £2,000 to £4,000 (no VAT). The final fee is determined by the complexity of your case and the workload required to prepare and submit your application effectively.

Please note, our fixed fee exclusively covers the professional services provided by our team and does not include additional costs such as UKVI application fees. Applicants are responsible for paying these disbursements directly to the UK Home Office.