International Sportsperson Visa

The International Sportsperson sub-tier is a sponsored Points-Based System sub-tier of Tier 2 work permit scheme for non-European Economic Area (EEA) national and Croatian national elite sportspeople and coaches aged 16 or over who;

  • are internationally established at the highest level
  • will be employed in a capacity that will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport in the UK, and
  • intend to base themselves in the UK.

Migrants wishing to use this sub-tier must have an employer registered as a sponsor under the Tier 2 (Sportsperson) sub-tier. Sponsors under this sub-tier must be a bona fide sports club or equivalent, with a legitimate need to employ migrant sportspeople and coaches in the UK.

Every Tier 2 Sportsperson migrant must also be endorsed by the governing body for their sport. The migrant’s sponsor applies to the governing body for endorsement of the migrant they intend to sponsor. The governing body will endorse a migrant only if it is satisfied the migrant meets the requirements agreed upon between the body and the Home Office in addition to the other eligibility criteria applicable to Tier

Partners and children

The non-EEA national partner of a ‘relevant Points-Based System migrant’ (which includes a Tier 2 (Sportsperson) migrant)) is able to accompany or join the main applicant in the UK and extend their stay in that capacity, provided that various eligibility criteria are met, including that they and their partner intend to live with each other as partners throughout their stay in the UK.

The following are classed as partners of relevant PBS migrants:

  • spouses
  • civil partners, and
  • unmarried or same-sex partners who can evidence they have lived with their partner for 2 years immediately prior to the application

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