What is the International Sportsperson route?

01 Sep 2023, 07 mins ago

The International Sportsperson route is one of a number of sponsored visa routes in the UK.

The International Sportsperson route allows elite sportspersons and qualified coaches who are internationally established to come to the UK for an initial period of up to 3 years.

Your employer would need to hold an International Sportsperson Sponsor Licence in order to sponsor you.   If they do not already hold the Sponsor Licence, they would need to make the appropriate sponsor licence application to the Home Office. The job role for which you are being sponsored must meet a number of criteria, including the minimum required skill level and the minimum salary threshold (which will be dependent on the role).

The International Sportsperson visa requires an endorsement by an approved Sports Governing Body, confirming that you are internationally established at the highest level and that you will make a significant contribution to the development of your sport at the highest level in the UK. A minimum level of English language is also required for this visa.

If successful, your partner and children can apply to join you in the UK as dependants on your visa. After 5 years in the UK as an International Sportsperson, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

How Gherson can assist

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The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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