Sports Person Visa
The UK International Sportsperson visa is for sponsored international high-level sportspeople and coaches who will work to develop their sport in the UK at the elite level. The UK International Sportsperson visa replaced the Tier 2 Sportsperson visa and Tier 5 Creative and Sporting visas.
You will be eligible for a UK International Sportsperson visa if you are endorsed as an elite sportsperson or qualified coach at the highest level internationally by the governing body of your individual sport.
UK International Sportsperson visas are typically granted for a period of up to 3 years initially, after which you can further extend your stay as long as you remain eligible. After 5 years as an International Sportsperson visa holder, you will be eligible to apply for ILR.
As an International Sportsperson UK visa holder, you will be able to live, work for your sponsor (including a second job if you are eligible), work as a sports broadcaster, study, and travel freely in and out of the UK. You can also bring your dependant family members to join you in the UK (i.e., your partner and children).
Foreign nationals who do not meet the criteria for the International Sportsperson visa may be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.