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International Sportsperson Visa

UK Immigration for Elite Athletes and Coaches

Compete or Coach in the UK’s World-Class Sporting Arena

International Sportsperson Visa – UK Immigration for Elite Athletes and Coaches

Comprehensive Legal Support from London’s Leading Solicitors

The International Sportsperson Visa is tailored for elite athletes and qualified sports coaches who wish to work in the UK at the highest levels of their sport. Whether you’re joining a Premier League team, representing your country, or coaching at a national level, this visa offers a fast-track entry into one of the world’s most competitive sporting landscapes.

At Right Law Solicitors, we provide specialised immigration advice for professional athletes, clubs, federations, and agents. From endorsement through to visa approval and dependant applications, we handle it all with speed, accuracy, and discretion.

What Is the International Sportsperson Visa?

The International Sportsperson Visa is designed for athletes and coaches who are:

  • Internationally established at the highest level of their sport
  • Looking to enter the UK for elite competition, training, or coaching
  • Endorsed by a UK governing sports body recognised by the Home Office

This visa replaces the former Sportsperson (T2) and Temporary Worker (T5) routes. It supports both short-term (12-month) and long-term (up to 3 or 5 years) stays in the UK and can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if conditions are met.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Be internationally recognised in your sport at an elite level
  • Have a valid endorsement from the relevant UK sports governing body
  • Be sponsored by a UK-based sports club, team, or institution
  • Be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
  • Meet the English language requirement (for stays over 12 months)
  • Have sufficient maintenance funds, unless certified by your sponsor

We work with clubs, legal agents, and athletes to ensure every condition is met.

Endorsement Requirement

All applicants must first be endorsed by the appropriate UK sporting body, confirming that:

  • You are internationally established
  • Your role will develop the sport in the UK
  • You are being employed in line with Home Office and sporting body criteria

We support applicants and clubs with:

  • Coordinating with governing bodies (e.g. FA, RFU, ECB, UK Athletics)
  • Preparing and submitting endorsement applications
  • Gathering evidence of international achievement, caps, rankings, and coaching credentials

Key Stages and Timeline

  1. Initial Eligibility & Endorsement Review → 1–3 working days
  2. Endorsement Application (Governing Body) → 5–10 working days
  3. Visa Application Submission → Online form, biometrics, and documentation
  4. Home Office Decision → Standard: 3 weeks | Priority: 5 working days
  5. Post-Visa Support → Club onboarding, ILR guidance, family migration

How We Help at Right Law Solicitors

Endorsement Application Support

We liaise with governing bodies and help prepare athlete/coaching credentials

Visa Application Preparation

We handle the entire process — forms, documents, biometrics, and priority options

Sponsor & Club Coordination

We advise UK clubs and institutions on sponsorship duties and compliance

Family Visa Support

We assist with dependant visa applications for partners and children

Our Pricing

Service Fixed Fee (Excl. VAT)
Endorsement & Visa (Up to 12 months) £1,200
Endorsement & Visa (More than 12 months) £1,400
ILR under International Sportsperson Route £1,600
Dependant Visa (Spouse/Child) £750 per applicant
Club Sponsor Compliance Training £500 (optional)

Initial consultation: £100 (deductible if you proceed)
Home Office fees and IHS surcharge apply separately (exempt for some stays under 6 months)

Why Choose Right Law Solicitors?

  • Specialists in Sports Immigration – Trusted by players, coaches, clubs, and agents
  • Fast, Accurate Legal Support – Designed for the speed of professional sports
  • End-to-End Service – From endorsement to arrival and beyond
  • Experience Across All Major Sports – Football, rugby, athletics, cricket, and more
  • Settlement Support – For long-term coaching and management roles

Our team is ready to support you throughout the process

One of our specialist will contact you by the end of the next business day.

Please contact us:

+44 020 3372 5360

info@rightlawsolicitors.co.uk