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An International Sportsperson visa enables elite international sportspeople and coaches to come to the UK and make a significant contribution to the development of their chosen sport at the highest level.
An International Sportsperson visa enables elite international sportspeople and coaches to come to the UK and make a significant contribution to the development of their chosen sport at the highest level.
In order to successfully apply for an International Sportsperson visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:
An International Sportsperson visa can last up to 3 years.
Before the expiry of an International Sportsperson visa, applicants must apply to the Home Office to extend their stay in the UK. If the extension application is approved, they will be granted permission to stay in the UK for up to another 3 years.
Applicants can extend their visa as many times as they like so long as they still meet the relevant requirements.
Once an applicant has held an International Sportsperson visa for 5 years, they may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. This gives settled status in the UK, also known as ‘settlement’. It gives the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as an applicant wishes and apply for benefits if eligible.
Once an applicant has held indefinite leave to remain in the UK for 12 months, an applicant may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship. If however an applicant is married to a British Citizen, an applicant will not need to wait 12 months and may be eligible to apply immediately for British Citizenship by naturalisation after obtaining indefinite leave to remain.
The partner and children of an applicant can accompany or join them so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If this is met, they will be issued a visa which will have the same end date as the International Sportsperson visa holder.
The Home Office will usually process an International Sportsperson visa application within 3 weeks if it is made from outside the UK. If the application is made from within the UK then a decision will usually be made within 8 weeks.
If eligible, applicants will be advised whether they can apply to get a decision faster. The Home Office charge additional fees for these priority services.
The Home Office fee for applicants seeking permission to stay for up to 12 months is £259.
The Home Office fee for applicants applying from outside the UK seeking permission to stay for more than 12 month is £625.
Applications made within the UK to extend or switch costs £719.
Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is usually £624 per year.
Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you throughout your immigration journey.
If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.