UK International Sportsperson Visa Guide
Fees from 8 April 2026
Application fee: GBP 340 for stays of up to 12 months, GBP 819 for longer stays applying from outside the UK, and GBP 943 to extend or switch inside the UK. Immigration Health Surcharge: usually GBP 1,035 a year. Each grant can be for up to 3 years, and settlement is possible after 5 years.
The International Sportsperson visa is the UK work visa for elite athletes and qualified coaches who are internationally established and will develop their sport in the UK at the highest level. It covers both short engagements of up to 12 months and longer contracts that can lead to settlement (indefinite leave to remain).
Most other UK work visas do not allow work as a professional sportsperson, so if you will play or coach professionally in the UK, this is usually the visa you need. Amateur and short visits are covered in our UK sports visas overview.
Key requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Certificate of sponsorship | From a UK club or organisation with a sponsor licence. You must use the reference within 3 months, and you can apply up to 3 months before your start date |
| Governing body endorsement | A letter from the UK governing body for your sport confirming you are an elite sportsperson or qualified coach, internationally established, and that the role will develop the sport in the UK at the highest level |
| Pay and hours | At least the national minimum wage and compliance with UK working time rules |
| English (stays over 12 months) | CEFR level A1 or above in speaking and listening, unless exempt. Nationals of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA are among those exempt |
| Money to support yourself | GBP 1,270, held for 28 days, unless you have been in the UK for 12 months or your sponsor certifies maintenance on the certificate of sponsorship |
| Tuberculosis test | Required if you are from a listed country |
| Travel history | Details of travel for the last 5 years |
Governing body endorsement explained
The endorsement is often the hardest part. Each sport has its own UK governing body and its own criteria, which may look at international caps, the level of league you have played in, rankings or coaching qualifications. Football, for example, uses a points-based endorsement system that looks at international appearances, club minutes and the standard of your current league.
Start early, because some governing bodies only consider applications at set times, and the endorsement must be in place before your sponsor can assign the certificate of sponsorship.
Short engagements or long contracts
If you are coming for 12 months or less, for example for a season or a series of events, you apply for the shorter version of the visa.
- the application fee is GBP 340
- there is no English language requirement
- time on a visa of 12 months or less does not on its own lead to settlement
This replaced the old temporary sporting route, so short-term professional engagements now sit within the International Sportsperson visa.
What you can and cannot do
- You can: work for your sponsor in the role on your certificate, play for your national team in the UK, work as a sports broadcaster, take a second job of up to 20 hours a week in the same profession or in a job on the Skilled Worker list, do voluntary work, and study if it does not interfere with your job.
- You cannot: access most public funds, start or run a business, or work for a different main employer without a new certificate of sponsorship.
Family members
Your partner and children under 18 can apply as your dependants. Each pays the same application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, and needs funds (GBP 285 for a partner, GBP 315 for the first child and GBP 200 for each extra child) unless maintenance is waived. Dependants can work, but not as a sportsperson or sports coach.
Steps for players, coaches and clubs
Clubs can read more about sponsor duties in our Sports club and organisation visa guide.
Settlement and future changes
The International Sportsperson route currently allows settlement after 5 years. The UK Government consulted in 2025 and 2026 on an “earned settlement” model with a longer baseline qualifying period, but as at late October 2026 those changes have not been implemented and no start date has been set. English requirements for settlement on many routes are already due to rise from B1 to B2 for applications from 26 March 2027. If settlement is your goal, get advice on timing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play professionally in the UK on a visitor visa?
No. Visitors can take part in a tournament or event, make personal appearances, take part in trials and join an amateur team, but cannot be paid to play for a UK club. Professional engagements need the International Sportsperson visa.
Do Australians need to pass an English test?
No. Nationals of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA are among those exempt from the English requirement.
How long can I stay on the International Sportsperson visa?
Each grant can be for up to 3 years, and you can extend while you remain eligible. After 5 years you may be able to apply for settlement.
Can coaches use this visa?
Yes, if the governing body endorses you as a qualified coach who is internationally established.
Can I take a second job?
Yes, up to 20 hours a week in the same profession or in a role on the Skilled Worker list, in addition to your sponsored job.
What does the Immigration Health Surcharge cost?
It is usually GBP 1,035 for each year of the visa, paid upfront by you and by each dependant. See Sports visa costs compared (2026).
Do I need an ETA for a short sports visit?
If you are a visa-exempt national (such as Australian, Canadian or US citizens) visiting for permitted sporting activities, you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, which costs GBP 20.