1. Overview
You can apply for a Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa if all of the following apply:
you’re an elite sportsperson or qualified coach recognised by your sport’s governing body as internationally established at the highest level
your sport’s governing body is endorsing your application
your employment will develop your sport in the UK at the highest level
you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
you meet the other eligibility requirements
How long it will take
You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you’re due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.
You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.
You can check the guide processing times to find out how long getting a visa might take in your country.
Fees
How much you pay for a Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa depends on your situation, where you are and how you apply.
| Who you’re applying for | Apply | Extend or switch online | Extend or switch in person (premium service) |
|---|---|---|---|
| You | £575 | £664 | £1,164 |
| If you’re a national of Turkey or Macedonia | £520 | £609 | £1,109 |
| All dependants | £575 each person | £664 each person | £1,164 each person |
You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.
How long you can stay
You can come to the UK with a Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa for up to 3 years.
You can apply to extend this visa for up to another 3 years to a maximum stay of 6 years.
What you can and can’t do
You can:
work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
do a second job
play for your national team in the UK
work as a sports broadcaster
do voluntary work
study as long as it doesn’t interfere with the job you’re sponsored for
travel abroad and return to the UK
bring family members with you
You can’t:
get public funds
start or run a business
apply for a second job until you’ve started working for your sponsor
You’ll need to make a new application to the Home Office if you want to do a second job that’s not in the same sector as your main job.
2. Eligibility
You must:
provide a certificate of sponsorship reference number from your sponsor
show you meet the English requirement
have proof of £945 in savings, unless you’re exempt
Certificate of sponsorship
A certificate of sponsorship is a reference number which holds information about the job and your personal details. It’s not an actual certificate or paper document.
Your sponsor will give you your certificate of sponsorship reference number.
They must also give you some other information to help you to apply, for example how much you’ll be paid.
You’ll need to add your certificate of sponsorship reference number to your application form - you can only use it once.
Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned to you.
Savings
You must have £945 in your bank account for 90 days before you apply. This is to prove you can support yourself.
You won’t need savings if you have both a:
fully approved (‘A-rated’) sponsor
certificate of sponsorship stating that your sponsor will give you at least £945 to cover your costs for a month if you need it
If you’re already in the UK
You won’t need savings if you’re in the UK and you have a visa in one of the following categories:
Tier 2
work permit holder
Jewish agency employee
ground staff for an overseas airline
minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order
representative an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation
3. Knowledge of English
You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply.
You can prove your knowledge of English by either:
passing an approved English language test with at least CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening
having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD
You may be able to meet the English language requirement in other ways. Check the full guidance for detailed information.
Exceptions
You won’t need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries:
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
the Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
USA
You also may not have to prove your knowledge of English in other circumstances - check the visa guidance.
4. Documents you must provide
- When you apply you’ll need to provide:
- a current passport or other valid travel identification
- proof that you meet the English requirement
- bank statements showing you’ve had at least £945 continuously over the last 90 days, unless you’re exempt from having savings
- your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test
- a letter of endorsement from your sport’s governing body, if you’re applying as a sportsperson or coach
You need a page in your passport that’s blank on both sides for your visa.
You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that aren’t in English or Welsh.
Read the guide for a full list of documents you can provide.
You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.
