SPORTSPERSONS
The UK is a top destination for athletes and sporting professionals in a diverse range of disciplines. Whether you are a sportsperson, coach or club, our immigration barristers are well versed in the full range of UK visas available to sportspersons who wish to visit, or work in, the UK.
UK Visas and Immigration Routes for Sportspersons
If you want to work as a sportsperson, undertaking sporting activities in the UK, you will normally need an International Sportsperson visa. You will need to be sponsored on a short or long-term contract and have been endorsed by an appropriate UK sports governing body. However, if you are going to be in the UK briefly, or for a single event or activity, one of the visitor visas may be appropriate.
The main immigration routes available to sportspersons are:
Standard Visitor
Permitted Paid Engagement
International Sportsperson
Employers, Clubs and event organisers
If you want to employ someone who does not already have the right to work in the UK, you will need to sponsor them. All companies and organisations who want to sponsor their employees must obtain a Sponsor Licence.
To sponsor a sportsperson under the International Sportsperson route, you must be a UK-based sporting body, sports club, events organiser or other organiser operating in the sporting sector. Agents and overseas-based sports clubs and organisations cannot sponsor workers on the International Sportsperson route.
You will need to obtain an endorsement from the governing body for your sport, which must be recognised by the Home Office. The endorsement will confirm that you are a genuine club or similar organisation and have a legitimate requirement to bring migrants to the UK as sportspersons. If the governing body for your sport is not recognised by the Home Office, it is important to ensure you plan well ahead if intending to sponsor any migrants, as it can take up to 6 months for a governing body to be added to the approved list.
Players on loan: if you sponsor a sportsperson you will have special duties if they are on loan to another club. You can only loan and accept loaned players if the sports player has permission as an International Sportsperson, they are sponsored by a sports club and player loans are specifically permitted by the relevant sports governing body. The player may only be loaned if they will return to your club after the loan period. You will continue to be responsible for the player and must make arrangements with the loan club so that you can continue to meet your sponsor duties. The loan club does not need to make an application for an endorsement or have a Sponsor Licence.