GOV.UK
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 your date of travel to the UK.
You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
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 by post | Extend or switch in person (premium service) |
|---|---|---|---|
| You | £494 | £578 | £953 |
| If you’re a national of Turkey or Macedonia | £445 | £520 | £895 |
| Your partner or child under 18 applying at the same time as you | £494 each person | £434 each person | £809 each person |
| Your partner or child under 18 applying later, or child over 18 | £494 each person | £578 each person | £953 each person |
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
- 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.