Switch to this visa

You can apply to change (‘switch’) from another visa to an International Sportsperson visa.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically switch to this visa if you switch yours. If they do not switch their visa, it will be valid until its original end date.

They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must:

  • meet the International Sportsperson visa eligibility requirements
  • be in the UK on an eligible visa - most visas are eligible

If you’re currently in the UK on a Student visa, you must also meet one of the following requirements:

  • you have completed the course you were sponsored to study
  • your job start date is after your course has finished
  • you have studied for a PhD for at least 24 months

Visas that are not eligible

You cannot apply to switch to this visa if you’re currently in the UK:

You must leave the UK and apply for an International Sportsperson visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories.

How long you can stay

You can apply to extend your stay in the UK with an International Sportsperson visa for up to 3 years at a time.

Fees

Check the fees for your type of visa.

You’ll also need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. There’s no fee for this.

Apply to switch to an International Sportsperson visa

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it.

Find out how to sign in to your account.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

How long it takes

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

You’ll be told if it will take longer, for example if:

  • your supporting documents need to be verified
  • you need to attend an interview
  • your application is complex because of your personal circumstances, for example you have a criminal conviction