This visa is tailored for sportspersons, both at amateur and professional levels, their technical or support staff, and sports officials. It enables them to engage in allowed unpaid sporting activities in the UK for a maximum of 6 months.

Falling under the broader Standard Visitor route, the Sports Visitor Visa does not provide a pathway to UK settlement. All individuals, even those in groups, must make individual applications.

Eligibility for the Sports Visitor Visa

To qualify, you must demonstrate to UK Visas & Immigration:

• Your status as a visa national (non-visa nationals can often gain entry as a Visitor upon arrival);
• Genuine intent to enter the UK for an allowable purpose under the visitor routes;
• Assurance against participating in prohibited activities;
• Financial adequacy to cover all costs related to the visit without working or accessing public funds;
• A commitment to leave the UK post-visit;
• No intention of extended UK stays via frequent visits or making the UK your primary residence;
• No grounds for application refusal;
• Possession of Electronic Travel Authorisation, if needed.

Different situations might have varied requirements. Consulting a solicitor can help clarify these.

To discuss your Sports Visitor Visa application with Highwood Solicitors, call +44 (0) 1206523714 or fill in our enquiry form.

Defining a Visa National

Visa nationals are individuals who, due to their nationality, need a Visit Visa for UK entry. The Home Office provides a list of these nationalities with certain exceptions. Non-visa nationals can generally enter the UK as a Visitor on arrival, but they must meet the necessary requirements.

EU citizens fall under non-visa nationals and can enter the UK as Visitors without a prior Visit Visa. Highwood Solicitors is well-equipped to help both visa and non-visa nationals.

Sports Visitor Visa Specifics

Sports Visitor Visas are open to both amateur and professional sportspersons, but any activity in the UK mustn’t be paid by a UK entity. For sportspersons seeking employment with a UK team, the International Sportsperson Visa is more suitable.

The Home Office categorises participating sportspersons in domestic championships or leagues as employed, regardless of payment. As for amateurs, they must prove their amateur status and their intention to join a genuine amateur team.

Supporting Staff and Sports Officials

Personal or technical staff attending events with the sportsperson can also apply, provided they’re employed outside the UK. Examples include physiotherapists, coaches, and press officers.

Sports officials supporting UK events are eligible too, like lines people and umpires.

Sports Visitor Visa Activities & Requirements

Sportspersons can participate in tournaments, promotional activities, unpaid training sessions, and even join amateur clubs. They must ensure their activities align with the Standard Visitor route.

Applicants must also prove genuine intentions for the visit and ensure they won’t overstay or establish long-term residency in the UK. The Home Office evaluates various factors like past immigration history, financial situations, and ties to the home country.

Financial and Language Provisions

Applicants must possess funds sufficient for the visit without accessing public funds. Funds should be in a recognized institution. Third parties can also support if they have a genuine relationship with the applicant.

There’s no English language requirement for this visa.

Validity and Work Provisions

You can apply for a 6-month, 2-year, 5-year, or 10-year visa. While multiple entries are allowed, each stay mustn’t surpass 6 months.

Sports Visitors can’t work in the UK or receive payments from UK sources for any activities. They can, however, perform job-related activities remotely. Seeking employment and attending job interviews is permitted, but one must acquire the right visa before starting any job.

Fees

For a short stay up to 6 months, the fee is £100. For 2-year, 5-year, or 10-year visas, the fees are £376, £670, and £837, respectively.

How Highwood Solicitors Can Assist

Our team of experienced solicitors at Highwood Solicitors offers guidance to sportspersons and their affiliates. Whether you need advice, application assistance, or legal representation, our dedicated team is here to help with a professional and friendly approach.