If you wish to apply for a visa in this category then our team at Hunter Stone Law will be able to guide and assist you throughout every step of the process. In order to qualify for this visa you would have to meet the requirement of the relevant section of the Immigration Rules. However we have attempted to simplify the requirements below.
You can apply for a Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa if all of the following apply:
If granted a visa then 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. 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.
Eligibility
You must:
You must also have £945 in savings - this is to prove you can support yourself and you must have had this in your bank account for 90 days before you apply, unless you are exempt.
Saving exemptions
You won’t need to provide proof of funds if you’re in the UK and you have a visa in one of the following categories:
You won’t need £945 in savings if your fully approved (‘A-rated’) sponsor has stated on your certificate of sponsorship that they’ll certify your maintenance and that you won’t claim benefits during your stay.
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, eg how much you’ll be paid, what the job description is, etc...You’ll need to add your certificate of sponsorship reference number to your application form - you can only use it once.
You must apply for your visa within 3 months of receiving your certificate of sponsorship.
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:
You may be able to meet the English language requirement in other ways.
English language exceptions
You won’t need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of an English speaking country (see the Home Office website for the full list of countries). You also may not have to prove your knowledge of English in other circumstances if you fall within certain categories
Documents you must provide with your application
When you apply you’ll need to provide:
You won’t need £945 in savings if you’re exempt or your fully approved (‘A-rated’) sponsor has stated on your certificate of sponsorship that they’ll certify your maintenance and that you won’t claim benefits during your stay.
You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.
Applying for a Tier 2 (Sportsperson) Visa
If applying for outside the UK then the application is completed online. You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of your application.
If you’re applying in the UK then you can only extend your existing visa or switch to this visa if you’re already in the UK legally and under certain requirements.
Extend your visa
If you’re already on a Tier 2 (Sportsperson) Visa then you can apply to extend your stay in the UK under a Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa. You should include any dependants who are on your current visa on your application to extend - including children who have turned 18 during your stay. You should apply before your current visa expires.
Eligibility
You must have your endorsement by your sport’s governing body renewed and a new certificate of sponsorship reference number. You must then meet the rest of the eligibility criteria. You can apply to extend your stay in the UK with a Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa for up to 3 years and 14 days.
Switch to this visa from a different visa
You can apply to change (‘switch’) from another visa to a Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa. You should make sure you apply before your current visa expires.
Eligibility
You must meet the Tier 2 (Sportsperson) eligibility requirements and you must already be in the UK under any of the following visas or schemes:
You can also switch to a Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa if you meet the eligibility requirements and you’re:
If you’re not in any of these categories then you must make an application from abroad once you have left the country
Switch from a Tier 4 or other student visa
You must have received 1 of the following under your Tier 4 or other student visa:
You must have obtained one of the qualifications above during your most recent stay and at a UK institution that’s a UK recognised or listed body or one which holds a Tier 4 sponsor licence.
PhD students - You must have completed at least 12 months of study towards your PhD in the UK before you can switch.
You can apply to extend your stay in the UK with a Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa for up to 3 years and 14 days.
Taking a second job
You’ll need to make a new Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa application if you want to do a second job that isn’t in the same sector as your main job or isn’t voluntary work. You can do a second job (up to 20 hours a week) that is on the shortage list without making a new application. You’ll need to be sponsored by your second employer and get a new certificate of sponsorship if you make a new application.
You can’t:
Documents you must provide if you intend to take a second job
You’ll need to provide some documents with your application.
You must also include a letter with your application explaining that you want to change your current permission to stay.
Your letter must state:
Family members/Dependants
Your family members (‘dependants’) must apply to join or remain with you in the UK if they’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
A ‘dependant’ is any of the following:
Savings to prove that you can support your dependants
You must show that your dependants can be supported while they’re in the UK.
Each dependant must have £630 available to them whether they apply with you or separately. This is in addition to the £945 you must have to support yourself. You must have proof you have the money, and that it’s been in your bank account or your dependant’s bank account for at least 90 days before you or they apply.
You won’t need evidence of your savings if you have a letter from your fully approved (‘A-rated’) sponsor saying they’ll provide 1 month’s funding of at least £630for each of your dependants.
Dependants applying outside the UK
Your family members must apply online. They’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of their application.
Dependants applying in the UK
Your dependants can apply to extend or switch their visas to stay with you if they’re already in the UK. They should apply using the dependant application form. It’s best to send your dependants’ applications at the same time as yours but they can apply at a later date by post or in person at a premium service centre.
Please note that your family members can’t apply in the UK as your dependant if they hold a visitor visa.
What you can and can’t do:
You can:
You can’t: