Tier 2 for Sports People

Tier 2 for Sports People

Tier 2 for Sports People is inteded for elite sportspeople and coaches whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level. Applicants under this immigration scheme must intend to base themselves in the United Kingdom and must be internationally established at the highest level of their particular sport.

Summary of Employer Requirements

If an organisation wishes to offer employment to people from outside the EEA/ EU under the terms of Tier 2 for Sports People then it must first:

• Register with the UK Border Agency and obtain a Sponsorship License
• Obtain an endorsement for the applicant from the sport's governing body (see below)
• Issue a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship to an applicant it wishes to employ

Endorsement of the applicant by the sport's governing body

In order for a Certificate of Sponsorship to be issued in the Tier 2 Sports People Category, the sponsor will need to have an endorsement for the applicant from the appropriate governing body for his or her sport. The endorsement will confirm that:

• The player or coach is internationally established at the highest level
• The player or coach will make a significant contribution to the development of his or her sport at the highest level in the UK
• The post could not be filled by a suitable settled worker

If you are an employer and need assistance with obtaining a Tier 2 Sponsorship License then please complete a free evaluation form

Summary of Applicant Requirements

In order to gain entry into the UK an applicant must satisfy the Tier 2 for Sports People Points Test shown below and acquire the full 70 points.

Tier 2 Points Test for Sports People

• You must meet the Tier 2 Maintenance Requirement for which you are awarded 10 points
• You must meet the Tier 2 English Language Requirement for which you also get 10 points
• You must be in possession of a valid Tier 2 (Sports People) Certificate of Sponsorship for which you score 50 points

General rules applicable to all applicants wanting to travel to the UK under Tier 2

Extension Applications for a Tier 2 Visa for Sports People

An applicant will need to have been issued with a Certificate of Sponsorship for his or her continuing employment. This will require a new governing body endorsement with a new reference number.

After a continous period of residency in the UK for five years, the applicant will be eligible to apply for settlement as a permanent resident (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain)