A sponsored visa for an internationally established elite sportsperson or qualified coach contributing at the highest level of UK sport.
Residency to citizenship
- 01International Sportsperson
- 02Settlementfrom 5 years
- 03British citizenship
Each stage has its own eligibility requirements.
- Benefits
- Work in the endorsed sporting role, include eligible dependants and potentially qualify for settlement after five years under the relevant rules.
- Eligibility
- Endorsement by the recognised sports governing body and a licensed sponsor. English is required for permission lasting more than 12 months.
- Requirements
- Sponsorship reference, governing-body endorsement, passport and normally £1,270 maintenance funds. Provide the required English evidence, travel history and TB test where applicable.
YOUR LONG-TERM PATHWAY
Residency to citizenship
- 01
International Sportsperson
Hold sponsored International Sportsperson permission endorsed by the appropriate governing body.
- 02
Settlement · from 5 years
Five continuous qualifying years can lead to indefinite leave to remain, subject to the sportsperson settlement requirements, including having held permission for more than twelve months at least once.
- 03
British citizenship
Usually five years of UK residence and 12 months with settled status, ordinarily no more than 450 days abroad in five years and 90 in the final year. English, Life in the UK and good-character requirements apply. British spouses have a different basis.
Settlement does not grant nationality. Even three-year settlement on Innovator Founder does not by itself make citizenship available in year four.
Each stage requires its own qualifying conditions and decision. The years shown are eligibility periods, not approval times.
