The Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa is designed for elite sports persons and coaches who wishes to come to the UK and whose employment in the UK will generate a significant contribution for the development of their sport at the highest level. The visa applicants for this category must be internationally established at the highest level in their particular sports and they must intend to come to the United Kingdom on a long term basis.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for this visa an applicant must fulfill all the following criteria:
• Must be an elite sportsperson or a qualified coach and must be recognized by his Home sport's governing body as internationally established at the highest level.
• His home sport's governing body must be endorsing his application.
• Must achieve a minimum score of 70 points for attributes including sponsorship, English language test and maintenance.
• Must have a certificate of sponsorship that is a suitable offer of employment from an employer having a valid Sponsor License.
• Must have a saving of £945 in his bank account and must have this for at least 3 months immediately before applying. This is to prove that he can support himself in the UK, without the need of public funds. The applicant will not need to prove this if his fully approved (A-rated) sponsor has stated on his certificate of sponsorship that they will certify his maintenance and that he will not claim benefits during his stay.
DURATION OF STAY
With this visa a migrant can live and work in the UK for up to 3 years or the time given on the certificate of sponsorship, whichever is shorter. He can also apply to extend his visa for up to another 3 years for a maximum stay of 6 years. Upon successfully holding this visa for 5 years, individuals may be entitled to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which entitles individuals to permanently reside in the UK as well as visa free travel to and from the UK. The ILR holders may eventually be eligible to apply for British citizenship.
DEPENDANTS
This visa allows the spouses, civil partners or children under the age of 18, to immigrate to the UK at the same time as the main applicant.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
• A current passport or some other valid travel identification.
• A passport sized coloured photograph.
• Bank statement showing the required savings in the account.
• Proof that one meets the English Language Test.
• His tuberculosis test result if the applicant is from a country where this test is necessary.
DOs and DON'Ts
An immigrant can:
• work for his sponsor for the job describe in his certificate of sponsorship.
• do a second job.
• play for his national team in the UK.
• do voluntary work.
• work as a sports broadcaster.
• travel abroad and return to the UK.
• bring his dependants along.
An immigrant can't:
• start or run a business.
• get public funds.
• apply for a second job until he has started working for his sponsor.
