The sports visitor visa is designed for individuals based abroad who wants to visit the UK for a short period to undertake some sports related activities. Sportspersons and people who work closely with them can visit the UK under this visa to take part in some specific event without permission to work or applying under the point based system.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR THIS VISA?
An individual can apply for a sports visitor visa if he:
• is willing to come to the UK to participate in any sports related activities or events. These activities include :
1. Joining an amateur sports team
2. Participating in an exhibition, charity or a competitive sports event, series of events or tournaments
3. Negotiating a contract or sponsorship deal
4. Making a personal or promotional appearance
5. Participating in a trial or short period of training either as an individual or as a part of a team.
• is from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
• is a part of the support staff or an official working on a sport event.
ELIGIBILITY
The applicant must :
• not be less than 18 years of age.
• be genuinely seeking entry as a sports visitor for maximum period of 6 months.
• leave the UK at the end of the period of visit.
• be sound enough to meet the cost of the return and onward journey.
• accommodate and maintain themselves and their dependants (if any) without resorting to public funds.
• not be in transit to a country outside the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
An applicant can apply for a visa 3 months before his date of travel to the UK and can expect to get a decision on his visa within 3 weeks.
FEES
It costs £83 to apply for a sports visitor visa.
Long term visitor visa costs:
• £300 for 1 year
• £300 for 2 years
• £544 for 5 years
• £737 for 10 years
HOW LONG CAN ONE STAY?
A person can stay in the UK for a maximum time of 6 months under this visa. However he may be able to extend his stay by switching to the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker: Creative and sporting)visa. If he is able to prove that he needs to visit the UK several times over a longer period he can also apply for a long term visit visa. A long term visit visa holder can stay for a maximum period of 6 months on each visit while his visa can last for 1,2,5 or 10 years.
DOs and DON'Ts
A sports visitor visa holder can:
• take part in a charity event, broadcasts, personal or promotional appearances.
• join an amateur team.
• play as an individual or as a part of a team in an event or tournament.
• take part in a trial as long as it is not in front of the audience.
• work as technical or support staff for a sporting event or an sportsperson, for example an a coach.
A sports visitor visa holder can't:
• Get public funds.
• take up any kind of work or study.
• live in the UK for extended periods through frequent visits.
• get a private medical treatment.
• marry or register a civil partnership.
• bring dependants with him on his application- they will have to apply separately.
