International Sportsperson visa
Switch to this visa
You can apply to change (‘switch’) from another visa to an International Sportsperson visa.
You should apply before your current visa expires.
Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically switch to this visa if you switch yours. If they do not switch their visa, it will be valid until its original end date.
They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.
Eligibility
You must:
- meet the International Sportsperson visa eligibility requirements
- be in the UK on an eligible visa - most visas are eligible
If you’re currently in the UK on a Student visa, you must also meet one of the following requirements:
- you have completed the course you were sponsored to study
- your job start date is after your course has finished
- you have studied for a PhD for at least 24 months
Visas that are not eligible
You cannot apply to switch to this visa if you’re currently in the UK:
- on a visit visa - unless you’ve been doing permitted activities as a sportsperson
- on a short-term student visa
- on a Parent of a Child Student visa
- on a seasonal worker visa
- on a domestic worker in a private household visa
- on immigration bail
- because you were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds
You must leave the UK and apply for an International Sportsperson visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories.
How long you can stay
You can apply to extend your stay in the UK with an International Sportsperson visa for up to 3 years at a time.
Fees
Check the fees for your type of visa.
You’ll also need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. There’s no fee for this.
Apply to switch to an International Sportsperson visa
You must apply online before your current visa expires.
Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.
Continue your application
You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it.
Find out how to sign in to your account.
Providing biometric information and supporting documents
As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.
You’ll either:
-
use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
-
have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point
You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.
You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.
How long it takes
You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.
You’ll be told if it will take longer, for example if:
- your supporting documents need to be verified
- you need to attend an interview
- your application is complex because of your personal circumstances, for example you have a criminal conviction
If your application is successful
You’ll get an eVisa (an online record of your immigration status).
Your decision email or letter will tell you how to get access to your eVisa. You’ll need to create a UKVI account.
Find out how to get your biometric residence permit (BRP) if you were told you’d get one when you applied.