Livida Sport: A Global Guide to Football Transfers - Second Edition - Manual / Resource - Page 13
Immigration Rules
The International Sportsperson Visa is the most used visa for professional athletes and
coaches in the UK. A visa can be granted for up to 12 months (with no English language
requirement), up to three years (with an English language requirement), or the length of
the contract, whichever is shorter. A GBE is required for the International Sportsperson
and is issued by The FA if the player meets the criteria specified above. Irish citizens and
European citizens with EU Pre-settled or Settled Status are exempt. Commonwealth
nationals who have a British-born grandparent, including spouses/partners of British
citizens or individuals with Settled Status are also exempt.
Player Requirements
Endorsement by The FA and a Certificate of Sponsorship (the club will be
responsible for both).
A playing contract offering at least the national minimum wage.
Clearance from a tuberculosis test for certain nationals.
English language requirements apply to those who apply for visas longer than 12
months.
Dependents
The International Sportsperson Visa permits spouses and partners to accompany the
player, as well as children under 18. Dependents can live in the UK for the same duration
as the player. They can study without restriction and can work in most jobs except for
certain medical, dentistry and sportsperson roles.
Applications
Applications can be made inside or outside of the UK, depending on the player9s
nationality. Entry visas submitted outside the UK can be processed in 24 hours,
depending on the visa centre location. There are options to pay an additional fee to
expedite the process in most countries.
This visa route can lead to permanent residency after the applicant has lived in the UK
for five years continuously, with the possibility of British citizenship after six years.
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