international Sportsperson Sponsor Licence
The UK has a proud sporting tradition, with clubs and organisations competing at the highest level across football, rugby, cricket, and other elite sports
The International Sportsperson Sponsor Licence allows UK sporting teams and clubs to sponsor elite athletes and qualified coaches from outside the UK under the sportsperson visa route. At Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, we help organisations secure their sponsor licence quick and efficiently.
Overview of the UK International Sportsperson Visa
The International Sportsperson route (previously tier 2 Sportspersons Visa) is for elite athletes and skilled coaches who are globally admired and can significantly contribute to the growth and success of their sport in the UK at an elite level. This visa allows individuals to live, work, and contribute to their sport under the sponsorship of a UK-based sports organisation, club, or team.
To be eligible, applicants must secure an endorsement from the governing body of their sport, be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) by their sponsor, and meet specific eligibility requirements, including financial and English language criteria. The visa is typically offered for up to three years, with the chance of extension if the criteria are still met.
After living continuously in the UK for five years, individuals may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), offering a pathway to long-term settlement in the UK.
What is the International Sportsperson Sponsor Licence?
The International Sportsperson Sponsor Licence is a legal requirement for UK-based sports clubs, governing bodies, and organisations that wish to employ elite athletes or qualified coaches from outside the UK. Issued by the UK Home Office, this licence enables organisations to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to eligible individuals, allowing them to apply for an International Sportsperson UK visa.
This licence is essential for bringing high-calibre professionals into the UK to contribute to the growth and development of sports at the highest level. To obtain the licence, the organisation must be endorsed by the governing body of their sport and demonstrate a legitimate need to sponsor international talent.
It is important to note that overseas-based clubs, agents, or organisations are not eligible to apply for this licence.
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Eligibility Requirements for the International Sportsperson Sponsor Licence
To obtain a sponsor licence, organisations must meet strict requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). These requirements ensure that only genuine and compliant organisations can sponsor international sportspersons and qualified coaches.
1. Lawful and Genuine Operation
The organisation must be officially registered in the UK. It must be financially stable and capable of meeting sponsorship obligations, including ensuring that sponsored individuals are paid at or above the required salary levels.
2. Governing Body Endorsement
The organisation must acquire an endorsement from a Home Office-approved governing body for the relevant sport. This endorsement confirms the organisation’s legitimacy and need to sponsor international sportspersons. It also ensures that the sponsored athlete or coach meets the highest level of sporting criteria set by the governing body.
3. Compliance with UK Laws
The organisation must comply with UK laws regarding employment, particularly those governing salaries, workplace conditions, and non-discrimination. There must be no record of noncompliance with UK immigration regulations. Key personnel involved in managing the sponsor licence must not have unspent criminal convictions for offences such as fraud, money laundering, or immigration violations.
4. Sponsorship Management System (SMS) Compliance
Employers must appoint key personnel to handle the sponsor licence using the Sponsorship Management System (SMS):
- Authorising Officer: Accountable for ensuring adherence to sponsor obligations.
- Key Contact: Main point of communication with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
- Level 1 User: Manages the day-to-day sponsorship activities, including assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Application Process for an International Sportsperson Sponsor Licence
Applying for an International Sportsperson Sponsor Licence involves several steps, and ensuring compliance with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations is essential for a successful outcome.
- Obtain a Governing Body Endorsement: Before applying, your organisation must secure an endorsement from the relevant Home Office-approved sporting body. This confirms that your organisation satisfies the mandated standards.
- Submit the Sponsor Licence Application: The application is completed online through the UK Home Office portal. You need to submit paperwork that confirms your eligibility, financial stability, and capacity to fulfil sponsor licence obligations.
- Pay the Application Fee: The expense of a sponsor application varies by organisation size, with smaller sponsors paying £536 and large sponsors paying £1,476.
- Await a Decision: The standard processing time is around 8 weeks, but a priority service may be available for a faster decision.
Once approved, you can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to international athletes or coaches, allowing them to apply for a visa and legally work in the UK.
Responsibilities and Duties of a Sponsor
Holding an International Sportsperson Sponsor Licence comes with important responsibilities. The UK Home Office requires sponsors to comply with strict regulations to ensure they are managing their sponsorship duties correctly. Failure to do so can result in penalties, suspension, or revocation of the licence.
Reporting Duties
Sponsors must inform UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) about key changes. If a visa holder does not start their role, leaves earlier than expected, or is absent without permission for more than ten working days, this must be reported.
Any consequential shifts within the organisation, such as a change of address, ownership, or key personnel, must be reported within twenty working days. If a sponsored athlete or coach breaches visa conditions, the sponsor must notify UKVI immediately.
Record-Keeping Requirements
Sponsors must maintain detailed and up-to-date records of all sponsored individuals. These include copies of passports, visas, biometric residence permits, employment contracts, and attendance records. These records must be retained for at least one year after sponsorship ends or until UKVI reviews them.
Compliance with Immigration Rules
Sponsorship must be genuine, meaning that a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) can only be assigned to an elite sportsperson or coach who meets the eligibility requirements. Sponsored individuals must only work in their approved role and cannot take on unauthorised employment.
Organisations must have the right processes in place to monitor visa compliance and ensure that athletes and coaches continue to meet their visa conditions throughout their stay in the UK.
Cooperation with UKVI Compliance Checks
The UK Home Office can conduct compliance visits at any time to assess whether an organisation is fulfilling its sponsor licence duties. Sponsors must provide requested documents promptly, demonstrate effective HR systems, and ensure that their sponsored sportspersons continue to meet their visa conditions.
Costs and Processing Time
Applying for a UK sponsor licence involves fees that vary depending on the size of the organisation. The application fee is £536 for small sponsors and £1,476 for large sponsors. A business is considered a small sponsor if it meets at least two of the following criteria: having an annual turnover of £10.2 million or less, total assets of £5.1 million or less, or fewer than 50 employees.
Processing times for sponsor licence applications typically take around eight weeks. However, organisations can opt for the priority service for an extra fee of £500, which targets processing applications within ten working days. Availability of this expedited service is limited, and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Let Us Help Secure Your Sponsor Licence
Securing an International Sportsperson Sponsor Licence is a crucial step for UK sporting organisations looking to bring in elite athletes and coaches. With strict UK Home Office requirements and a detailed sponsor licence application process, securing the licence is not always straightforward. Errors or missing details can lead to unnecessary delays or even refusals.
At Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, we provide expert legal support to help your organisation successfully apply for and manage its sponsor licence. From meeting the requirements and preparing the application to ensuring ongoing compliance with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today for personalised guidance with your sponsor licensing application. Let us manage the legal intricacies so you can concentrate on strengthening your team with top-tier sporting talent.
FAQs About The Sportsperson Sponsor Licence
Any UK-based sports organisation, club, or governing body that wants to sponsor elite sportspersons or qualified coaches from outside the UK must apply for a sponsor licence. Without this licence, organisations cannot legally assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for a sportsperson visa.
A certificate of sponsorship is a document issued by a sponsor licence holder that confirms a sportsperson has been offered a job and is eligible to apply for a visa to the UK.
The sponsor licence costs vary depending on the type of licence you are applying for and the size of your UK business or organisation. The cost ranges from £536 to £1,476 based on these factors.
If your sponsor licence application is refused, you should review the UK Home Office refusal letter to understand the reasons. In some cases, you may be able to correct errors and reapply, but if the refusal includes a cooling-off period, you must wait before submitting a new application.
Yes, if they meet the eligibility requirements, a sportsperson visa can be extended from within the UK. The sponsor must still be authorised by the Home Office, and a new Certificate of Sponsorship may be required.
Dr. Bernard Andonian
Founder, Business Immigration Solicitor and Former Immigration Judge
Dave Vasoodaven
Business Immigration and Self Sponsorship Expert
Fadi Farhat
Business Immigration Expert
