International Sportsperson

The International Sportsperson is for sportspeople and coaches aged 16 or over who:

•
are elite and internationally established at the highest level, and
•
will be employed in a capacity that will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport in the UK

The International Sportsperson route was introduced from 11 October 2021 by Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 617, and replaced T2 Sportsperson, and the sporting element of T5 (Temporary Worker) Creative or Sporting Worker. These two routes had been revamped as simplified routes for the post-Brexit immigration system, between 1 December 2020 and 10 October 2021; previously they were known as Tier 2 (Sportsperson) and Tier 5 (Creative and Sporting). The single International Sportsperson route now incorporates short-term and long-term options.

Applicants wishing to apply under the route must have an employer registered as a sponsor under the International Sportsperson route. Sponsors must be a sports club

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Immigration weekly highlights—26 June 2025

Welcome to the 26 June 2025 highlights from the Immigration team, which provides links to key news stories from the last week, as well as a round-up of new and updated content in Immigration.

Right to work guidance updated on Digital Verification Service checks

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