Tier 2 Professional Sports Person

Caters for South Africans that have represented their country (provincially or nationally) and are looking to “work” for a UK club or sports body.

Specifics of the Tier 2 Professional Sportsperson visa:

 Introducing the Tier 2 (Professional Sportsperson) visa:
Caters for professional South Africans athletes that are looking to work in the United Kingdom. To qualify for this visa category, applicants have to evidence that they have represented South Africa nationally (or provincially) and that they have been awarded a Tier 2 certificate of sponsorship.

 Duration of visa:
Tier 2 (Professional Sportsperson) visa is issued for the duration of 3 years (and some cases have be issued for 5 years – subject to the duration of the employment contract drawn up by their licensed sponsor).

Settlement rights:
Granted. This Tier 2 visa does grant settlement rights. Time spent in the UK counts toward earning British nationality.

 Family Dependents:
Permitted. Immediate family members (married like partner and minors) are permitted to join the main applicant.

 Processing Times:
3 weeks. From the date of submission, applicants experience an average of 15 working day processing times.

 Common Reason for Refusal:
Most of these cases are refused based on incorrect Maintenance Requirement and invalid Certificate of Acceptance.

    Whole Process:
Once South Africans are awarded entry clearance (permission to study in the UK), there are not easy means to extending their stay. Therefore this particular category of visa does not offer a long term solution to experiencing life in the UK.