Immigration staff guidance on how to consider applications to enter, remain or settle in the UK on the International Sportsperson route.
What’s changed: Updated in line with the August 2026 Suitability Rules changes relating to immigration bail and the Exceptions for Overstayers provisions.
UK Visas and Immigration guidance for staff designed to be used alongside Appendix International Sportsperson of the Immigration Rules. The rules explain the requirements an applicant must meet, and this guidance provides additional information on how to consider their application. Paragraph references refer to Appendix International Sportsperson unless otherwise stated.
The International Sportsperson route is for an elite sportsperson or qualified sports coach who is internationally established and can make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at its highest level in the UK.
Source: UK Visas and Immigration — guidance & rule updates on GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Republished in full. Always check the official page for the latest version.
Official source
GOV.UK
