If your partner or parent is currently in or coming to the UK on an International Sportsperson visa, you can apply to join them. Our comprehensive guide below provides a full overview of the International Sportsperson Dependant visa.
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The International Sportsperson Dependent visa allows the immediate family members of an International Sportsperson visa holder to join them in the UK. It is specifically intended for the spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of the main applicant, as well as any dependent children. This visa enables dependants to accompany the main applicant for the duration of their stay in the UK.
Key details of the visa include:
The Dependant International Sportsperson visa ensures families can remain together and provides significant rights and opportunities to dependants, including greater freedom in employment than the main visa holder. It also serves as a potential pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain and, ultimately, British Citizenship. However, it’s important to note that a dependant’s stay in the UK depends entirely on the main visa holder. Any visa extensions or applications for residency require the main applicant to do the same, and dependants must maintain a genuine relationship with the main visa holder.
To qualify for an International Sportsperson Dependant visa, you must meet the following requirements:
There is no English language requirement for dependents at this stage. However, future applications in the immigration process for residency and citizenship will require proof of English language proficiency.
Under the Maintenance Requirement, it is necessary to demonstrate sufficient funds to support both the main applicant and any dependants upon their arrival in the UK. The main applicant must show a minimum of £1,270 in savings. Additionally, they must provide evidence of the following funds for any dependants:
These funds must have been available for at least 28 consecutive days, with the final day of that period falling within 31 days of the application date.
Proof of maintenance funds is required for all applications unless:
If the partner or child applies separately from the main applicant, they only need to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves.
The following documents are required when submitting an application, though specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances:
The International Sportsperson Dependent visa offers several benefits, granting the holder various rights related to work, study, and overall freedoms.
Visa holders are allowed to:
However, certain restrictions apply, particularly regarding access to public funds:
The fees for an International Sportsperson Deoendant visa are the same as for the main applicant:
Application Type | Up to 12 Months | Up to 3 Years |
Applying from outside the UK | £298 | £719 |
Applying from inside the UK (switching, extending, or updating) | £298 | £827 |
Apart from the application fees, there are other additional fees associated with the application process:
If you want to get your visa processed quickly, you'll need to use a priority or super-priority service. These incur an additional charge of £500 and £1,000, respectively, for each applicant. However, these services guarantee a decision within 5 working days for priority service applications or the next working day for super-priority applications.
The countdown for processing time begins after an online application is submitted and the biometric data is provided during the scheduled appointment. From this point, most applications are processed within three weeks, faster than many other visa types. You may have the option to expedite your application using a priority service. If this is a service you're interested in, check availability on the UKVI website when scheduling your biometric appointment. If there are no services listed, it means that all available slots are fully booked.
You can continually extend the International Sportsperson visa provided the main applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria. Initial visa applications are granted for up to 3 years, and you can apply for extensions for a further 3 years. However, after 5 years in the UK under the International Sportsperson Dependant visa, you should be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Providing you meet the eligibility criteria for ILR, it’s far better to apply under this settlement route than to continue on a dependant visa.
Many clients choose First Migration for its long history of excellent service and track record of successful visa applications. However, what we feel is our biggest strength and what makes us unique is our small dedicated team that offers a truly personalised service. We genuinely love what we do, and our team relishes making a difference to the lives of our clients.
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