The UK Tier 2 visa has helped many talented individuals realize their dreams in the sporting world.

The recent decision by Virat Kohli to spend his time between the IPL and the England Tour by playing county Cricket in England is the latest in a history of international sportspeople choosing to gain experience in England’s sporting environment. Due to England’s position as an economic powerhouse for most of the 20th Century, the country managed to develop several sporting structures like the English Premier League in Football and the County Championship in Cricket. These types of organizations helped sporting talents across the world to develop and hone their skills.

Now any aspiring sportsperson would be forgiven for having a million questions: how do I get there? Will they take anyone? Do I need to be sponsored by someone?

Well, let’s find out.

How do you get there: The Tier 2 Sportsperson Visa

In order to be allowed to play for one of the above mentioned prestigious sporting leagues in the UK, one must obtain a UK Tier 2 Visa, more specifically, a Tier 2 Sportsperson visa.

The UK Tier 2 visa (sportsperson) is an entry clearance granted to elite sportsperson or qualified coaches who are recognized by the governing body of their respective sport as being of the highest level internationally.

Will they take anyone?

An applicant can apply for entry clearance as a Tier 2 sportsperson if they are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland and if they meet the following conditions.

They must be:

• an elite sportsperson or qualified coach, who is recognized by the sport’s governing body
• endorsed by sport’s governing body
• employed to develop the sport at the highest level

Do I need to be sponsored?

No, you do not. As long as you are endorsed by the governing body of your sport as being at the highest level internationally, you do not need any specific sponsorship.

What if I have other questions regarding the UK Tier 2 Visa?

At The SmartMove2UK, our immigration solicitors have provided expertise to applicants seeking to apply for a UK Tier 2 sportspersons visa.

Call us on +91 98191 27002 or email us at info@smartmove2uk.com to book an initial consultation with our UK Tier 2 sportsperson visa consultants who are based in Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Bangalore.

If you have any comment or want to know anything about the UK Tier 2 Sportsperson Visa then you can call our immigration expert in India – Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore or you can also connect with us on