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Tier 2 (Sportsperson)

Image of sportsperson playing football.

Certificate of sponsorship

This page explains how you can score points for having a certificate of sponsorship when you apply under Tier 2 (Sportsperson) of the points-based system.

You must read the Tier 2 policy guidance before you apply. You can download the guidance from the right side of this page. The guidance is based on Part 6A of the Immigration Rules.

You will score 50 points if you have a certificate of sponsorship. Your sponsor can assign a certificate of sponsorship to you if:

  • you are qualified to do the job;
  • you plan to base yourself in the UK; and
  • you will comply with the conditions of your permission to stay and leave the UK when that permission expires.

Your certificate of sponsorship must also contain an endorsement number from the governing body for your sport. Your sponsor is responsible for obtaining this. You can find a list of all the governing bodies in the Sponsor section.

If you want to apply to extend your stay under Tier 2 (Sportsperson), your sponsor will need to assign a new certificate of sponsorship to you. The governing body will need to endorse your application again, so your certificate of sponsorship will need to contain a new endorsement number.

Application forms

Tier 2 policy guidance

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See also

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Terms explained

  • Certificate of sponsorship

    A 'virtual document' assigned by a licensed sponsor to a migrant who wishes to work for them in the UK. The migrant must quote the certificate of sponsorship reference number when applying for permission to enter or remain in the UK  under Tier 2 or Tier 5 of the points-based system or, where the migrant is a Croatian national, when applying for worker authorisation.

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Policy & Law