Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
Settlement
This page explains whether and how you can apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK (known as 'indefinite leave to remain') if you are here under Tier 2 (Sportsperson) of the points-based system.
On this page
Details of these requirements are set out in Part 6A of the Immigration Rules (paragraph 245HF), which you can find on the right of this page.
You must meet all the requirements of the Immigration Rules at the time when you apply for settlement. If you are considering applying for settlement in the future, you should note that the Immigration Rules are subject to change.
You should make your application for settlement using application form SET(O). You can find the form and guidance notes on the right side of this page. You must read the guidance notes before you apply.
Current requirements for settlement
At present, you cannot apply for settlement until you have been in the UK for a continuous period of 5 years in an eligible immigration category.
During the continuous residence period, you cannot be outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 consecutive months. Absences must be for a reason that relates to the reason for your stay in the UK, or for a serious compelling reason such as a serious illness. Your sponsor must explain in writing the reason for your absence if it was related to your work. You must explain in writing the reason for your absence if it was for a serious or compelling reason.
Time spent in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man may be included in the continuous period as long as you were given permission to stay in the Tier 2 (Sportsperson) category or in any of the following categories:
- member of the operational ground staff of an overseas-owned airline
- minister of religion, missionary or member of a religious order
- qualifying work permit holder
- sole representative of an overseas business
- representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation
- any Tier 1 category, except Tier 1 (Post study work)
- highly skilled migrant
- innovator
If you were given permission to stay in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man for employment as a work permit holder or a Tier 2 migrant it must have been for employment that you would have been given permission to stay in the UK for.
Your most recent permission to stay must have been given in the UK in the Tier 2 (Sportsperson) category.
This 5-year continuous period can include any time that you have spent in the following immigration categories before you applied under Tier 2:
- member of the operational ground staff of an overseas-owned airline
- minister of religion, missionary or member of a religious order
- qualifying work permit holder
- sole representative of an overseas business
- representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation
- any Tier 1 category, except Tier 1 (Post study work)
- highly skilled migrant
- innovator
Also, the sponsor that gave you the certificate of sponsorship for your current job must certify in writing that they still need you in the job.
You must have sufficient English language ability and knowledge of life in the UK, unless you are under 18 years old or over 65 years old when you apply. You can find more information in the Settlement section.
Requirements from 6 April 2016
If you are applying for indefinite leave to remain, you must meet all of the requirements under Immigration Rule 245HF which can be found on the right of this page. You must also show that you are being paid:
- £35,000 per year (before tax); or
- the correct rate of pay for your job as stated in the codes of practice for Tier 2 sponsors.
Whichever is the higher amount will apply.
Can your dependants apply for settlement?
If your dependants want to apply for settlement, they and you must meet all the requirements of the Immigration Rules at the time when they apply for settlement. If they are considering applying for settlement in the future, you should note that the Immigration Rules are subject to change.
At present, your partner must have lived with you in the UK for a minimum of 5 years, or 2 years if they had been granted leave as your partner before 9 July 2012 and continuously since then, before they can apply for settlement. Your children can apply for settlement when you and your partner have either:
- applied for settlement; or
- been granted settlement.
Application forms
Application for permanent residence in the UK in an employment or other category listed on the form
- Form SET(O) PDF 616KB opens in a new window
- Guide SET(O) PDF 243KB opens in a new window
- Photo guidance (new)PDF 374KB opens in a new window