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Tier 2 (Sportsperson)

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English language

This page explains what proof of your English language skills you must send to support your application to the sportsperson category (Tier 2 Sportsperson) of the points-based system to work in the UK.

Full details of these requirements are in the Immigration Rules at paragraphs 245ZB - 245ZH of Part 6A, which you can find on the right side of this page. You must read the policy guidance before you apply under this category. You can download the guidance and application form from the Applying section.

National of a majority English-speaking country

If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country, you must send your current original passport or travel document.

If you are inside the UK, and are unable to send your current original passport or travel document at the time you apply, you must give full reasons under the passport information section of the application form. You cannot send alternative specified documents, unless your current passport or travel document has:

  • been lost;
  • been stolen;
  • expired - returned to national authorities; or
  • submitted to another part of the UK Border Agency.

The alternative specified documents you must send in the exceptional circumstances above are:

  • your current national identity document; or
  • an original letter from your home government or embassy.

This document must be original, on the headed paper of the government or embassy and must have the official stamp of that institution. It must have been issued by an authorised official of that institution and must confirm:

  • your full name;
  • your date of birth; and
  • your nationality.

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English language test

If you have passed an English language test, you must send your certificate. The original test result certificate must clearly show:

  • your name;
  • the qualification obtained; and
  • the date of the award.

You can download a list of approved English language tests from the right side of this page.

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Degree taught in English

If you have been awarded a qualification that was taught in English, you must send the original certificate of award.This must be on the institution's official headed paper, and must clearly show:
  • your name;
  • the title of the award;
  • the date of the award; and
  • the name of the awarding institution.

We will not accept original provisional certificates.

If you have successfully completed a degree course taught in English but you are awaiting graduation, you must send the original academic transcript. This must be on the institution's official headed paper, and must clearly show:
  • your name;
  • the name of the academic institution;
  • the course title; and
  • confirmation of the award.

If you have lost your original certificate of award, and the institution that issued it cannot issue a replacement, we will accept the original academic reference. This must be on the institution's official headed paper, and must clearly show:

  • your name;
  • the title of the award;
  • the date of the award, confirming that it has been awarded; and
  • confirmation that the institution cannot re-issue the original certificate of award.

Additional requirements

If your degree was not taught in a majority English speaking country and is not listed on our points calculator, you must also provide:

  • an original letter and/or certificate from UK NARIC confirming the equivalent level of your degree course; and
  • a letter from the academic institution that awarded the qualification.

The letter from the academic institution must be original, issued by the awarding institution on its official headed paper, and clearly show:

  • your name;
  • the title of the award;
  • the date of the award; and
  • confirmation that the degree was taught in English.

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Application forms

Tier 2 policy guidance

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See also

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Terms explained

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Policy & Law

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