How do I sponsor a migrant?
Tier 2 - sports people
This page explains the duties you have as a sponsor under the tier 2 - sports people category of the points-based system.
On this page
Your specific duties as a sponsor of sports people
All migrants in this category must have the approval of the appropriate governing body for their sport (officially known as an endorsement). This endorsement will confirm that the sports person meets the code of practice as agreed between us and the sporting body and also confirm that:
- the migrant is internationally established at the highest level; and
- the migrant will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the United Kingdom; and
- it is appropriate to fill the post with a migrant who is not settled in United Kingdom.
Find the lits of approved sports governing bodies.
Football loans and transfers
When a player moves to another club on a temporary transfer of registration (loan), the original club must use the sponsorship management system to tell us of the migrant's change of location. This is because loan players are not employed by the loan club, but are contracted out by the original club.
The original club keeps all its sponsorship duties and must make arrangements with the loan club so that the original club continues to fulfil its duties. The loan club does not need to apply for an individual governing body endorsement. When the player returns from loan, the original club must update the sponsorship management system again with the migrant's location details.
If the player is permanently transferred to another club, the original club must tell us using the sponsorship management system, and the new club must make a fresh application for an individual governing body endorsement on the player's behalf. The new club must be a licensed sponsor, and all clubs should note that they must complete the change of employment process before the player can play as a permanent employee of the new club.
Any player on loan from an overseas club to a club in the United Kingdom must meet all the requirements of Tier 2 or Tier 5, and therefore must have an individual governing body endorsement.
Your sponsor duties when issuing a certificate of sponsorship
Before you assign a certificate of sponsorship you must make sure that:
- the migrant intends to base themselves in the United Kingdom; and
- is approved by the governing body for the sport; and
- they will comply with the conditions of their permission to stay and leave the United Kingdom when their leave expires.