Home Office Definition Of A ‘Professional Sportsperson’, Not What You May Think

Category: Law

The inability to work as a professional sportsperson is a condition of most UK visas. This includes the Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme), which has previously allowed young foreign athletes in the UK to play their sport at amateur level. In 2017 the Home Office updated the Immigration Rules to refine the definition of amateur and professional sportsperson status. There have been concerns that the updated definitions and guidance will make it harder for promising young players to come to the UK.