Ice Hockey UK – governing body endorsement requirements
Overview of governing body endorsements for Tier 2 (Sportsperson) and Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Creative and Sporting categories of the points-based system
This provides a brief explanation of the endorsement requirements a sport governing body has agreed UK sponsors of Tier 2 (Sportsperson) and/or Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Creative and Sporting categories of the points-based system must show.
The Tier 2 (Sportsperson) category is for elite sportspeople and coaches who are internationally established at the highest level and whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK, and who will base themselves in the UK.
The Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Creative and Sporting category is for sportspeople (and their entourage where appropriate) and coaches who are internationally established at the highest level in their sport, and/or will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport in the UK.
Sport governing body is one recognised by one of the home country sports councils for example Sport England. Every governing body must be approved by the Home Office before they are included in Appendix M of the Immigration Rules.
The application process explained: migrants applying to come to the UK under either of the sporting categories above need to be sponsored by an organisation that has a sponsor licence under Tier 2 (Sportsperson) or Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Creative and Sporting.
If you wish to sponsor such migrants, you must have a sponsor licence. Before you apply to the Home Office for a licence you must be endorsed by the governing body for your sport. This endorsement confirms to the Home Office that the application for a licence is from a genuine sports club (or equivalent) that has a legitimate requirement to bring migrants to the UK as sportspeople. Once licensed, you can assign certificates of sponsorship to a sportsperson or coach with a job offer that allows them to apply for leave to enter or remain in the UK. Each individual must also have a personal endorsement from the governing body for their sport before you assign the certificate of sponsorship.
The list of governing bodies and the tiers for which they are currently approved by the Home Office is in Appendix M of the Immigration Rules. Approved governing bodies will work within the Home Office code of practice for sports governing bodies and must comply with any immigration regulations, UK legislation and the principles of the points-based system as detailed on the GOV.UK website.
Click here to download a copy of the full governing body endorsement requirements.
