Non-UK Sports Person Visa Guidance Update – 05/06/26

Following on from the update in May, we are now in a position to share a further update on the International Sports Person Visa’s. Scottish Hockey are endorsing the below guidance created by England Hockey which supports clubs in understanding their requirements for compliance with the UK Home Office.

Non-UK Players & Coaches 

Summary Principles

1. All players in hockey will have to be defined as amateur or professional. An amateur
player will receive no payment or tangible in-kind financial support for playing. (e.g.
accommodation, cars or payment or payment in kind from the club)

2. Overseas Players will have to be clearly defined as professional or amateur every
season.

3. A non-UK professional player must have an international sportsperson visa and be
paid above the minimum wage threshold and be determined to be of a suitable
standard. England Hockey will demand proof of this via consent to league
regulations and approve all applications on a case-by-case basis

4. A non-UK amateur player must receive no financial support from a club and must
only enter the country via an appropriate visa that is justified via the relevant route –
Student or Skilled Worker. England Hockey will ensure that league regulations, and
sanctions are aligned to this, penalties are applied for non-compliance and
clubs/individuals understand that we may share information with UKVI.

5. Any non-UK coach who doesn’t play must be a professional coach and paid above
the minimum wage threshold and hold the appropriate qualifications (verified by SH
if gained overseas).

6. Any non-UK coach that also plays must meet the threshold and expectations in
terms of being the level of player required to gain a sportsperson visa.

Further information can be found in the below documents. Scottish Hockey continues to seek legal guidance on the situation and any relevant updates will be issued accordingly.

Visa FAQs

Final 2 Visa requirements for Hockey

EH GBE Criteria for 2026

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-sports-governing-bodies

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