Pinny Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 Just now, scaramanga said: if its a visa issue then surely it should only affect the rider or riders not the clubs license Not if they have sponsored the rider who is having visa issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainB Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 Speedway riders, like other professional athletes coming to the UK, primarily obtain their visas through the International Sportsperson visa route (formerly Tier 2 Sportsperson visa). There's also the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (Tier 5) for shorter stays, though the International Sportsperson visa is more common for full season engagements. Here's a breakdown of the process: 1. Sponsorship and Endorsement are Key: * Sponsor Licence: The speedway club or organisation employing the rider must hold a valid "sponsor licence" issued by the Home Office. This licence allows them to sponsor overseas workers. * Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once a rider is offered a position, the sponsoring club assigns them a unique electronic Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This CoS contains details about the job, salary, and the rider's personal information. It's a crucial piece of the visa application. * Governing Body Endorsement: This is a critical requirement. The rider's application must be endorsed by the relevant UK sports governing body for speedway. This endorsement confirms that: * The rider is an elite sportsperson or qualified coach. * They are internationally established. * Their employment will significantly contribute to the development of speedway at the highest level in the UK. 2. Eligibility Requirements for the Rider: * Age: Must be 16 years or older. * Job Offer: A genuine job offer from an approved sponsor (the speedway club). * English Language: For stays longer than 12 months, riders usually need to prove their English language proficiency (e.g., by passing an approved test or demonstrating they are from an English-speaking country). * Financial Maintenance: The rider must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK (currently £1,270 in their bank account for at least 28 consecutive days). Alternatively, their sponsor can certify they will cover the rider's costs. * Tuberculosis (TB) Test: If the rider is from a country where TB testing is required, they will need to provide a certificate. * Travel History: Provide travel history for the last 5 years. * Valid Passport: A valid passport with at least one blank page for the visa. 3. Application Process: * Online Application: Riders apply for the visa online through the UK government's official website. * Document Submission: They will need to submit all required documents, including: * Valid passport. * Certificate of Sponsorship reference number. * Endorsement letter from the speedway governing body. * Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable). * Bank statements (or sponsor's certification of maintenance). * TB test results (if applicable). * Previous travel documents to show travel history. * Biometrics: Riders will need to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) at a visa application centre. * Fees: There are application fees and an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS). 4. Visa Duration and Extension: * The International Sportsperson visa can be issued for up to 3 years initially, or for the duration of employment plus 14 days, whichever is shorter. * It can be extended if the rider continues to meet the eligibility criteria. * After 5 years on this visa, riders may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) in the UK, provided they meet further criteria (e.g., continuous residence, salary requirements, passing the "Life in the UK" test). Important Considerations for Speedway: * Governing Body: The relevant governing body for speedway in the UK (e.g., the Speedway Control Bureau - SCB, or British Speedway Promoters' Association - BSPA, working with relevant sporting bodies approved by the Home Office) will be crucial in endorsing riders. * Loan System Impact: There have been instances in the past where the Home Office scrutinised how speedway's loan system impacted visa compliance, leading to some challenges for clubs and riders. Clubs must ensure they comply with all sponsorship duties. * Brexit: Since Brexit, non-UK riders (including those from EU countries) now require a visa to ride professionally in the UK, which was not always the case previously. This has added a layer of complexity and cost to bringing in overseas talent. The process is rigorous and requires careful attention to detail from both the rider and the sponsoring club to ensure all requirements are met. Many clubs and riders often seek assistance from immigration lawyers due to the complexities involved. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noaksey Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 3 minutes ago, IainB said: Speedway riders, like other professional athletes coming to the UK, primarily obtain their visas through the International Sportsperson visa route (formerly Tier 2 Sportsperson visa). There's also the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (Tier 5) for shorter stays, though the International Sportsperson visa is more common for full season engagements. Here's a breakdown of the process: 1. Sponsorship and Endorsement are Key: * Sponsor Licence: The speedway club or organisation employing the rider must hold a valid "sponsor licence" issued by the Home Office. This licence allows them to sponsor overseas workers. * Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once a rider is offered a position, the sponsoring club assigns them a unique electronic Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This CoS contains details about the job, salary, and the rider's personal information. It's a crucial piece of the visa application. * Governing Body Endorsement: This is a critical requirement. The rider's application must be endorsed by the relevant UK sports governing body for speedway. This endorsement confirms that: * The rider is an elite sportsperson or qualified coach. * They are internationally established. * Their employment will significantly contribute to the development of speedway at the highest level in the UK. 2. Eligibility Requirements for the Rider: * Age: Must be 16 years or older. * Job Offer: A genuine job offer from an approved sponsor (the speedway club). * English Language: For stays longer than 12 months, riders usually need to prove their English language proficiency (e.g., by passing an approved test or demonstrating they are from an English-speaking country). * Financial Maintenance: The rider must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK (currently £1,270 in their bank account for at least 28 consecutive days). Alternatively, their sponsor can certify they will cover the rider's costs. * Tuberculosis (TB) Test: If the rider is from a country where TB testing is required, they will need to provide a certificate. * Travel History: Provide travel history for the last 5 years. * Valid Passport: A valid passport with at least one blank page for the visa. 3. Application Process: * Online Application: Riders apply for the visa online through the UK government's official website. * Document Submission: They will need to submit all required documents, including: * Valid passport. * Certificate of Sponsorship reference number. * Endorsement letter from the speedway governing body. * Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable). * Bank statements (or sponsor's certification of maintenance). * TB test results (if applicable). * Previous travel documents to show travel history. * Biometrics: Riders will need to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) at a visa application centre. * Fees: There are application fees and an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS). 4. Visa Duration and Extension: * The International Sportsperson visa can be issued for up to 3 years initially, or for the duration of employment plus 14 days, whichever is shorter. * It can be extended if the rider continues to meet the eligibility criteria. * After 5 years on this visa, riders may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) in the UK, provided they meet further criteria (e.g., continuous residence, salary requirements, passing the "Life in the UK" test). Important Considerations for Speedway: * Governing Body: The relevant governing body for speedway in the UK (e.g., the Speedway Control Bureau - SCB, or British Speedway Promoters' Association - BSPA, working with relevant sporting bodies approved by the Home Office) will be crucial in endorsing riders. * Loan System Impact: There have been instances in the past where the Home Office scrutinised how speedway's loan system impacted visa compliance, leading to some challenges for clubs and riders. Clubs must ensure they comply with all sponsorship duties. * Brexit: Since Brexit, non-UK riders (including those from EU countries) now require a visa to ride professionally in the UK, which was not always the case previously. This has added a layer of complexity and cost to bringing in overseas talent. The process is rigorous and requires careful attention to detail from both the rider and the sponsoring club to ensure all requirements are met. Many clubs and riders often seek assistance from immigration lawyers due to the complexities involved. So as its the club thats been suspended (rather than Zagar for Brum for example) does that suggest an issue with the sponsor licence? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainB Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 (edited) 5 minutes ago, noaksey said: So as its the club thats been suspended (rather than Zagar for Brum for example) does that suggest an issue with the sponsor licence? Or BSPA/SCB? There's a lot of foreign riders at Worky... and even their Brit sounds a bit foreign 😂 Edited June 27 by IainB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 4 minutes ago, noaksey said: So as its the club thats been suspended (rather than Zagar for Brum for example) does that suggest an issue with the sponsor licence? Some businesses also sometimes need to use a third party to "sponsor" their employees, depending on how long they have been in business.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neila Posted June 27 Author Report Share Posted June 27 Probably never find out the reason for the 7 day suspension. But if the comets pull through this, the main organisation body (bspa) may have made it worse, 3 clubs without a meeting a short notice, these meetings may then have to be rearranged, then you have fans who may have paid hotel costs to travel in the next few days, or like me, in the North East on way to berwick 2morrow, but at least I can enjoy the north east coast and the puffins . speedway shoots its self in the foot yet again !! 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 Just now, Neila said: Probably never find out the reason for the 7 day suspension. But if the comets pull through this, the main organisation body (bspa) may have made it worse, 3 clubs without a meeting a short notice, these meetings may then have to be rearranged, then you have fans who may have paid hotel costs to travel in the next few days, or like me, in the North East on way to berwick 2morrow, but at least I can enjoy the north east coast and the puffins . speedway shoots its self in the foot yet again !! If it is a visa issue, then they could have no choice but to prevent riders from riding with immediate effect. In the business I was in, we had to suspend anyone without the right to work immediately, or face a £28,000 fine per person.. And possible prison sentence for me!!!!😇 .... I would have been like Big Vern... "Ah'm doin' chokey for no man Ernie" "BLAM! BLAM!".... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noaksey Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 4 minutes ago, mikebv said: Some businesses also sometimes need to use a third party to "sponsor" their employees, depending on how long they have been in business.. Thats an interesting angle, presumably in a speedway scenario the 3rd party has to be approved by the BSPL? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neila Posted June 27 Author Report Share Posted June 27 2 minutes ago, noaksey said: Thats an interesting angle, presumably in a speedway scenario the 3rd party has to be approved by the BSPL? But they don't know what day it is, never mind approve anything 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noaksey Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 Just now, Neila said: But they don't know what day it is, never mind approve anything I think they know what's what when it comes to visa issues in fairness Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 Just now, noaksey said: Thats an interesting angle, presumably in a speedway scenario the 3rd party has to be approved by the BSPL? There has been riders riding for Team A, who have been sponsored by Team B, as Team A hadn't the relevant criteria to be allowed to employ the certain "Tier" that is required... I presume Brexit has brought even more complications... One thing is for sure... You get caught employing overseas nationals, without the right for you to do so, or their right to be here, and you can face serious consequence... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
screm Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 Visa issues will take way more than seven days to sort out, team changes to navigate around visa issues however could be done in way less time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainB Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 15 minutes ago, mikebv said: There has been riders riding for Team A, who have been sponsored by Team B, as Team A hadn't the relevant criteria to be allowed to employ the certain "Tier" that is required... I presume Brexit has brought even more complications... One thing is for sure... You get caught employing overseas nationals, without the right for you to do so, or their right to be here, and you can face serious consequence... I think Artem Laguta came in on a visa from Plymouth! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinny Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 16 minutes ago, mikebv said: There has been riders riding for Team A, who have been sponsored by Team B, as Team A hadn't the relevant criteria to be allowed to employ the certain "Tier" that is required... I presume Brexit has brought even more complications... One thing is for sure... You get caught employing overseas nationals, without the right for you to do so, or their right to be here, and you can face serious consequence... Having been through the visa process in Australia and having first hand dealt with a new company that had to get a sponsor license to sponsor foreign workers, I couldn't agree more. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neila Posted June 27 Author Report Share Posted June 27 1 minute ago, IainB said: I think Artem Laguta came in on a visa from Plymouth! Did lewy sort it out 😁 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTD26 Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 Didn’t think it was financial with the wording. Visa issues sums the state of this country up. Professional athletes here to work and pay towards the economy, trying to grow the sport are punished once again. Maybe they should just all start catching a dinghy from Calais in February? 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post IainB Posted June 27 Popular Post Report Share Posted June 27 22 minutes ago, mikebv said: You get caught employing overseas nationals, without the right for you to do so, or their right to be here, and you can face serious consequence... Unless you're a deliveroo rider... hang on... I've just had a thought 🤔 4 1 26 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTD26 Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 Didn’t think it was financial with the wording. Visa issues sums the state of this country up. Professional athletes here to work and pay towards the economy, trying to grow the sport are punished once again. Maybe they should just all start catching a dinghy from Calais in February? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinny Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 16 minutes ago, mikebv said: There has been riders riding for Team A, who have been sponsored by Team B, as Team A hadn't the relevant criteria to be allowed to employ the certain "Tier" that is required... I presume Brexit has brought even more complications... One thing is for sure... You get caught employing overseas nationals, without the right for you to do so, or their right to be here, and you can face serious consequence... Having been through the visa process in Australia and having first hand dealt with a new company that had to get a sponsor license to sponsor foreign workers, I couldn't agree more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndiCapp Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 30 minutes ago, Neila said: Did lewy sort it out 😁 Malcolm Bishop has mare idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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