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2025-26 INTERNATIONAL SPORTSPERSON GBE CRITERIA CONSULTATION

Consultation opens on changes to BF’s Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) criteria used to sponsor migrants applying to come to the UK under the International Sportsperson route, now due for review. Closing date is noon 22nd September.

Link to Consultation Response Form

Closing Date: noon 22nd September 2025

As part of the process for clubs to sponsor migrants applying to come to the UK under the International Sportsperson route, each individual migrant must also have a personal endorsement from British Fencing (as an approved sports governing body) before they can be assigned a certificate of sponsorship.

To be agreed with the Home Office, these endorsement criteria must be at a standard that ensures the route is for elite sportspeople and qualified sports coaches who are internationally established and can make a significant contribution to their game at its highest level in the UK.

More information on the process and current GBE criteria are published here on the website.

The changes proposed for 2025-26 relate Governing Body sponsor endorsements. Endorsements for sponsors will no longer have an end date. They will be valid for as long as the sponsor continues to hold a valid sponsor licence.

As part of the review of the GBE criteria BF is providing the opportunity for affiliated clubs and Home Nations to propose any changes or additions to the requirements in line with existing immigration rules.

Link to Consultation Response Form

Closing Date: noon 22nd September 2025