The government's Points Based Managed
Migration system means that cricket clubs will need to obtain a sponsor
licence from the UK Borders Agency in order to bring cricketers and
coaches from outside the EU into the country.
As part of this process, clubs must obtain from the ECB a Governing Body Endorsement BOTH for their sponsor licence and for individual players and coaches.
Following Home Office approval of ECB's Governing Body Endorsement
requirement process, the guidance document, together with application
pack to be used when applying for these endorsements are found at the
foot of this page.
For further information on the Points Based Managed Migration System, please see the Home Office website.
- Annexes 3, 7 and 8 are for use for Non First Class endorsement applications.
- Annex 9 is for use in all relevant applications.
Please note that the ECB cannot provide advice or guidance on
immigration routes, processes or an individual’s status. You will need
to contact a registered immigration adviser who is OISC registered or by
calling either of the numbers listed in useful contacts.
Applications for the 2021 season can be submitted from 1
September 2020. All endorsements for players and player-coaches will be
issued with an effective from date of 1 September 2020, to a maximum of
30 September 2021 or to length of contract, whichever date is sooner.
For clubs going through this process for the first time please click here for a Step by Step Guide (PDF).
For Non First Class Clubs, please ensure you read and follow the application guidance on your Annex 7 or 8 application forms.
Payment is by BACS only, please ensure you read and follow the application guidance
Current processing times for all endorsement
applications are 7-10 working days from receipt of complete
applications, (this includes payment)
Documents
Additional information
Additional Information For Cricket Clubs (PDF)
ECB Health and Safety Pack (PDF)
Safeguarding Young Children Matrix (PDF)
Home Office Visa Overview (PDF)
Overseas Players Amateur v Professional Definitions (PDF)
Useful contacts
The ECB is not registered to give advice on immigration. Information
on aspects of immigration policy and law can be found on the Home Office website.
Clubs are advised to allow sufficient time for entry clearance to be
granted. The time needed to obtain entry clearance may vary depending
upon where the player is applying. Service standards for each post are
set out on the Home Office website.
This site also contains a guide to Visa processing times for specific overseas posts.