Creative Worker Visa
The UK Creative Worker visa is for qualified individuals who have been offered short-term employment in the UK for up to one year within the UK creative sector.
Awards and Accreditations
UK Creative Worker Visa
This visa has been designed for individuals who plan to work in the UK as a creative worker. A creative worker is defined as someone who works in the creative industries, for example as an actor, artist, audio technician, author, choreographer, dancer, director, film crew member, musician, photographer or as a presenter.There are strict eligibility criteria that applicants must meet including:
- You must have been offered an eligible role in the UK as a creative worker,
- You can demonstrate you meet the visa eligibility requirements.
Eligibility for a UK Creative Worker Visa
To qualify for a UK Creative Worker Visa, you must be able to demonstrate that you:
- Can make a unique contribution to the UK’s labour market in your field,
- Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor,
- Are paid at least the minimum salary set by trade bodies Equity, PACT, or BECTU,
- Score 40 points under the UK’s points-based immigration system,
- Have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any accompanying dependents (unless you fall under an exemption), and
- You must not fall under the general grounds for refusal.
If you are unsure about your eligibility for this visa, contact a qualified immigration lawyer who can advise you based on your personal circumstances.
Certificate of Sponsorship
You need a licensed sponsor to assign a certificate of sponsorship before you can apply to work in the UK. A certificate of sponsorship is a virtual document which holds information about the job and your personal details. It’s not an actual certificate or paper document. Your licensed sponsor will give you your certificate of sponsorship reference number.
Supporting Evidence
When you apply, you’ll need to provide:
- Your certificate of sponsorship reference number,
- Proof of identity and nationality,
- Evidence that you have sufficient personal cash savings to support yourself and your accompanying dependents in the United Kingdom, for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you)
- Proof of your relationship with your partner and children if they will accompany you to the United Kingdom, and
- Your tuberculosis test results if you are from a country where it is mandatory to take the test.
You must provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.
You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.
Duration of a UK Creative Worker Visa
You can come to the UK for a maximum initial period of up to 12 months, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus up to 28 days, whichever is shorter. You may be able to extend your visa in certain circumstances. Your stay must start no more than 14 days before the start date on your certificate of sponsorship. This visa will not directly lead to permanent residence in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
If you intend to work in the UK for 3 months or less, you may be able to use the Creative Worker visa concession instead of applying for the visa.
Can I Extend a Creative Worker Visa?
It is possible to extend your Creative Worker Visa if you meet the eligibility criteria. You must extend the visa in advance of the expiration of your current visa. Additionally, you must be in the UK while applying to extend. If you intend to stay with the same sponsor, you may extend for whichever period is the shorter of:
- One year,
- The time listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, or
- The time required to extend your stay to a maximum of 24 months.
If you wish to change employer, you may extend for:
- The time on your certificate plus 14 additional days,
- The time you need to extend the stay to a total of 12 months.
Permanent Residence as a Creative Worker
The UK Creative Worker Visa does not directly lead to permanent residence in the UK. However, it may be possible to switch into another immigration route which can lead to indefinite leave to remain such as the Skilled Worker Visa or the Global Talent Visa.
Permitted Activities for Creative Worker Visa Holders
Holders of a UK Creative Worker Visa can:
- Study at a UK institute,
- Work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship,
- Take a second job in the same sector and at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week,
- Do a job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week,
- Bring your partner and dependent children under the age of 18.
A Creative Worker Visa holder cannot claim welfare or public funds and cannot start their own business.
Creative Worker Visa Concession
You can enter the UK without applying for a visa in advance if you:
- Have a valid Temporary Work – Creative Worker certificate of sponsorship,
- Are coming to work in the UK for 3 months or less, and
- Are a visa exempt national.
You must still meet the main Creative Worker Visa eligibility requirements. You will not be able to extend your stay while you are in the UK, or switch to another temporary work visa or a Skilled Worker Visa.
Your partner and children can travel with you if they are also visa exempt.
When you arrive in the UK
You must see an immigration officer when you arrive in the UK – do not use the automatic ePassport gates. The officer will:
- Check your certificate of sponsorship is valid,
- Check you have enough money to maintain and accommodate yourself, and
- Stamp your passport.
You will not be allowed to work if you use an automatic ePassport gate. You must see an immigration officer and obtain the relevant endorsement in your passport.
How We Can Help You
Sterling Immigration regularly assists UK employers with applications for sponsor licenses and assigning certificates of sponsorship to creative workers. To learn more about applying for a Creative Worker Visa, please schedule a consultation with one of our experienced UK immigration lawyers today.
Related Content: UK Skilled Worker Visa
UK Immigration Frequently Asked Questions
Our team of UK immigration lawyers will handle your case promptly and diligently until you achieve the desired outcome. Your dedicated UK immigration attorney will provide you with an estimated processing period for your case and keep you informed through each stage of the UK visa process. To expedite the processing of your application, we will ensure that your forms are meticulously completed and that you provide sufficient supporting documentation.
However, please note that the UKVI processing time depends on several factors including the volume of cases the UKVI is receiving and whether there are any priority programs where UKVI gives precedence to applicants from war torn countries or countries affected by natural disasters.
We can offer a fast-track service if your application is time sensitive. Please schedule a consultation to learn more about this package and all the services provided by our immigration lawyers.
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Time and Stress Management: Navigating the UK visa application process can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the requirements. By hiring one of our immigration lawyers, you can offload the paperwork, legal aspects, and administrative tasks to them, allowing you to focus on other important matters.
Our experienced UK immigration attorneys provide specialist legal advice and representation on all aspects of UK immigration law, to individuals and businesses. Our services can be classified as:
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