Creative Worker Visa

What is a Creative Worker Visa?

A Creative Worker visa enables sponsored overseas nationals to come to the UK for a short time for work as a creative worker. A creative worker is someone who works in the creative industries, for example an actor, dancer, musician, or film crew member.

This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5).

Applicants who intend to work in the UK for 3 months or less, may be able to use the Creative Worker visa concession instead of applying for the visa.

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements for a Creative Worker visa?

In order to successfully apply for a Creative Worker visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Must have a job offer and a certificate of sponsorship from a Home Office approved licenced sponsor;
• Must show that they will make a unique contribution to the UK labour market, for example they are internationally renowned or are required for continuity;
• Must be paid the minimum salary as set by Equity, PACT or BECTU (except for models, musicians or circuses);
• Must evidence they have sufficient money to support themselves or their sponsor must confirm that they will support the applicant. If, however an applicant has been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more, they
• ill not need to show proof that they have sufficient money to support themselves
• Must genuinely intend to undertake the role for which they are being sponsored for; and
• May need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) certificate depending on which country the applicant resides in.

How Long is a Creative Worker Visa Valid for?

A Charity Worker visa is granted for whichever is shorter of:

• 12 months after the start date of the job detailed in the certificate of sponsorship; or
• The time given on the certificate of sponsorship plus 28 days

Can a Creative Worker Visa be Extended?

Before the expiry of a Creative Worker visa, an applicant must apply to the Home Office to extend their stay in the UK.

Applicants who are changing sponsors, can extend their visa for whichever is the shortest of:

• The time on their certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days; or
• The time needed to extend their stay to the maximum of 12 months

Applicants who are staying with the same sponsor, can extend their visa for whichever is the shortest of:

• 12 months; or
• The time on their certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days; or
• The time needed to extend their stay to the maximum of 24 months

Can Dependants Join or Accompany Creative Workers?

The partner and children of an applicant can accompany or join them so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If this is met, they will be issued a visa which will have the same end date as the Creative Worker visa holder.

How Long Does it Take For a Decision to be Made?

The Home Office will usually process a Creative Worker visa application within 3 weeks if the application is made from outside the UK. If an application is made within the UK a decision is usually made within 8 weeks.

If eligible, applicants will be advised whether they can apply to get a decision faster. The Home Office charge additional fees for these priority services.

How Much Does it Cost?

The Home Office fee for a Creative Worker visa is £259.

The fee is the same whether applicants are applying from inside or outside the UK.

Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is usually £624 per year.

How We Can Help You

Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you throughout your immigration journey.

If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.