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Creative Worker Visa UK
Clear legal support for artists and creative professionals coming to the UK for short-term work.
If you’ve been offered a role, performance, production, or creative project in the UK, we can guide you through the Temporary Work – Creative Worker visa from start to finish. We check sponsorship, confirm any applicable union or industry pay requirements under Home Office rules, and make sure your application is prepared correctly and on time.
We assist clients across London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds and nationwide.
For detailed assistance, you can call at 020 3384 4389 or Start Your Free Online Assessment
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Struggling With a Complex Creative Worker Visa Process? Get Help Now
No more confusion or wasted time. Tell us about your case, and we’ll provide an expert-backed, realistic plan to secure your UK visa.
A UK Temporary Work – Creative Worker visa is required for foreign nationals who have received a sponsored creative engagement in the creative industries in the UK. If they meet the requirements, they are permitted to carry out the specific creative work stated on their CoS for their sponsor once approved. The sponsor must be Home Office licensed and may include a manager, agency, producer, promoter, media or production company, or an event organiser.
A Creative Worker is an overseas national coming to the UK to make a genuine creative contribution to the country’s cultural life. This can include entertainers, singers, dancers, or actors. Where applicable, their entourage may include essential technical or support staff. Certain roles within the fashion industry may also qualify under the Creative Worker route, where Home Office eligibility and sponsorship requirements are met.
Creative Worker Visa at a Glance
Who qualifies
Non-UK creatives (such as performers, dancers, actors, musicians and models) and essential technical or support staff, sponsored by a Home Office–licensed organisation holding a Creative Worker sponsor licence.
Stay length
Initial permission is granted for up to 12 months, with extensions possible up to a maximum of 24 months, provided eligibility is met and sponsorship continues.
Border concession (≤3 months)
For short engagements, non-visa nationals with a valid Creative Worker Certificate of Sponsorship may enter the UK for up to three months under the Creative Worker concession, subject to ETA and eGate eligibility where applicable.
Pay & code of practice
You must be paid at least the relevant union or industry minimum rate (for example Equity, PACT or BECTU), where required under the applicable Home Office Code of Practice.
You may undertake supplementary employment of up to 20 hours per week in the same occupation and at the same level, or in a role listed on the Immigration Salary List, alongside your sponsored role.
You must show £1,270 held for at least 28 consecutive days, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship or you have been lawfully present in the UK for 12 months or more.
You can apply up to three months before the UK start date stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship. Typical decision times are around three weeks for applications made outside the UK and around eight weeks for in-country applications, subject to priority service availability.
Partners and children under 18 can apply as dependants. They must provide relationship evidence and meet maintenance requirements, unless maintenance is certified by the sponsor.
What Matters for Creative Worker Visa Applications
We verify CoS details, union or industry pay requirements, applicable codes of practice, tour schedules, and maintenance evidence so your application aligns with UKVI expectations. From headline artists to production teams, we prepare decision-ready applications that help keep shows and shoots on schedule.
Benefits
Advantages of Hiring UK Immigration Solicitors
Forget sleepless nights over Home Office hurdles. Trust our experienced UK Immigration Solicitors to fast-track your Creative Worker Visa journey and help you perform, create, and advance your career in the UK’s creative industry.
97.37%
Success Rate
37,573
Applications Approved
93.7%
Immigration Appeal Win Rate
4.9/5
Average Rating
From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
Maximising Your Approval Chances
Our goal is to maximise the chances of your visa being approved the first time. By carefully reviewing your circumstances, identifying potential weaknesses, and preparing strong supporting evidence, we significantly reduce the risk of refusals. Every application is checked by senior immigration solicitors who apply their expertise to make your case as clear, accurate, and persuasive as possible. This attention to detail is what improves success rates and helps our clients move forward with confidence.
Success Rate Optimisation
We carefully analyse every detail of your application to maximise the chances of approval. By addressing weaknesses, strengthening supporting evidence, and ensuring full compliance with Home Office rules, we optimise your case for success. This thorough approach significantly improves approval rates and gives you confidence throughout the process.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
We identify potential risks in your application early and put safeguards in place to address them. By preparing strong evidence, clarifying complex points, and anticipating Home Office concerns, we minimise the chance of delays or refusals.
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Evidence-based case preparation
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Home Office compliance checks
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Success rate optimisation
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Risk mitigation strategies
From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
Maximising Your Approval Chances
Our goal is to maximise the chances of your visa being approved the first time. By carefully reviewing your circumstances, identifying potential weaknesses, and preparing strong supporting evidence, we significantly reduce the risk of refusals. Every application is checked by senior immigration solicitors who apply their expertise to make your case as clear, accurate, and persuasive as possible. This attention to detail is what improves success rates and helps our clients move forward with confidence.
Success Rate Optimisation
We carefully analyse every detail of your application to maximise the chances of approval. By addressing weaknesses, strengthening supporting evidence, and ensuring full compliance with Home Office rules, we optimise your case for success. This thorough approach significantly improves approval rates and gives you confidence throughout the process.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
We identify potential risks in your application early and put safeguards in place to address them. By preparing strong evidence, clarifying complex points, and anticipating Home Office concerns, we minimise the chance of delays or refusals.
Work With Trusted, SRA-Regulated UK Immigration Experts
Your immigration journey is too important to risk on unqualified or unregulated help. Every case we handle is prepared by SRA-regulated solicitors who apply structured legal reasoning, precise documentation checks and full compliance with Home Office and UKVI rules.
Our accreditations are your assurance that you are working with a reputable, experienced and highly trained legal team. We combine decades of immigration expertise with strict professional standards to give you clarity, confidence and complete peace of mind — no matter which visa or application route you are pursuing.
How does the Creative Worker visa work?
With the Creative Worker visa UK, an overseas citizen who is supported can work for a UK sponsor. Some additional activities, such as short courses of study, may be permitted, subject to the Creative Worker visa conditions
In addition to the job they are being sponsored to do in the UK, people with visas can work up to 20 hours a week at a second job in the same industry. This second job must be at the same level as their main role or be listed on the Immigration Salary List. On the other hand, they won’t be able to get state funds or start their own business.
What are UK Creative Worker Visa requirements?
You must show UK Visas and Immigration that the following is true to get a Creative Worker visa:
- You have been offered a job as a creative worker by a sponsor who has a valid Temporary Work – Creative Worker sponsor licence. For this job, you need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
- You will be paid at least the applicable union or industry minimum where required under the relevant Home Office Code of Practice.
- You confirm that you will undertake the sponsored role and comply with the Creative Worker visa conditions;
- To live in the UK, you have to save enough money.
- The general reasons for failure do not apply to your application.
- If asked, you have given a valid TB certificate.
- If applicable, you hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
To get a Creative Worker Visa, you may need to meet different exact standards, which will depend on your situation. You might want to get professional help from a visa lawyer.
Need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for a Creative Worker Visa
Before you can get a Creative Worker Visa, you need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a sponsor accepted by the Home Office for the job you want to do in the UK. This person must have a current Temporary Work – Creative Worker sponsor licence in order to be your sponsor.
In the creative field, your sponsor will work. To name just a few examples, there is the National Arts Council, event planners, producers, venues, agents, promoters, production companies, and media organisations. Potentially, your sponsor is your boss.
Your sponsor will prove that when they give you a Certificate of Sponsorship:
- You will follow the Creative Worker Code of Practice that applies to your job if there is one.
- The shortage occupation list included your position; or
- Before giving you the Certificate of Sponsorship, your backer looked at the needs of the local job market and was sure that a settled worker would not be able to do the job
Creative industry sponsors can give sponsorship badges to individual creative workers. For a performer and their crew, they can also give out group certificates of support. People whose jobs are directly connected to the work of an entertainer, cultural artist, or theatre production can be part of an entourage. Additionally, people who are part of a group must have proven technical or specialised skills.
Financial Requirement For a Creative Visa UK
The person applying must show that they have saved enough money to live on their own when they get to the UK. In other words, they need to have at least £1,270 in their bank account and have had that money for at least 28 days in a row. The 28th day must have been within 31 days of the date they applied.
When someone applies, they generally have to show proof that they have enough money, unless they are from the UK and have been there with a valid visa for at least 12 months. On the other hand, their sponsor can write on the sponsorship certificate that they will pay at least £1,270 to keep and house the applicant for up to the first month of their job in the UK if they need to.
Creative workers must also say what costs the sponsor paid and whether the sponsor will ask for a refund under new rules that went into effect in May 2025.
Is there an english language requirement?
There is no English language requirement for the Creative Worker visa. However, having a limited command of English can cause many problems whilst preparing and making an application, and applying the correct rules and considerations.
Applicants for the Creative Visit Visa are exempt from fulfilling an English language requirement. This streamlines the application process, offering flexibility to individuals seeking temporary stays in the UK for creative endeavors without the necessity of meeting specific language proficiency criteria.
Our team is bilingual and can provide you with advice and guidance in languages other than English upon request.
What are supporting documents for Creative Worker Visa UK?
For the Creative Worker visa, you need the following:
- The reference number for the Certificate of Sponsorship.
- A passport that is now valid. Your visa needs to have a blank page.
- Proof that you have enough money to stay in the UK if your company isn’t paying for it.
- Evidence of your relationship to any accompanying dependants.
- If you are from one of the countries on the list, your TB test.
Note: You also need to show a verified translation of any papers that aren’t written in English or Welsh.
The list of documents you need to submit will be given to you when you apply online, but based on your situation, you may be asked to send in more.
How to apply for a temporary work Creative Worker Visa?
To apply for a Creative Worker visa UK, the person must fill out an online form and include the unique reference number from their sponsorship certificate. This certificate is only good for three months from the date it was given to the person.
Applicants will need to show proof of who they are and a number of supporting papers after submitting their online application. If someone wants to do this, it will depend on where they are from and what kind of visa they have. They might be able to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to prove who they are, or they might have to go to a meeting in person to give their biometric information.
When someone starts the visa application process, they will be told if they need to make a meeting. The applicant must make an appointment at an overseas visa application centre if they are applying from a location other than the UK. If they are applying from inside the UK, the meeting will take place at a service point for the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services.
In most cases, you cannot switch to the Creative Worker route from within the UK. Limited exceptions apply where a valid Creative Worker Certificate of Sponsorship was assigned before entry and the applicant entered the UK to undertake permitted creative activities.
What is a Creative Worker Visa fee?
If someone wants to apply for a Creative Worker visa from inside or outside the UK, they will have to pay the same fee of £298. The same fee is charged to people who depend on the main applicant or prime visa holder.
People who want to use the NHS in the UK will have to pay an extra fee, and so will their partner, children, and any other family members.
What is the average processing time for a Creative Worker Visa?
A person can apply for a Creative Worker visa up to three months before they start working in the UK. Their sponsorship certificate will include this date.
A person applying for a visa will usually hear back within three weeks if they applied from outside the UK and eight weeks if they applied from within the UK. This is after they have submitted their application, shown proof of who they are, and given the necessary documents, either through an app or by going to an appointment. If the applicant is needed to attend an appointment, they may be eligible to pay for a faster decision, however, this will be determined by whether they are in or out of the UK when they complete their application.
Can dependants get Creative Worker Visas?
One great thing about the Creative Worker route is that qualified family members or dependants of an eligible worker can go with them or join to follow them. So, the main applicant’s husband, partner, or children under 18 can apply at any time, even if it’s not at the same time. Their visa will expire at the same time, though. However, dependants must apply independently and meet the eligibility requirements as a child, husband, or partner who depends on the person. These requirements include having to be in a relationship and having enough money.
For an eligible worker’s spouse or civil partner, they must show proof of a legal marriage or civil partnership in the UK. For an unmarried partner, they must show proof of living together in a way that is similar to a marriage or civil partnership for at least two years before they apply.
Anyone coming to the UK with a partner or children will also need to show proof that they can pay their own expenses.
- You will need £285 for a spouse or partner,
- £315 for the first dependant child, and
- £200 for any other dependant child, unless they have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months or the worker’s sponsor agrees to pay at least the same amount(s) each month.
- Along with the £1270 required for the qualified employee, these monies must also be shown where relevant.
What if your Creative Worker Visa is denied?
The next steps you take will depend a lot on why your application for a Creative Worker Visa was turned down. If the refusal was caused by an error in the application content, you may be allowed to resubmit a corrected application. You have the option to challenge the decision through channels such as administrative review if you think it was founded on caseworker error.
It is suggested that you get help with your choices and specific situations.
A revision to the rules in May 2025 states that all linked applications will also be denied if the lead entertainer’s application under a group Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is declined.
Can I Extend My Creative Worker Visa UK?
On the temporary Creative Worker Visa route, an overseas national can first be granted permission for up to 12 months and then petition to extend their stay for up to two years if they continue to work with the same sponsor. They still have to meet the standards, though, and they have to be in the UK when they apply. Also, they have to apply before their current visa expires.
People who want to apply must make a new application if they want to change their UK sponsor. But changing sponsors doesn’t affect how long a person from another country can stay in the UK through this route. The applicant can continue their visa for up to 12 months, or for as long as it takes to stay longer, whichever is shorter: the time on their certificate of sponsorship in addition to 14 days or the time required to extend their stay.
Friends, family, and children of the candidate will need to apply for an extension of their visas separately if they also want to stay longer. They may apply at the same time as the main visa holder or at any time before their own visa runs out.
Creative Workers may be granted permission for up to 12 months initially, with extensions possible up to a maximum of 24 months, subject to eligibility.
Is it possible to settle down with a Creative Worker Visa?
There is no way to settle down with the Creative Worker Visa because it is only valid for a short time. You can stay on this road for up to 24 months at a time. However, a person from outside of the country might be able to switch to a different immigration route that will let them ask for indefinite leave to remain. For instance, the Skilled Worker Visa could be part of this.
Border concession for UK temporary worker - Creative Worker Visa
For short-term projects, guest appearances, or artistic collaborations in the UK creative industries, the Creative Worker Visa concession makes it easier to get into the country.
With this exception, you can work up to 20 hours a week for your sponsor in the capacity shown on your Certificate of Sponsorship, work part-time in the same industry and at the same level as your primary job, or attend school. Along with that, you can work up to 20 hours a week at a job on the Skilled Worker Immigration Salary List. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get public funds or start your own business in the UK.
Along with you, your partner and children may also come if they don’t usually need a visa to visit the UK.
If your job is for three months or less, you don’t need to apply for a full Creative Worker Visa as long as you have a valid Temporary Work – Creative Worker Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK sponsor. You also don’t need a tourist visa (so-called “non-visa nationals”).
You must still meet the standards for the Temporary Work – Creative Worker Visa as well.
If your country is part of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) plan, you will need to apply for an ETA before you go to the UK on the Creative Worker Visa concession. This will let you enter and stay for up to three months.
You must follow the instructions given at the UK border. Border officers may carry out checks to verify your Certificate of Sponsorship and maintenance arrangements.
How can immigration solicitors help?
Our team of UK immigration solicitors has helped creative workers and their support staff from a wide range of fields. You may rely on our solicitors to assist you in meeting both your start date and the career advancement requirements of your immigration plans.
When it comes to understanding and satisfying our clients’ needs, we take great satisfaction in being both approachable and proactive. Our team is very focused on giving artists, dancers, musicians, entertainers, and models clear and trustworthy immigration help as part of a friendly and professional service.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
With a Creative Worker visa, a person from outside the UK can work in the creative industries in the UK for a UK sponsor, like as a singer, dancer, or actor.
A person from outside the UK must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a Home Office–licensed UK sponsor to get a Creative Worker visa. They must also complete an online application demonstrating that they meet the visa requirements.
The Creative Worker Visa UK is often referred to as an entertainment visa. To apply, an individual must be sponsored by a licensed UK organisation and submit an online application using the unique Certificate of Sponsorship reference number. If the engagement lasts three months or less, eligible non-visa nationals may be able to enter the UK under the Creative Worker border concession, provided all route requirements are met.
Dependants can accompany or join a Creative Worker, subject to eligibility. This includes:
- A spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner
- A child under 18
- A child aged 18 or over who is already in the UK as a dependant
Yes, but only where the second role is permitted supplementary employment: up to 20 hours per week, in the same occupation and at the same level, or in a role listed on the Immigration Salary List.
If you are a non-Visa national with a valid Creative Worker Certificate of Sponsorship, you may qualify to enter under the Creative Worker border concession, subject to meeting all visa requirements and passing UK border checks.
You must show £1,270 held for at least 28 consecutive days, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship. Applications may be refused if funds are not clearly evidenced or do not meet the qualifying period.
Yes. Partners and children can apply as dependants, subject to meeting financial requirements:
- £285 for a partner
- £315 for the first child
- £200 for each additional child
These amounts are not required if maintenance is certified by the sponsor.
In most cases, you cannot switch to the Creative Worker route from within the UK. Limited exceptions may apply where a valid Creative Worker Certificate of Sponsorship was assigned before entry, and the applicant entered the UK to carry out permitted creative activities.
No. The Creative Worker Visa is a temporary route and does not lead directly to settlement. Time spent on this visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain. Some individuals may later qualify under a different visa route that leads to settlement.
Any creative activity undertaken in the UK must comply with the conditions of the Creative Worker route and be permitted under the Certificate of Sponsorship. Unpaid or voluntary work outside these conditions may breach visa rules.
If a sponsor withdraws a Certificate of Sponsorship, UKVI may curtail the visa. The worker may be required to leave the UK unless they obtain new sponsorship or qualify under another immigration route within the permitted timeframe.
No. A Creative Worker Visa is a temporary work route requiring sponsorship, while a Visitor Visa only permits limited, unpaid activities. Paid creative work normally requires sponsorship under the Creative Worker route.
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