You must apply for a Temporary Work – Creative Worker visa if:
- you’ve been offered work in the UK as a creative worker
- you meet the other eligibility requirements
Eligibility:
You need all of the following to be eligible for the creative category:
- make a unique contribution to the UK labour market, for example you’re internationally renowned or are required for continuity
- certificate of sponsorship reference number
- be paid the minimum salary as set by Equity, PACT or BECTU (except for models, musicians or circuses)
- enough money to support yourself in the UK – you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)
Your employer must make sure your job pays at least the minimum wage and follows the UK rules for how many hours a week you work. If your employer does not do this, your application will be refused.
Certificate of sponsorship
You need a licensed sponsor to give you a certificate of sponsorship before you can apply to work in the UK.
A certificate of sponsorship is a reference number which holds information about the job and your personal details. It’s not an actual certificate or paper document.
Your sponsor will give you your certificate of sponsorship reference number.
They must also give you some other information to help you to apply, for example how much you’ll be paid
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). If you’re a sportsperson, you can work in the UK with the International Sportsperson visa.
Sponsorship
You need to have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor before you can apply to come to the UK to work.
The work you do in the UK must relate to the work of your sponsor organisation.
How long it takes
You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.
As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.
Getting a decision
Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:
- 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
- 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.
How much it costs
You, your partner or children will each need to:
- pay the application fee
- pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £1,035 per year
- prove you have enough personal savings
Application fee
The application fee for each person applying is £298.
The fee is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.
How long you can stay
You can come to the UK for a maximum 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.
Your stay must start no more than 14 days before the start date on your certificate of sponsorship.
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.
What you can and cannot do
You can:
- study (for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)
- work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
- do 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 immigration salary list for up to 20 hours per week
- bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible
You cannot:
- get public funds
- start your own business
