UK Creative Worker Visa - Temporary Worker

UK Creative Worker Visa: Temporary Worker Visa

The UK Creative Worker Visa - Temporary Worker is designed for performers, artists, and creative professionals who have been offered short-term work in the UK’s creative industries. This visa allows individuals to work in the UK for up to 12 months, with the possibility of an extension.

What is the UK Creative Worker Visa?

The Creative Worker Visa is part of the Temporary Worker (T5) category, allowing creative professionals to come to the UK for short-term employment in the creative sector.

This visa applies to:

Actors, musicians, dancers, and entertainers performing in shows, concerts, or productions.
Film, TV, and theatre crew members involved in productions based in the UK.
Fashion models working for specific assignments.

Applicants must have a UK-based sponsor, and their job must contribute to the UK’s creative sector.

Who Can Apply for a UK Creative Worker Visa?

To be eligible for a UK Creative Worker visa, you should:

Have a job offer in the creative sector from a UK-based employer.
Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a Home Office licensed UK sponsor.
Meet the salary requirements or demonstrate that your role is exempt.
Show you intend to leave the UK after your visa expires.

This visa is not for general creative work—it must be linked to a specific performance, production, or engagement.

Salary and Financial Requirements for the Creative Worker Visa

To qualify for a Creative Worker visa for the UK, you must meet one of the following:

There is no general minimum salary requirement for this visa. However, you should be paid the minimum salary set by Equity, PACT or BECTU (except for models, musicians or circuses).
Your UK sponsor must confirm that the salary meets National Minimum Wage requirements.

Financial Maintenance Requirement of the Creative Worker Visa for the UK

You must show you have at least £1,270 in personal savings, unless your sponsor confirms they will support you.

How Long Can You Stay on a UK Creative Worker Visa?

The visa is valid for up to 12 months or the duration of your contract, whichever is shorter.
You can extend your visa for another 12 months if continuing in the same role.
The maximum stay on this visa is 2 years.
You must leave the UK when your visa expires, unless switching to another visa if eligible.

What You Can and Cannot Do on a UK Creative Worker Visa

You can:

Work for your sponsor in the creative sector.
Take on supplementary work in the same profession.
Bring dependants (partner and children) if eligible.
Study (some restrictions apply).
Travel in and out of the UK during your visa period.

You cannot:

Take on full-time permanent employment.
Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Access public funds or benefits.
Work for a UK company other than your sponsor, except for permitted supplementary work.

Sponsorship and Employer Requirements for the Creative Visa

Your UK employer must:

Be registered as a licensed sponsor with the Home Office.
Assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before you apply.
Ensure that your role meets the creative sector eligibility criteria.
Confirm that no suitable UK-based worker is available for the role if your salary is below the threshold.

The employer monitors your work status and reports any visa breaches to the Home Office.

Required Documents for a UK Creative Worker Visa

To apply for a UK Creative Worker visa, you should typically provide:

A valid passport (with at least one blank page).
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your UK employer.
Proof of financial maintenance (£1,270 in savings) unless your sponsor certifies maintenance on your CoS.
TB test certificate, if required for your country.
Additional documents if bringing dependants.

You must provide a certified translation if your documents are not in English or Welsh.

How to Apply for a UK Creative Worker Visa

Step 1: Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your UK sponsor must issue a CoS before you apply.

Step 2: Check if You Can Use the UK Immigration: ID Check App

Some applicants do not need to attend a visa application centre and can verify their identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.

You can use the app if:

You are applying from outside the UK.
You hold a biometric passport from an eligible country.

If eligible, you will be prompted to use the app during the online application process.

Step 3: Apply Online

Complete your application through the official UK government website.
Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

If you cannot use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, you must book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to:

Provide fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information).
Submit any additional required documents.

Step 5: Await a Decision

Standard processing time: 3 weeks.
Priority processing (optional): 5 working days for an extra £500.

Once approved, you will receive:

A digital status if you used the ID Check app.
A visa vignette in your passport if you applied via a VAC.

UK Creative Worker Visa Fees and Costs

Visa Application Fee:

£298

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

£1,035 per year

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee:

Paid by the UK employer (£239 per worker)

The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) does not apply to this visa.

How Immtell Can Help

Applying for a UK Creative Worker Visa requires careful preparation to ensure compliance with Home Office requirements. Immtell provides expert support to help:

UK creative organisations secure a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence.
Creative workers complete their visa application accurately.
Ensure roles meet Home Office eligibility requirements.
Assist with visa compliance and legal support.

Bring Your Creative Talent to the UK

Get expert visa guidance to work in the UK’s film, music, arts, and creative industries with confidence.

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UK Creative Worker Visa - Temporary Worker