This page covers the following topics

Introduction

The UK Short-term work visas are a part of the Tier 5 visas and come under the UK’s Point-based system. The UK Short-term work visas are also known as ‘Temporary Workers Visas’
The visas under this category are listed below:

  1. UK Charity Worker visa.
  2. UK Creative Worker visa.
  3. UK Government Authorized Exchange visa.
  4. UK International Agreement visa.
  5. UK Religious Worker visa.
  6. UK Seasonal Work visa.
  7. UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
  8. UK Graduate visa.

UK Creative Worker visa – Overview

Applicants must apply for a UK Creative Worker visa if they have been offered work in the UK 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.

Eligibility criteria List of documents
The eligibility criteria for a UK Creative Worker visa are listed below:

  • The applicant must make some unique contribution to the UK labour market.
  • The applicant must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from their UK sponsor.
  • The applicant must have enough money to support their stay in the UK – a minimum of £1,270 in the applicant’s bank account is mandatory.
  • The money must be available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.
  • The applicant must be paid the minimum salary as set by Equity, PACT, or BECTU (except for models, musicians, or circuses).
 The documents required to apply for a UK Creative Worker visa are listed below:

  • A Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer.
  • A valid passport with enough blank pages for the visa, and other documents that proves the identity and nationality of the applicant.
  • Evidence of enough personal savings to support the applicant’s stay in the UK. For example, bank statements.
  • Proof of relationship with the partner or children, if they apply.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if required).
  • The applicant will need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Certificate of Sponsorship for a UK Creative Worker visa

The applicant must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer before they can apply to come to the UK to work.

  • The UK-based employer – also known as a ‘Sponsor’ – must provide the applicant with a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ stating all the information with regard to the job role for which the applicant is employed in the UK.
  • It’s an e-Certificate. That means, it is an electronic record and not a paper document.
    The applicant will need the reference number from the Certificate of Sponsorship to apply for the visa.
  • The Certificate of Sponsorship must be valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned to the applicant.

Applying for a UK Creative Worker visa

The applicant can apply for a UK Creative Worker visa up to 3 months before the day they are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on the Certificate of Sponsorship.

Permitted and not permitted activities in the UK on a UK Creative Worker visa

The applicant is permitted to:

  • Study (for some courses).
  • Work for the sponsor in the job described on the applicant’s Certificate of Sponsorship.
  • Do a second job in the same sector at the same level as the applicant’s 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 a partner and children (under 18 years), if they’re eligible.

The applicant is not permitted to:

  • Get public funds.
  • Start a business.

Extending a UK Creative Worker visa

The applicant can apply to extend their UK Creative Worker visa before their current visa expires.

Switching to a UK Creative Worker visa

The applicant can switch to a UK Creative Worker visa if all the following apply:

  • The applicant is in the UK on a UK Standard Visitor or for a UK Permitted Paid Engagement visa.
  • The applicant has been doing permitted activities in the creative sector.
    The applicant’s sponsor gave them a Certificate of Sponsorship before they came to the UK.
  • The applicant has to apply before their current visa expires.
  • The applicant cannot switch to a UK Creative Worker visa if they have used the Creative Worker visa concession to enter the UK.

Bringing a partner and children to the UK on a UK Creative Worker visa

  • The applicant can bring along a partner and children (under 18 years) to join them in the UK as their ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.
  • If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as the main applicants.

A dependent partner or child is any of the following:

  • Husband, wife, civil partner, or an unmarried partner.
  • Children under 18 years – including if they were born in the UK during the main applicant’s stay in the country.
  • Children over 18 years if they’re currently in the UK living as a dependant.

People also ask

How to apply for a UK Creative Worker visa?

The applicant must apply online for a UK Creative Worker visa.

Once applied online, submitted identity proofs, and provided valid documents, the applicant will usually get a decision on their visa application within:

  • 3 weeks, if the applicant is outside the UK.
  • 8 weeks, if the applicant is inside the UK.

The applicant is required to pay:

  • The application fee, which is £259 (the fee is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK).
  • The immigration healthcare surcharge, which is £624 for each year granted on the visa.

(Application fees updated as of May 2022).

  • The applicant can stay for up to 1 year or the time mentioned on the Certificate of Sponsorship plus 28 days, whichever is shorter.
  • The applicant can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of their job.
  • If the applicant intends to work in the UK for 3 months or less, they may be able to use the UK Creative Worker visa concession instead of applying for the visa.

The applicant can enter the UK without applying for a UK Creative Worker visa in advance if the applicant:

  • Has a valid UK Creative Worker Certificate of Sponsorship.
  • Is coming to work in the UK for 3 months or less.
  • Does not normally need a visa to enter the UK as a visitor.
    Meets the UK Creative Worker visa eligibility criteria and requirements.

The applicant will not be able to extend their stay while they are in the UK or switch to another Short-term work visa or a UK Skilled Worker visa.

The applicant’s partner and children can travel with them if they also do not normally need a visa to enter the UK as a visitor.

When the applicant arrives in the UK:

The applicant must see an immigration officer when they arrive in the UK – do not use the automatic ePassport gates. The officer will:

  • Check the Certificate of Sponsorship is valid.
  • Check the applicant has enough money to support their stay in the UK.
    Stamp the applicant’s passport.
  • The applicant will not be allowed to work if they use an automatic ePassport gate. It is required that the applicant must see an immigration officer and get a stamp on their passport.

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