The United Kingdom is recognised as one of the world’s leading centres for arts and culture, offering a unique opportunity for artists to advance their careers on an international level.
The Creative Worker visa allows international artists and creative professionals to participate in this dynamic environment, showcase their talents, and reach a global audience. Taking part in the UK’s vibrant artistic scene can be a pivotal step in strengthening your career, discovering new opportunities, and projecting your creative potential onto the world stage.
This visa was previously known as the “Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting Visa (T5)”. However, following recent changes, it has been split into two distinct categories: the Creative Worker Visa and the International Sportsperson Visa.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify as a “creative worker,” applicants must work in industries that require creative talent. This may include roles such as actors, dancers, musicians, or members of film, television, or theatre production crews.
In addition, applicants must have a confirmed offer of temporary work in the UK where they will carry out their profession or talent as a creative worker. This generally means the applicant is either recognised internationally as a creative professional or is considered essential for the continuity of the role being offered in the UK.
If you do not have a job offer from a UK-based sponsor but you are an artist, you may be eligible for the Global Talent Visa instead. For more information, you can visit our Global Talent Visa page or contact us directly.
Applicants are also required to have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number issued by a licensed sponsor. This certificate is the foundation of the application and confirms the approved role the applicant is expected to fulfil in the UK.
Professional Requirements:
Professional Requirements:
Another key requirement for eligibility under the Creative Worker visa route is that the role being offered must meet the professional pay and conditions standards established by recognised industry bodies within the UK’s creative sectors. These include organisations such as Equity, PACT, and BECTU—each of which sets minimum rates and working standards for specific areas of the creative industries.
Equity is the UK trade union representing performers and creative practitioners in the live and recorded arts, including actors, dancers, singers, stunt professionals, and other performing arts specialists. The organisation plays a vital role in negotiating fair pay, setting minimum terms of engagement, and protecting the rights and working conditions of its members.
PACT (Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television) is the trade association representing the commercial interests of independent television, film, digital, and children’s media production companies in the UK. PACT establishes payment standards and contractual conditions for workers in these sectors, ensuring that professional roles are fairly remunerated and ethically structured.
BECTU (Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union) represents workers across the UK’s broadcasting, film, theatre, and live events industries. The union advocates for improved wages, safe working environments, and professional protections for its members, including legal support and guidance on employment rights.
These organisations serve to ensure that roles undertaken by Creative Worker visa applicants meet appropriate industry standards. Consequently, the position offered must adhere to the minimum salary levels and professional terms set by these bodies in order for the visa application to be approved.
Visa Duration and Entitlements:
The Creative Worker visa allows applicants to work in the UK across multiple engagements. A single Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) may be issued by a sponsor to cover the applicant’s entire stay. However, if the applicant intends to work for more than one sponsor, a separate CoS must be obtained from each sponsoring organisation.
Eligible family members, such as a spouse, civil partner, or dependent children, may accompany the applicant to the UK or join them later. Dependants are permitted to work, study, and travel in and out of the UK for the duration of the main applicant’s visa.
The Creative Worker visa can be extended before it expires. If the applicant continues working for the same sponsor, the visa may be extended by up to 12 months, with a maximum total stay of 24 months (2 years) permitted under this route.
The visa processing timeframe depends on where the application is submitted. If applying from outside the UK, decisions are typically made within 3 weeks. For applications submitted from within the UK, the processing time may extend up to 8 weeks.
Application Costs:
The application fee for the Creative Worker visa is £298 per applicant. This fee remains the same whether the application is submitted from inside or outside the United Kingdom.
In order to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay, you are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £1,035 per year. The total amount payable depends on the length of your stay.
Applicants must also demonstrate that they can support themselves and any dependants during their time in the UK by showing proof of savings in their bank account. The required funds are as follows:
However, if your sponsor confirms on the Certificate of Sponsorship that they will cover your maintenance costs, you will not be required to show these funds in your personal account.
- £1,270 for the main applicant
- £285 for a spouse or partner
- £315 for the first child
- £200 for each additional child
However, if your sponsor confirms on the Certificate of Sponsorship that they will cover your maintenance costs, you will not be required to show these funds in your personal account.
10 Questions About the Creative Worker Visa
Yes, the Creative Worker Visa allows individuals to work in the United Kingdom. This visa enables artists, performers, musicians, and other creative sector professionals to engage in temporary employment within the UK.
For tailored guidance and support regarding the Creative Worker Visa process, please contact us directly.