Artists, entertainers and musicians contribute to the UK’s rich cultural life. The UK is and will continue to be, an attractive destination for top international talent in these fields. This route is for applicants in the creative industry who are entering the UK for short-term contracts/engagements for up to 12-months.
Applicants in the creative industries will also have the option to come to the UK as visitors. The existing rules for visitors allow artists, entertainers and musicians to perform in the UK, including being paid for their participation in certain events. We will continue to work with the creative sector to reform and simplify the offer for creatives coming to the UK on short-term trips.
Who can apply?
Individuals of all nationalities who have a confirmed job offer, and whose employment will be sponsored by a UK employer who is Home Office licensed, to work in an occupation in a creative industry.
Table 16: Creative route conditions and requirements
| Requirements | Conditions and restrictions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| English language | No | Capped | No |
| Application fee | Yes | Switching – employers | Yes |
| Immigration Skills Charge | No | Switching – routes (in-country) | Yes |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Yes | Settlement | No |
| Biometrics | Yes | Dependants | Yes |
| Maintenance | Yes | Access to public funds | No |
| Supplementary work | Yes | ||
*Before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship, a sponsor must ensure they comply with their relevant Code of Practice (as per Appendix J of the Immigration Rules) for the occupation (where one exists). Where there is no Code of Practice, the sponsor/employer must be satisfied the migrant worker has the unique attributes and skills to fill the post and they are ‘internationally recognised/established’ in their field.
The applicant
Applicants can undertake supplementary work at the same level as primary employment, undertake a job on the Shortage Occupation List, or study up to 15 hours per week
The current Creative and Sporting concession, allowing creative workers who are non-visa nationals with a valid certificate of sponsorship, to enter the UK to work for up to a maximum period of three months without prior entry clearance, will remain. Applicants must be receiving at least National Minimum Wage exemptions apply to some schemes, e.g. Erasmus).
