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The Creative Worker visa is one of the UK’s immigration routes for temporary workers. Learn more about whether you are eligible here.
A Temporary Worker – Creative Worker visa is a temporary route that allows someone to work within the creative sector of the UK for a maximum period of 12 months, and is one of a number of UK visas available to temporary workers. There are many eligibility criteria you must meet and immigration rules to follow, and you will need a licensed sponsor in order to qualify for this visa; so, while this route has made it easier for creative professionals to work in the UK after Brexit, there are still legal concerns to be aware of.
If you need support in applying for a Creative Worker visa or you want advice on whether this route is the most suitable option for you to work in the UK, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the expert team at Latitude Law. Our immigration specialists have helped many people to come to the UK via the Creative Worker route and have the knowledge and experience to give you the best chance of success with your visa application.
To speak to a solicitor about making an application for a Creative Worker visa, call us on 0044 161 234 6800 or 0044 207 046 7185, or fill in our contact form to request a call back
A creative worker applies to someone who can make a unique contribution to cultural life in the UK through their work in a creative industry. Creative workers include artists, dancers, musicians, entertainers or models who want to work in the UK entertainment industry.
Any migrant in this category must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship received from a sponsor who has been authorised by the Home Office. This will typically be the organisation that intends to hire the temporary worker, and this Certificate of Sponsorship should confirm details about the role, and that it meets all requirements.
Any migrant under the Creative Worker visa route must prove a genuine intention to only undertake the work detailed in the Certificate of Sponsorship. They are also expected to fulfil a maintenance requirement to show that they can maintain themselves while in the UK, or that the sponsor organisation can do so.
Applicants will need to provide supporting documents that will prove their identity and show that they have at least £1,270 in savings, if they are not exempt from the maintenance requirement. They will need to demonstrate that they will be paid the minimum salary specified by the relevant industry body.
Eligibility for this visa is also determined by your employer’s ability to demonstrate that you will make a unique contribution to the UK’s creative industries, such that it is necessary for you to come to the UK and do the work for which you have been hired – for example, if you are internationally renowned.
Requirements for worker applications in all categories can be complicated, particularly for organising sponsorship. It is important to ensure an application is prepared carefully to avoid refusal. You may also be aware that there are other mechanisms for creative workers to legally enter the UK, and we can advise you to ensure that you choose the most appropriate route for your requirements.
At Latitude Law, our expert solicitors can assist with all aspects of a Creative Worker visa application, including preparation and submission of your application, and assisting any prospective sponsor to attain a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Contact us today to arrange an initial consultation in relation to a Creative Worker visa application. Call on 0044 161 234 6800 or 0044 207 046 7185, or complete our contact form and we will get back to you shortly.
Normally yes, but there is a concession to the Creative Worker Visa. A visa may not be required if you have a valid Creative Worker Certificate of Sponsorship and will be working for less than three months. This is provided you do not normally need a visa to enter the UK – that is, you are not a “visa national”.
You may be able to enter using the Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor visa. This allows for a visit of up to a month, provided you fulfil all necessary eligibility and suitability requirements.
Your partner and any children under 18 can apply to enter the UK under this visa, provided they meet the relevant requirements. This includes providing proof of your relationship and a maintenance requirement.
A child that has turned 18 during your stay in the UK can apply from inside the UK to extend or switch their visa.
Provided you continue to meet eligibility requirements, you can extend leave.
If the extension is with the same sponsor, you can do so for a total of 24 months. If you are changing sponsors, you can extend your visa up to the maximum of 12 months.
You are not able to extend your stay if you have used the Creative Worker visa concession.
The application fee is £259. You will also need to pay a healthcare surcharge, usually around £624 a year, but this can change depending on your circumstances.
You can apply for this visa up to three months before your expected start date, but it can take time to gather the evidence you will need to support your visa application. For this reason, we
recommend you contact a legal expert at the earliest opportunity to discuss your options and ensure your application has the best chance for success.
Are you hoping to work in the UK? Have you been offered a job role and seek permission to work here? Our immigration lawyers are experts in the operation of UK and European legislation that affects foreign workers.
If you need help securing a visa through the innovator route, the immigration solicitors at Latitude Law are here to help. We can help you through the application process and provide legal advice and guidance on complex matters, such as appeals.
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All content on this page was reviewed by Latitude Law and is accurate as of 11/10/2022