The Creative Worker visa lets overseas creatives (and key support teams) work on time-limited projects in film/TV, theatre, music, dance, fashion, literature and related arts. It replaced Tier 5 (Creative & Sporting) and is designed for roles that add a unique contribution to the UK creative sector.
Creative Worker Visa for Performers, Artists and Production Teams Coming to the UK for Short-Term Creative Projects
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Performers can bring their whole team on this visa dancers, choreographers, sound engineers if their work is tied to the show or production.
Who Qualifies and the Points You Need (Sponsorship + Maintenance Under the PBS)
You must have an eligible creative job offer from a licensed sponsor, show you’ll make a “unique contribution,” hold a valid CoS, and meet the maintenance funds requirement (usually £1,270).
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The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Industry Standards and Resident Labour Check
Your UK sponsor (venue, producer, agent, promoter, company) must issue the CoS and confirm the basis for sponsorship, such as compliance with sectoral pay codes or a resident labour market consideration.
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Financial and Maintenance Rules for You and Any Dependants
You (and each dependant) must show access to funds unless your sponsor certifies maintenance or you already meet an exemption.
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Documents Checklist to Get Ready Before You Apply
Prepare identity, sponsorship and financial evidence; add TB/ATAS where relevant.
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How to Apply and Verify Your Identity (Outside the UK Only)
Apply online, upload evidence, and prove identity via the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a visa application centre (biometrics).
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Fees, IHS and Typical Processing Times
Budget for the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access.
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Visa Length, Extensions and Changing Sponsor
Your grant length depends on your CoS and previous time on the route.
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Bringing Your Partner and Children as Dependants
Partners and children can join you if they meet relationship and funds requirements.
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What You Can and Can’t Do While in the UK on This Visa
You can work in your sponsored creative role and may do limited additional activity if allowed.
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Common Pitfalls That Trigger Delays or Refusals (and How to Avoid Them)
Most issues are avoidable with clean paperwork and industry-standard pay evidence.
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How IAS Helps Creative Applicants, Tours and Production Companies
We align your immigration plan with production timelines, budgets and union minima, then quality-check the full bundle before submission.
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