GovWire

You must apply for a Temporary Work - Creative Worker visa if:

• youve been offered work in the UK as a creative worker
• you meet the other eligibility requirements

A creative worker is someone who works in the creative industries, for example an actor, dancer, musician or film crew member.

This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5). If youre a sportsperson, you can work in the UK with the International Sportsperson visa.

Sponsorship

You need to have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor before you can apply to come to the UK to work.

The work you do in the UK must relate to the work of your sponsor organisation.

How long it takes

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

As part of your application, youll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. Youll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once youve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, youll usually get a decision on your visa within:

• 3 weeks, if youre outside the UK
• 8 weeks, if youre inside the UK

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

How much it costs

You, your partner or children will each need to:

• pay the application fee
• pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually 1,035 per year - you can check how much youll have to pay
• prove you have enough personal savings - check how much in the eligibility requirements

Application fee

The application fee for each person applying is 298.

The fee is the same whether youre applying from inside or outside the UK.

How long you can stay

You can come to the UK for a maximum of up to 12 months, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus up to 28 days, whichever is shorter.

You may be able to extend your visa.

Your stay must start no more than 14 days before the start date on your certificate of sponsorship.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

• study (for some courses youll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)
• work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
• do a second job in the same sector and at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week
• do a job on the Skilled Worker immigration salary list for up to 20 hours per week
• bring your partner and children with you as your dependants, if theyre eligible

You cannot:

• get public funds
• start your own business