Creative Worker Visa

Who can apply for this visa?

There are clear guidelines for who is eligible to apply for this visa. Individuals must be able to demonstrate that they:

• Can make a unique contribution to the UK’s labour market
• Have a Certificate of Sponsorship from a valid sponsor
• Are paid at least the minimum salary set by trade bodies Equity, PACT, or BECTU
• Have sufficient financial resources to support themselves (at least £1,270)

You must also obtain 40 points under the UK’s new points-based immigration system.

You can receive points for the Creative Worker route in the following ways:

• Be issued a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (30 points)
• Prove that you meet the maintenance (financial) requirement (10 points)

The Certificate of Sponsorship is an important reference number which outlines the nature of your immigration status, your role, and the intended length of stay.

As well as this, the applicant must not fall under the grounds for refusal. Reasons for refusal may include:

• History of breaching immigration laws
• Being on immigration bail

If you are unsure about your eligibility for this visa, contact a qualified immigration lawyer who can advise you based on your personal circumstances.

How to apply

To apply for the creative work route, you should follow the below steps:

1. Read the Home Office’s applicant guidance before you begin your application
2. Apply on the Gov.uk website in the temporary work visa section
3. Submit proof of your identify by providing your biometric information via app or at a visa application centre
4. Gather your supporting documents to be submitted with your application
5. Ensure that all the information in your application is accurate
6. Submit your online application
7. Wait for a decision

What documents do you need?

The document you need to apply for the visa include the following:

• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
• Valid passport or travel document
• Proof of sufficient savings to maintain yourself in the UK (e.g., financial statements from your bank or savings account)
• If you are bringing dependents, evidence of your relationship with your partner and children
• Tuberculosis test results (where relevant)
• Certified translations of any documents not in English

Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to submit additional documents to demonstrate your eligibility.

Can you extend the Creative Worker Visa?

Yes, it is possible to extend your visa if you meet the eligibility criteria.

You must ensure to extend the visa in advance of the expiration of your current visa. Additionally, you must be in the UK while applying to extend.

If you intend to stay with the same sponsor, you may extend for:

• 12 months
• The time listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days
• The time required to extend your stay to a maximum of 24 months

Or whichever event is the shorter.

If you wish to change sponsor, you may extend for:

• The time on your certificate plus 14 additional days
• The time you need to extend the stay to a total of 12 months

Switching to this visa

Depending on your circumstances, it may be possible to switch to the Creative Worker route.

If the following situations apply to your case, you may be eligible to apply to switch to this visa:

• You are currently in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa or Permitted Paid Engagement
• You have been undertaking certain eligible activities within the creative sector
• You received a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer prior to arriving in the UK

However, if you availed of the Creative Worker Visa concession, you will not be eligible to enter the UK.

After you switch, you may stay for a maximum of 12 months.

Can you bring dependents on this visa?

Yes, it is possible for visa holders to bring their dependents with them to the UK.

Your partner and children may join you by submitting separate applications.

A dependent partner or child can include one of the following:

• Your husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner
• Your child aged under 18 years old
• Your child aged over 18 years old (if they are your dependent)

You must demonstrate that you are in a committed relationship with your partner (if unmarried), including cohabiting for the two years prior to your application.

If your dependent child is aged over 16 years, they must live with you (unless at school), must not be married, and they must depend on you for financial support.

How much does the visa cost?

The visa application fee is £244 for the main applicant and any dependents.

The cost is the same whether you apply from inside the UK or outside.

As the primary applicant, you may be eligible for a £55 discount if you are from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, or Turkey.

Maintenance costs

A condition of the Creative Worker Visa is that you have sufficient finances to maintain yourself. This means you must have at least £1,270 available to you in the 28 days preceding your visa application.

Your dependent partner and child will need to demonstrate that they have adequate finances to support themselves while living with you in the UK.

They should demonstrate that they have:

• £285 for your partner/ spouse
• £315 for the first dependent child
• £200 for each additional child