Creative Worker Visa

The Creative Worker visa is a temporary route for people coming to the UK to work in the creative sector for a limited period. It covers performers, artists and models, and the essential technical and support staff who work with them. You need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK organisation licensed to sponsor on this route.

Who may be eligible

• Actors, dancers, musicians and other performers.
• Film and television crew.
• Models working on shoots or catwalk shows.
• Essential technical or support staff connected with the creative work.

Key requirements

• A valid CoS from a licensed sponsor for the creative work you will do.
• Maintenance: £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days, unless your A-rated sponsor certifies maintenance.
• A genuine intention to do the sponsored work.
• There is no English language requirement.

At the time of writing, the Home Office application fee is £340.

How long you can stay

You are first granted permission for the shorter of 12 months or the period on your CoS. You may be able to extend with the same sponsor, up to a maximum of 24 months in total. This is a temporary route and does not lead to settlement.

Information for sponsors

Organisations need a Temporary Worker sponsor licence covering the Creative Worker route. The CoS fee for Temporary Worker routes is currently £55. Sponsors must keep records and report changes in line with their sponsorship duties.

Recent and upcoming changes

The latest changes to the Immigration Rules, which take effect from 8 October 2026, do not change this route. We check the position again before every application.

How the application works

1. The UK organisation confirms it holds a sponsor licence covering the Creative Worker route, or applies for one.
2. The sponsor assigns a CoS, which gives you a reference number to use in your application.
3. You apply online and prove your identity, which may include attending an appointment.
4. The Home Office decides the application. You must not start the engagement until you have permission to do so.

Documents and evidence commonly needed

• A valid passport or other travel document.
• Your CoS reference number.
• Details of the engagements, performances or productions you will work on.
• Bank statements showing the required funds, unless you are exempt or your sponsor certifies maintenance.
• Any other documents the Home Office asks for, such as translations of documents not in English or Welsh.

Common problems we help with

• Checking whether a role fits the Creative Worker route or another route.
• Planning engagements and extensions within the 24-month limit.
• Maintenance evidence and certification by the sponsor.
• Sponsor licence applications for agencies, venues and production companies.

How Stonebridge can help

We assess eligibility, review the CoS details and evidence, and prepare and submit the application. For organisations, we advise on the sponsor licence and on meeting sponsor duties.

If you are planning creative work in the UK, book a consultation.