UK Creative Worker Visa

The UK Creative Worker Visa is for individuals in the creative industries, such as actors, musicians, and artists, who have a job offer from a UK employer. This visa allows you to work in the UK for up to 12 months, with the possibility of an extension.

To qualify, you must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer and meet specific requirements. This visa lets you immigrate to UK with your family, and you can travel in and out of the country freely during your stay.

Apply for UK Creative Worker Visa

UK Creative Worker Visa Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the UK Creative Worker Visa, you must:

• Make a unique contribution to the UK labour market: For instance, you are internationally renowned.

• Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer: Your employer, or sponsor, will provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) detailing your job in the UK. This is an electronic record, not a physical document. When applying for your visa, you will need the reference number from the CoS. Make sure to apply for the UK Creative Worker Visa within 3 months of receiving the CoS.

• Be paid in the minimum salary: You must be paid the standard minimum salary as set by Equity, PACT, or BECTU. The is not eligible for models, musicians, or circuses).

• Have enough money to support yourself in the UK: You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to demonstrate your financial ability to support yourself in the UK.

UK Creative Worker Visa Documents Required

When applying for the UK Creative Worker Visa, you will need to provide:

• Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
• A valid passport and other identity documents.
• Evidence of funds to support yourself in the UK.
• Proof of relationship with your dependents (partner & children) if they are applying with you.
• Your tuberculosis test results report.

You will be asked to provide a certified translation, if your documents are not in English or Welsh. You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

How to apply for UK Creative Worker Visa?

You must apply for UK Creative Worker Visa online. How you apply depends on whether you are currently living:

• Outside the UK.
• Inside the UK and extending your current visa.
• Inside the UK and switching from a different visa.

Your partner and children can also apply with you to stay in the UK as your ‘dependents’ if they are eligible.

Note: The application process for UK Creative Worker Visa can get a bit complex, especially for first-timers. Seek guidance from the best UK Immigration Consultants in India at Nationwide Visas if you are having trouble.

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UK Creative Worker Visa Costs

Application costs

The standard application fee for UK Creative Worker Visa is £298.

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show that you can support yourself in the UK. These funds must be maintained for at least 28 consecutive days, with the final day within 31 days of your visa application. Additionally, your partner and children must also demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves while in the UK. You - or your partner or child - will need:

• £285 for your partner
• £315 for one child
• £200 for each additional child

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay in the UK - this is usually £1,035 per year.

UK Creative Worker Visa Processing Time

The latest UK Visa processing time for the Creative Worker Visa is 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK and 8 weeks if you apply from within the UK. You may also have the option to pay for a super-priority service for faster processing.

You can apply for this visa up to 3 months before your start date in the UK, which is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

UK Creative Worker Visa Validity

You can stay in the UK for a maximum of 12 months or the duration specified in your certificate of sponsorship plus up to 28 days, whichever is shorter. Your stay must begin no more than 14 days before the start date on your certificate of sponsorship.

UK Creative Worker Visa Extension

You can usually apply for UK Creative Worker Visa extension and stay in the UK if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

If you are changing sponsors, you can extend your visa for whichever is the shortest of:

• The time on your CoS + 14 days.
• The time needed to extend your stay to a maximum of 12 months.

If you are not changing sponsors, you can extend your visa for whichever is the shortest of:

• 12 months.
• The time on your CoS + 14 days.
• The time needed to extend your stay to a maximum of 24 months.

You must apply for this extension from within UK.

Need help?

Get in touch with Nationwide Visas, one of the best UK Immigration Consultants in India. Our team will evaluate your case, offering the best solutions to immigrate to UK under the Creative Worker Visa. Whether you are looking for assistance with your visa application, documentation, or finding jobs - we’ve got you covered. Get a free consultation session and find the best option to apply for your situation.