This comprehensive Creative Worker Visa UK guidance covers everything you need to know about working temporarily in the UK's creative industries in 2026. Whether you're an actor, musician, dancer, film crew member, or other creative professional, this guide explains the visa requirements, application fees, and step-by-step process. The Creative Worker Visa (formerly part of the T5 Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting route) allows artists and entertainers to work in the UK for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension to a maximum of 24 months on this route.
Understanding the Creative Worker Visa UK in 2026
The Creative Worker Visa UK is part of the Temporary Worker visa framework, designed specifically for international talent in the creative industries. This includes performing artists, film and television production workers, musicians, dancers, theatre professionals, and other creative roles where short-term international talent is essential.
What is a Creative Worker Visa UK?
The Creative Worker Visa UK allows international artists, entertainers, musicians, actors, dancers, and other creative professionals to work temporarily in the UK for up to 12 months (extendable to 24 months maximum). You need a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor, must meet industry salary standards set by Equity, PACT, or BECTU, and show £1,270 in maintenance funds.
Who Can Apply for a Creative Worker Visa UK?
The Creative Worker Visa is designed for a wide range of creative professionals who have been offered short-term work in the UK's creative sector:
- Performing Artists: Actors, dancers, theatre performers, circus artists, comedians
- Musicians: Orchestra members, band members, solo artists, session musicians
- Film & TV: Production crew, technicians, directors, producers working on specific projects
- Technical Staff: Lighting, sound, stage management, broadcast technicians
- Models: Fashion, commercial, and artistic models
- Support Staff: Essential entourage members directly supporting the main creative worker
Creative Worker Visa UK Requirements
To qualify for a Creative Worker Visa UK, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set out in the Immigration Rules. There are two main pathways to eligibility: the Code of Practice route or the Unique Contribution route.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor, be paid at least the minimum salary set by the relevant industry body (Equity, PACT, or BECTU), and show £1,270 in personal savings held for 28 consecutive days. There is no English language requirement for this visa.
Industry Salary Bodies Explained
Your salary must meet the minimum rates established by the relevant trade union or industry body for your creative role:
Can I Bring My Family on a Creative Worker Visa UK?
Yes, your partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of 2+ years) and children under 18 can apply as dependants. Each family member must apply separately and pay their own application fee (£319) plus Immigration Health Surcharge. Dependants have full work rights in the UK.
Creative Worker Visa UK Fees 2026
The visa fees for the Creative Worker Visa UK include the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. These fees apply to both the main applicant and each dependant.
How Much Does a Creative Worker Visa UK Cost?
The Creative Worker Visa UK costs £319 per person for the application fee, plus £1,035 for the Immigration Health Surcharge (for a 12-month stay). The total minimum cost is approximately £1,354 per adult applicant. Support staff and dependants pay the same fees.
Note that from April 2025, sponsors are prohibited from passing sponsorship fees or Certificate of Sponsorship costs to the worker. All CoS-related costs must be borne by the sponsoring organisation.
How to Apply for a Creative Worker Visa UK
The application process for a Creative Worker Visa UK is completed online through the official gov.uk portal. You can apply up to 3 months before your start date on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Step 1: Obtain your Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor
- Step 2: Complete the online visa application form on gov.uk
- Step 3: Pay the application fee (£319) and IHS (£1,035)
- Step 4: Prove your identity via app or visa application centre
- Step 5: Submit supporting documents (bank statements, TB test if required)
- Step 6: Wait for decision (typically 3 weeks standard processing)
3-Month Concession for Short Engagements
If you're a non-visa national coming to the UK for a creative engagement of 3 months or less, you may be eligible to enter using the Creative Worker concession without applying for a full visa. You'll still need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, but you can seek permission to enter at the UK border. This is particularly useful for short tours, festival appearances, or brief filming projects. However, this concession cannot be extended, and you cannot switch to another visa from within the UK if you enter this way.
How Long Can You Stay on a Creative Worker Visa UK?
The Creative Worker Visa is granted for the duration specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship, up to a maximum of 12 months at a time. You can extend your visa to continue working in the creative sector, but your total time on this route cannot exceed 24 months. After reaching the 24-month maximum, you must leave the UK or switch to a different visa category if eligible.
What Can You Do on a Creative Worker Visa?
- Work for your sponsor: Perform the creative role specified on your CoS
- Supplementary work: Up to 20 hours per week in a second job at the same level in the creative sector
- Study: Allowed alongside your creative work
- Bring dependants: Partner and children who gain full UK work rights
- Travel freely: Enter and leave the UK multiple times while visa is valid
- Application fee is £319 plus £1,035 IHS for a 12-month stay
- You must show £1,270 in maintenance funds (held for 28 days)
- Salary must meet Equity, PACT, or BECTU minimum rates (models, musicians, circuses exempt)
- Maximum stay is 24 months total on this route
- Athletes should apply for International Sportsperson Visa instead
For official guidance and to start your application, visit the gov.uk Creative Worker visa page. If your application is refused, see our guide on UK visa refusal reasons for next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Creative Worker Visa and the old T5 Creative and Sporting Visa?
The Creative Worker Visa is the modern successor to the creative component of the old T5 visa. In October 2021, the sporting component was separated into the International Sportsperson Visa (which now leads to settlement). The Creative Worker Visa now focuses exclusively on creative professionals—artists, entertainers, musicians, actors, film crew, and other creative roles. Athletes and sports professionals should apply for the International Sportsperson Visa instead.
How much does a Creative Worker Visa UK cost in 2026?
The Creative Worker Visa costs £319 for the application fee plus £1,035 for the Immigration Health Surcharge (for a 12-month stay), totalling approximately £1,354 per adult. Children under 18 pay £776 IHS. Priority processing adds £500 (5 working days) or £1,000 for Super Priority (next working day). Each dependant pays the same application fee and IHS separately.
What are Equity, PACT, and BECTU salary requirements?
Equity, PACT, and BECTU are UK trade unions that set minimum salary standards for creative workers. Equity covers performers and actors; PACT covers film and TV production; BECTU covers broadcasting and theatre technical staff. Your salary must meet these industry minimums for your visa to be approved. However, models, musicians, and circus performers are exempt from minimum salary requirements.
Can I enter the UK without a visa for short creative work?
Yes, if you're a non-visa national (meaning you don't normally need a visa to visit the UK), you can use the 3-month concession for creative engagements lasting up to 3 months. You'll still need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship but can seek permission to enter at the UK border without applying for a full visa beforehand. This cannot be extended, and you cannot switch to another visa from within the UK.
How long can I stay in the UK on a Creative Worker Visa?
Each Creative Worker Visa is granted for up to 12 months at a time. You can extend your visa to continue working, but your total time on this route cannot exceed 24 months. After reaching the 24-month limit, you must leave the UK or switch to a different visa category if eligible. The visa does not lead to settlement—time spent does not count toward permanent residency.
Can I bring my family on a Creative Worker Visa UK?
Yes, your partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of 2+ years) and children under 18 can apply as dependants. Each family member must submit a separate application and pay £319 application fee plus IHS. Dependants have full work rights in the UK and can work in any sector without restrictions, unlike the main applicant who is limited to creative work.
Do I need to speak English for a Creative Worker Visa?
No, there is no English language requirement for the Creative Worker Visa. This makes it different from many other UK work visas. You do not need to take an English test or prove English proficiency to apply. This recognises that creative work often transcends language barriers and that international artists contribute to UK culture regardless of their English ability.
Can I change sponsors while on a Creative Worker Visa?
Yes, but you must obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new sponsor and apply for a new visa before you start working for them. You cannot work for the new sponsor until your new visa application is approved. If you're extending with the same sponsor, you can continue working while your extension is being processed, but you should not travel outside the UK as this may withdraw your pending application.