Group Applications, Concessions, and Alternative Routes

The Creative Worker visa route offers flexibility for touring companies and provides alternative entry options for short visits.

1. Group Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)

If you are a performer who travels with an entourage (e.g., technical staff, costume designers, managers), your sponsor can apply for a Group CoS.

• This covers the main creative worker and all essential members of their unit company whose specialist or technical skills are required for the engagement.

2. Working for Multiple Engagements

You can work for multiple engagements across different locations, and even different sponsors, within your permitted stay.

• One CoS, Many Gigs: A single sponsor can assign a CoS that covers multiple or consecutive engagements for your entire stay.
• Gap Rule: There must not be a gap of more than 14 days between each individual job or engagement. (Time spent outside the UK does not count toward this 14-day gap).

3. The Creative Worker Visa Concession

For short-term work, you may be able to enter the UK without applying for the visa in advance.

• Eligibility: This is available to nationals of countries that do not normally require a visa to enter the UK as a visitor (e.g., EU, EEA, Swiss citizens) and the work must be for three months or less.
• Process: You must still have a valid CoS from an approved sponsor. You present this to the Border Force officer upon arrival, and your permission to work will be granted at the border.
• Restriction: You cannot extend your stay in the UK if you enter using this concession.

4. Exploring Alternative UK Visa Routes

Depending on your circumstances, other UK visa routes might be more appropriate:

Global Talent Visa (Exceptional Talent/Promise)

• Focus: For individuals who are recognised as leaders (Exceptional Talent) or potential leaders (Exceptional Promise) in their field, endorsed by an approved body like Arts Council England.
• Stay/Goal: Offers significant flexibility, allows you to choose a visa duration of up to 5 years, and provides a clear pathway to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 3 or 5 years.
• Key Advantage: You do not need an employer sponsor.

Skilled Worker Visa

• Focus: For creative or technical roles (e.g., senior sound designer, specialist architect, or certain film crew) that meet a specific skill level and salary threshold.
• Stay/Goal: For long-term or permanent contractual employment.
• Key Advantage: It is a direct route to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). Requires an employer sponsor.

Standard Visitor Visa (Permitted Paid Engagement)

• Focus: For very short visits to carry out a pre-arranged, paid, and professional engagement.
• Stay/Goal: Allows you to work for up to one month. Examples include a one-off performance, a specific lecture, or a single masterclass.
• Restriction: You must be invited by a UK organisation and the engagement must be related to your expertise.

Standard Visitor Visa (General Creative Activity)

• Focus: For unpaid or non-UK-paid short-term creative activities.
• Stay/Goal: Allows you to stay for up to six months to do things like auditioning, shooting footage for an overseas production, or performing at a specific ‘Permit-Free Festival’ (if listed).
• Restriction: You cannot receive salary from a UK source for the performance, unless it falls under a specific exception.