For actors, dancers, musicians, models, circus performers and film crew seeking temporary creative work in the United Kingdom with a licensed UK sponsor.
Previously known as the T5 Creative and Sporting Visa. The Home Office split this route: creative professionals now use the Creative Worker Visa; sporting workers have their own separate route. This page is the direct replacement for the old Creative and Sporting Visa.
Application Fee
Maximum Stay
Typical Decision
(Outside UK)
What is the Creative Worker Visa?
The Creative Worker Visa (Temporary Work) allows creative professionals to work in the UK for up to 12 months. Open to actors, dancers, musicians, models, circus performers, and film crew who have secured a role with a UK employer licensed to sponsor this route.
This visa replaced the T5 Creative and Sporting Visa. The Home Office separated the route: the Creative Worker Visa covers creative professionals; sporting workers now apply for the Sporting Worker Visa.
Applicants must make a unique contribution to the UK labour market and hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed employer.
Speak to a Specialist
Our team advises creative professionals, talent agencies, and UK employers on all aspects of the Creative Worker Visa.
Phone: +44 203 959 3335
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
London HQ: Interchange Building, 81–85 Station Road
Dubai: Fahidi Heights, Dubai, UAE
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Creative Worker Visa.
Certificate of Sponsorship
You must hold a valid CoS reference number from a UK employer licensed to sponsor Creative Workers. The CoS is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned. If you change sponsors you must reapply and obtain a new CoS.
Unique Contribution
You must make a unique contribution to the UK labour market — either by being internationally renowned in your creative field, or by being required for continuity of a specific production or performance. You must be paid the Equity, PACT, or BECTU agreed minimum rate for your role.
Financial Requirement
You must show access to at least £1,270 in personal savings. You are exempt if you have held a valid UK visa for 12+ months at time of application, or if your employer confirms in the CoS that they will cover your first month’s costs.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Creative Worker Visa.
✓ You Can
- Work for your sponsoring employer in the creative role on your CoS
- Take secondary employment up to 20 hrs/week in the same sector and occupation level
- Study in the UK (ATAS clearance may apply for certain courses)
- Bring eligible partners and dependent children as dependants
- Apply for a new Creative Worker Visa for future engagements
✗ You Cannot
- Access public funds (benefits, social housing, etc.)
- Set up or operate your own business in the UK
- Stay beyond 12 months on a single grant
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — no settlement path
- Arrive more than 14 days before the CoS start date
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of May 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: May 2026.
How to Apply
Five steps from job offer to visa decision.
Speak to Our Team Today
Fill in the form and an immigration specialist will be in touch within one business day.
What happens next?
- 1. We review your details and confirm your eligibility
- 2. A specialist contacts you within one business day
- 3. We advise on your sponsorship and application options
- 4. We prepare and submit your full application on your behalf
Prefer to call or email directly?
Request a Consultation
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Creative Worker Visa from applicants and employers worldwide.
What is the Creative Worker Visa UK?
The Creative Worker Visa is a UK Temporary Work visa for creative professionals — actors, dancers, musicians, models, circus performers, and film crew — offered work by a licensed UK sponsor. It replaced the T5 Creative and Sporting Visa. Each grant allows a stay of up to 12 months.
What replaced the Creative and Sporting Visa?
The Home Office split the old T5 Creative and Sporting Visa into two routes. Creative professionals now apply for the Creative Worker Visa; professional sportspeople and coaches apply for the Sporting Worker Visa. The Creative Worker Visa is the direct replacement for the creative element.
Who needs a Certificate of Sponsorship for the Creative Worker Visa?
Every applicant must obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference from a UK employer licensed to sponsor creative workers before applying. The CoS is valid for three months. Changing sponsor requires a new application and a fresh CoS.
How much does the Creative Worker Visa cost in 2025 and 2026?
The application fee is £340 per person. You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (~£1,035 per year) and show £1,270 in savings unless exempt (held a valid UK visa for 12+ months, or employer covers first month’s costs).
Can I bring my family on a Creative Worker Visa?
Yes. Eligible partners and dependent children can apply as dependants. Each pays a £340 application fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge. Dependants may work or study in the UK while your visa is valid.
How long can I stay on a Creative Worker Visa?
Up to 12 months, or the period on your CoS plus 28 days — whichever is shorter. You must arrive no more than 14 days before the CoS start date. This visa does not lead to settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Can I work for multiple employers on a Creative Worker Visa?
Your primary work must be with your sponsoring employer. Secondary employment of up to 20 hours per week is permitted in the same occupational sector and level. For multiple engagements (e.g. a touring musician), sponsors can issue one CoS covering the full stay provided no gap between jobs exceeds 14 days.
How long does a Creative Worker Visa decision take?
Usually within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, or 8 weeks from inside the UK. Priority and super-priority services are available at additional cost in certain locations.
Do I need to be internationally renowned for the Creative Worker Visa?
Not necessarily. You must make a ‘unique contribution’ to the UK labour market. This can be met by being internationally renowned OR by being required for continuity of a specific production or performance. Your sponsor must confirm this in the CoS.
Can I extend or renew my Creative Worker Visa?
A single grant cannot be extended beyond 12 months. You can apply for a new visa for a new engagement with a fresh CoS. There is no set limit on the number of applications. This visa does not lead to settlement.
Need Help With Your Creative Worker Visa?
Our immigration specialists handle everything from sponsor eligibility checks to visa approval — so you can focus on your creative work.