UK Creative Worker Visa Checklist
The UK Creative Worker visa (Temporary Work) is for creative professionals such as actors, dancers, musicians and film crew, and requires a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor. This checklist covers the documents, eligibility conditions, fees and how long you can stay. Based on the official GOV.UK pages.
Three quick facts
- You need a certificate of sponsorship — from a licensed sponsor, before you can apply; the certificate is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned.
- Apply up to 3 months before your start date — and expect a decision in about 3 weeks from outside the UK (8 weeks inside).
- Fee £340, plus the healthcare surcharge — usually £1,035 per year, for each person applying.
The checklist — documents you must provide
| Certificate of sponsorship | Your reference number — your employer (a licensed sponsor) gives you this. It is a reference number holding the job and your details, not a paper certificate. |
| Passport | A valid passport or other document showing your identity and nationality. |
| Savings evidence | Proof you have enough personal savings, e.g. bank statements — unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you. |
| Partner / children proof | Proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they are applying with you. |
| TB test results | If you are from a country where a tuberculosis test is required. |
| Certified translation | Any documents not in English or Welsh need a certified translation. |
You may need additional documents depending on your circumstances.
Eligibility — the conditions behind the documents
- A creative role: you have been offered work in the UK as a creative worker — for example an actor, dancer, musician or film crew member — and the work must relate to your sponsor organisation.
- Unique contribution: you make a unique contribution to the UK labour market, for example being internationally renowned or required for continuity.
- Minimum salary: you must be paid the minimum salary set by Equity, PACT or BECTU (except models, musicians or circuses).
- Savings: usually at least £1,270 available — held for 28 days in a row, with day 28 within 31 days of applying (unless exempt).
How long you can stay
You can come to the UK for a maximum of up to 12 months, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus up to 28 days, whichever is shorter. Your stay must start no more than 14 days before the start date on your certificate of sponsorship. If you intend to work for 3 months or less, you may be able to use the Creative Worker visa concession instead of applying.
Multiple jobs
Your sponsor can give you a certificate covering your whole stay even if you perform at more than one engagement, and if you work for more than one sponsor you can get a certificate from each. There cannot be a gap of more than 14 days between each job; time away from the UK does not count towards that 14 days.
The visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting visa (T5). If you are a sportsperson, the route is the International Sportsperson visa instead. For a photo attached to a related application, check the photo size chart and verify it with the passport photo checker; see the UK visa documents checklist for the wider UK picture.
Common reasons an application fails
- No valid certificate of sponsorship — or one that has expired (they last 3 months from assignment).
- Savings shortfall — under £1,270, or not held for 28 days in a row with day 28 within 31 days of applying.
- Salary below the minimum set by Equity, PACT or BECTU.
- The role is not a creative role or is unrelated to the sponsor’s work.
- Missing TB test (where required) or missing certified translations.
Frequently asked questions
How is the Creative Worker visa different from the old T5?
It has replaced the Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting visa (T5); sportspeople now use the International Sportsperson visa instead.
How long is my certificate of sponsorship valid?
Three months from the date it is assigned to you.
Can I apply from inside or outside the UK?
Yes — the fee is the same either way, but a decision usually takes 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside.
How long must I hold the £1,270?
For at least 28 days in a row, and day 28 must be within 31 days of applying (unless you are exempt).
Can I work for more than one employer?
Yes — you can hold certificates from more than one sponsor, but there cannot be a gap of more than 14 days between each job.
When do I need a TB test?
If you are from a country where a tuberculosis test is required for this visa.
Source: GOV.UK — Creative Worker visa (Temporary Work): overview, eligibility and documents-you-must-provide pages (gov.uk/creative-worker-visa), retrieved 2026-09-28. Rules and fees change, so confirm the current position before you apply.