UK Immigration Options for the Arts

The Global Talent visa offers a flexible route for individuals recognised as leaders or emerging leaders in the arts and culture sector. Designed to attract creative professionals with international impact, the visa does not require a job offer and can lead to settlement (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)) in the UK.

Applications follow a two-stage process:

Stage 1: Application for endorsement by Arts Council England under either the ‘Exceptional Talent’ or ‘Exceptional Promise’ category.

Stage 2: Application for a Global Talent visa for entry clearance or leave to remain.

Eligibility for endorsement as ‘Exceptional Talent’ or ‘Exceptional Promise’ depends on the applicant’s track record over the past 5 years. Those applying must demonstrate professional engagement in outstanding work that has been published, performed, or exhibited internationally. Supporting documentation is required to evidence the applicant’s creative career and achievements.

Once endorsed, applicants may apply for a Global Talent visa and choose the length of their visa – up to a maximum of 5 years. Those endorsed under the ‘Exceptional Talent’ route may qualify for ILR after 3 years of continuous residence in the UK, while those under the ‘Exceptional Promise’ route may qualify after 5 years.

Our Immigration team works closely with creatives and cultural organisations to prepare compelling endorsement submissions and visa applications. Whether you’re an established artist or an emerging talent, we provide strategic advice to help you navigate the process with confidence.

The Global Talent visa offers a flexible route for established and emerging leaders in the film and television industry. Designed to attract individuals with a proven track record of international impact, the visa does not require a job offer and can lead to settlement (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.

Applications follow a two-stage process:

Stage 1: Application for endorsement by the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT), acting on behalf of Arts Council England.

Stage 2: Application for a Global Talent visa for entry clearance or leave to remain.

Eligibility for endorsement as ‘Exceptional Talent’ or ‘Exceptional Promise’ depends on the applicant’s track record over the past 5 years. Those applying must demonstrate professional engagement in outstanding work that has been published, performed, or exhibited internationally. Supporting documentation is required to evidence the applicant’s creative career and achievements.

Once endorsed, applicants may apply for a Global Talent visa and choose the length of their visa – up to a maximum of 5 years. Those endorsed under the ‘Exceptional Talent’ route may qualify for ILR after 3 years of continuous residence in the UK, while those under the ‘Exceptional Promise’ route may qualify after 5 years.

Our Immigration team works closely with creatives and production professionals to prepare compelling endorsement submissions and visa applications. Whether you’re an established filmmaker or an emerging talent, we provide strategic advice to help you navigate the process with confidence.

The Skilled Worker visa provides a long-term route for individuals with a qualifying job offer from a UK employer holding a Sponsor Licence. It enables sponsored workers to live and work in the UK and may lead to settlement – also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – after 5 years of continuous residence.

To be eligible, applicants must hold an offer for an eligible role from a Home Office-approved sponsor, meet the English language requirement, and satisfy the relevant skill and salary thresholds. Roles must be skilled to at least RQF Level 6 (equivalent to graduate level), with a general minimum salary of £41,700 per annum or the market ‘going rate’ for the role, whichever is higher. In certain cases, applicants may still qualify for a Skilled Worker visa with a lower salary.

A wide range of creative roles are eligible under this route, including but not limited to:

• Artists, graphic and multimedia designers

• Musicians

• Artists, arts officers, producers and directors

• Dancers, choreographers, dance teachers.

Applicants must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by their UK employer. While Skilled Worker migrants are generally restricted to the role they are sponsored for, supplementary employment may be permitted in limited circumstances. Visa duration is determined by the sponsoring employer.

Our Immigration team advises both employers and individuals on Skilled Worker visa applications, from assessing eligibility and preparing documentation to navigating sponsorship duties and compliance. Whether you’re hiring international talent or seeking to relocate for a creative role, we provide practical, strategic support every step of the way.

The Creative Worker (Temporary Work) visa offers short-term opportunities for individuals looking to work in the UK’s creative sector, including performers, artists, and production crew etc. This route is designed for engagements of up to 12 months and does not lead to settlement in the UK.

Applicants must hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by a Home Office-approved sponsor. Sponsors may include national arts bodies, production companies, media organisations, or event organisers – they do not need to be the applicant’s direct employer.

Roles must meet minimum salary thresholds set by industry bodies such as Equity, PACT, or BECTU, although exceptions apply for musicians, models, and circus performers.

Creative Workers are generally restricted to the role for which they are sponsored, though supplementary employment may be permitted in limited circumstances. The visa is typically granted for the duration stated on the CoS plus up to 28 days, capped at 12 months. Extensions may be possible depending on whether the applicant remains with the same sponsor or changes employers.

For those undertaking engagements of 2 months or less, certain nationals may be eligible to enter the UK without applying for a visa in advance under the Creative Worker visa concession (please see next section).

Our Immigration team advises both individuals and organisations on navigating the Creative Worker route, from sponsorship and compliance to preparing visa applications and managing short-term assignments. Whether you’re planning a performance, production, or creative collaboration, we’re here to help you make it happen.

Nationals who do not normally require a Visitor visa to visit the UK may be eligible to enter under the Creative Worker visa concession, provided they:

• Are coming to undertake short-term creative work for 3 months or less; and

• Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) under the Temporary Work – Creative Worker route.

Applicants must meet the same eligibility criteria as those applying for a Creative Worker visa in advance (please see section above). Prior to arrival, applicants must have applied for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). On arrival, applicants must present themselves to a UK Border Force officer—use of ePassport gates is not permitted under this concession. The officer will verify the applicant’s CoS and confirm that all requirements are met.

This route does not lead to settlement in the UK. Creative Workers are generally restricted to the role for which they are sponsored, although supplementary employment may be permitted in limited circumstances.

Our Immigration team regularly advises on the Creative Worker visa concession, helping clients navigate eligibility, sponsorship, and entry requirements. Whether you’re planning a performance, production, or creative collaboration, we’re here to help you make it happen.

The Standard Visitor route allows individuals to visit the UK for up to 6 months to carry out permitted activities. While nationals of certain countries must apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travelling, others may enter after applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Regardless of visa status, all visitors are subject to the same conditions and limitations under this route. This route does not lead to settlement in the UK.

All visitors must be able to demonstrate that they:

• Will leave the UK at the end of their visit;

• Can support themselves and any dependants during their stay (or have third-party funding);

• Can cover the cost of their return or onward travel (or have third-party funding); and

• Will not use successive visits to effectively live in the UK or make the UK their main home.

Visitors are allowed to engage in permitted activities, including certain business activities. Permitted business activities include, but are not limited to:

• Attending interviews, meetings, conference and seminars.

• Negotiating and signing deals and contracts.

• Attending trade fairs to promote your business (but you cannot sell things).

• Receiving work-related training if you are employed overseas and the training is not available in your home country.

• Delivering training or sharing knowledge on internal projects with UK employees of the company you work for overseas.

The route also allows for Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE), enabling professionals – such as artists, entertainers, and musicians – to undertake short-term paid work directly related to their expertise. This may include performing, presenting, lecturing, judging panels, or participating in professional conferences. To qualify, individuals must:

• Be over 18;

• Hold a written invitation from a UK-based organisation or client for a pre-arranged event or engagement; and

• Demonstrate recognised expertise in their field.

Invitations may come from galleries, universities, event venues, agents, agencies, or broadcasters. While visitors can stay for up to 6 months, PPE must be completed within the first month of arrival and must align with the individual’s expertise and professional qualifications.

Our Immigration team regularly advises creatives and professionals on navigating the Standard Visitor route, including eligibility for PPE and preparing supporting documentation. Whether you’re planning a short-term engagement or exploring business opportunities in the UK, we’re here to help you make it happen.