Tier 5 Temporary Workers

A creative worker is someone who works in the creative industry, for example an actor, dancer, musician or film crew member.

You can apply for a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting) visa if:

• - You have been offered work in the UK as a sports person or creative worker
• - You are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
• - You meet the other eligibility requirements, which our competent staff members can assist you with

In order to undertake activities as an artist or entertainer in the UK, you will normally need to obtain UK business visa under one of the tiers of the points-based system. The points-based system has special categories and rules for those in the creative and entertainment industries. In most categories you will need to be sponsored by an employer. However, if you are going to be in the UK briefly, or for a single event or activity, one of the visitor visa categories may be more appropriate. Aschfords Law will help you determine which visa category is best suited for your particular stay.

The main immigration routes available to artists and entertainers are:

• - Visit (Standard) – Business Creative
• - Permitted Paid Engagement
• - Tier 2 (General)
• - Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Creative)

You will require all of the following to be eligible for a visa under this creative category:

• - Make a unique contribution to the UK labor market, for example you are internationally renowned or are required for continuity
• - Your licensed sponsor must provide you with a Certificate of sponsorship reference number
• - Be paid the minimum salary as set by Equity, PACT or BECTU (except for models, musicians or circuses)
• - Have £945.00 in savings to prove you can support yourself and you must have had this in your bank account for at least 90 consecutive days before you apply. You will not require £945.00 in savings if your fully approved (‘A-rated’) sponsor has stated on your certificate of sponsorship that they will certify your maintenance.

Your sponsor can give you a certificate that covers the entire length of your stay, even if you need to perform at more than 1 engagement. If you are working for more than 1 sponsor, you can get a certificate from each sponsor. Please note, there cannot be a gap of more than 14 days between each job.

You can apply for a Tier 5 (Temporary UK Work Permit - Religious Worker) visa if you want to do religious work, such as preaching or working in a religious order for up to 24 months. The following requirements must also be met before you can apply to come to the UK work permit:

• - You are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland
• - You have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor to do work related to your sponsor organisation
• - You must have £945.00 in savings to prove you can support yourself and you must have had this in your bank account for at least 90 consecutive days before you apply. You will not require £945.00 in savings if your fully approved (‘A-rated’) sponsor has stated on your certificate of sponsorship that they will certify your maintenance

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before the date you are due to start work as stated on your certificate of sponsorship. Your sponsor can give you a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship so you can leave and return to the UK.

Whilst you are in the UK under this visa category you will be permitted to:

• - Study
• - Do a second job in the same sector at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week outside the hours of your main job
• - Do a job on the Tier 2 shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week outside the hours of your main job
• - Bring your family members with you

 

​Professional fees:

Normally, instructions in respect of all UK immigration matters are undertaken on the basis of an agreed fixed fee having consideration of the complexity of the matter and the level of expertise involved. All disbursements are additional such as the Home Office / Visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge fee. If we are unable to agree a fixed fee, our standard hourly rate will be £300 plus VAT (if applicable).

Our agreed fixed fee usually includes meeting with one of our experienced solicitors for UK business visa to establish the details of your case, advice on your option(s) and merits in the matter, guidance in collating supporting and relevant documents; preparing and submitting the application/representations with the Home Office / British High Commission in your home country and advising you on the likely outcome(s) of your matter.

Time scale:

Upon receiving instructions, we will provide you UK work permit with an initial list of documents. Thereafter, we shall provide a comprehensive list of documents tailored to your individual circumstances. If your matter is urgent it will be dealt with as a priority. As soon as we have received the requested information and supporting documents and we have reviewed your matter, we shall prepare and submit your UK work permit application with the relevant Immigration department bearing in mind applicable deadlines. The timescale on when a decision will be received will depend on the type of application being made and backlog of the decision making body. We shall keep you informed of the progress of your matter throughout the entire application process.

You can apply for a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Charity Worker) visa if you want to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity.

The following requirements must also be met before you can apply to come to the UK business visa under this category:

• - You are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland
• - You have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor
• - You must have £945.00 in savings to prove you can support yourself and you must have had this in your bank account for at least 90 consecutive days before you apply. You will not require £945.00 in savings if your fully approved (‘A-rated’) sponsor has stated on your certificate of sponsorship that they will certify your maintenance

You can stay in the UK for up to 12 months. Your sponsor can give you a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship so you can leave and return to the UK.

You will be permitted to:

• - Study
• - Work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
• - Do a second job in the same sector at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week
• - Do a job on the Tier 2 shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week
• - Bring your family members with you

 

Professional fees:

Normally, instructions in respect of all UK immigration matters are undertaken on the basis of an agreed fixed fee having consideration of the complexity of the matter and the level of expertise involved. All disbursements are additional such as the Home Office / Visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge fee. If we are unable to agree a fixed fee, our standard hourly rate will be £300 plus VAT (if applicable).

Our agreed fixed fee usually includes meeting with one of our experienced solicitors to establish the details of your case, advice on your option(s) and merits in the matter, guidance in collating supporting and relevant documents; preparing and submitting the application/representations with the Home Office / British High Commission in your home country and advising you on the likely outcome(s) of your matter.

Time scale:

Upon receiving instructions, we will provide you UK work permit with an initial list of documents. Thereafter, we shall provide a comprehensive list of documents tailored to your individual circumstances. If your matter is urgent it will be dealt with as a priority. As soon as we have received the requested information and supporting documents and we have reviewed your matter, we shall prepare and submit your application with the relevant Immigration department bearing in mind applicable deadlines. The timescale on when a decision will be received will depend on the type of application being made and backlog of the decision making body. We shall keep you informed of the progress of your matter throughout the entire application process.