Disclaimer: The information in this blog is accurate as of its publication date. Any updates after that date are not reflected here.
The UK is internationally world-renowned for its heritage and prestige in the areas of theatre, dance, combined arts, TV and film. As a top arts destination and hub, many international artists in all fields come to the UK to perform, train, teach, and visit. If you are an overseas national with experience in arts and performance and you are planning to come to the UK, it is important to check if you need a visa and, if so, the best visa for your needs. In this guide, we will explain the main immigration routes for foreign nationals with experience in theatre, dance, combined arts, TV, or film.
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Do I need a visa to perform in the UK?
Before applying for a visa, it is advisable to check if you need a visa. Some overseas nationals do not require a visa to visit the UK, allowing them to stay for short periods for permitted purposes. Broadly speaking, if you are coming to the UK for a paid project or work of longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for a visa (these are explained below).
To check if you need a visa to come to the UK for the purposes of your arts experience, we recommend using the online tool on the Home Office website. You will simply need to enter your country of nationality, why you are coming to the UK, and for how long. For example, if you are from the USA and are coming for less than 6 months, you may be able to travel without a visa if you are planning to attend meetings or conferences, do academic research, or do certain paid engagements or events for a UK-based company.
If you are still unsure whether you need a visa to come to the UK, please speak to one of our immigration Solicitors, who will be able to advise you based on your personal circumstances.
If you need a visa, you may need to apply for a:
- Skilled Worker visa
- Creative Worker visa, or
- Global Talent visa
The following sections explain how each visa works and the differences between each.
Skilled Worker visa
The Skilled Worker visa is the most popular work visa in the UK and enables overseas nationals to come to the UK to work in a sponsored role for up to 5 years. After 5 years, you can then either extend your visa or apply for permanent settlement (and citizenship a year later).
Key points to consider:
- You must be coming to the UK to work in paid long-term employment
- You must be sponsored by a UK employer with a sponsor licence
- You must have an eligible role – in the area of arts and performance, the following roles are eligible (please note this list is not exhaustive):
- Actors, entertainers and presenters – including Actor, Commentator (broadcasting), Costumed interpreter, Disc jockey, Entertainer, Presenter (broadcasting), Singer
- Dancers and choreographers – including Ballet dancer, Choreographer, Dance coach, Dancer, Dance teacher
- Musicians – including – Composer, Musician, Organist, Pianist, Songwriter, and Violinist
- Arts officers, producers and directors – including Broadcast editor, Film editor, Production assistant (broadcasting), Studio manager, Television producer, Video production assistant
- Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators – including Audio visual technician, Cameraman, Commercial drone pilot, Digital imaging technician, Lighting designer, Photographer, Projectionist, Sound engineer, Theatre technician (entertainment)
- You must meet the minimum salary requirements – typically £38,700 per year or the ‘going rate’ for the type of work you will be doing (in some cases, you may be eligible with a lower salary).
- You must meet the English language requirements – i.e. be able to read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. Not everyone is required to prove this, including nationals of certain English-speaking countries.
Creative Worker visa (Temporary Work)
The Creative Worker visa is a temporary work visa that is ideal for those who work in the fields of arts and performance who wish to come to the UK to work in paid employment for up to 3 months.
Key points to consider:
- You must be sponsored by a UK business with a sponsor licence
- You must make a unique contribution to the UK labour market (e.g. if you are internationally renowned or are required for continuity)
- You must meet the minimum pay set by Equity, PACT or BECTU if applicable
- You must have sufficient funds to support yourself while in the UK (typically at least £1,270)
- There are no language or minimum salary eligibility requirements to be met.
- There are no language or minimum salary eligibility requirements to be met.
While you cannot stay for a long period in the UK with a Creative Worker visa, it can be further extended if needed as long as you are staying with the same sponsor. You can extend for whichever is the shortest of:
- 12 months
- the time on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, or
- the time needed to extend your stay to a maximum of 24 months.
Global Talent visa
The Global Talent visa is an excellent option for overseas nationals who are considered a leader or potential leader in the areas of combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre or visual arts. Under this route, you can come to the UK for up to 5 years to work, but the key benefit is that you have flexibility regarding how you work. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, which requires you to be permanently employed by an approved sponsor, with a Global Talent visa, you choose to be an employee, self-employed and a director of a company. In addition, you can change or stop doing your job without informing the UK Home Office.
The Global Talent visa also provides a route to permanent settlement after just 3 years if you are a leader in your field of arts or 5 years as a potential leader.
Key points to consider:
- If you are applying to come to the UK to work in the fields of combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre, or visual arts, you will need to have your application assessed by Arts Council England. Based on the information you provide, they will assess whether you meet the criteria for exceptional talent or exceptional promise.
- If you are applying to come to the UK to work in the area of animation, film, post-production, television, and visual effects, your application will need to be assessed by the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television
- You must produce work that is published or performed internationally and is considered ‘outstanding’. In addition, people must be engaged with your work, for example, through appearances and performances.
- To be considered a ‘leader’, you must have been part of your field for the last 5 years and produced a ‘substantial’ record of work in at least 2 countries, including your own country of residence.
- To be considered a ‘potential leader’, you must be in your early career and typically have less than 5 years of experience. You must be able to show you have a ‘developing’ record of work in at least 2 countries, including your country of residence.
- If you have won an eligible award, you can also apply for a Global Talent visa (e.g. Olivier award, Tony award, or Hugo Boss Prize).
Final words
The UK offers boundless opportunities for those who work in the fields of theatre, dance, combined arts, TV or film. It is important to check if you need a visa before you come, and if you do, select an immigration route that is most suitable for your immediate and long-term needs.
To check which visa is best for your needs and for help with making your visa application, please speak to a member of our friendly and knowledgeable immigration law team who can advise you based on your unique circumstances. Indeed, there may be other visa routes available to you, including the self-sponsored route. We can handle your application on your behalf and of your partner and children, allowing you to focus on making arrangements to come to the UK.
A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with all types of visa applications. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or contact us today. We’re here to help!
