Creative Worker Visa

To be eligible for the Creative Worker Visa, you must:

• Be at least 18 or over
• Have a UK sponsor
• Be in a stable financial position (for instance, it is recommended you have at least £1,270 available to you)
• Provide evidence of sufficient funding ( at least £1,270)
• Be paid the minimum salary as set by Equity, PACT or BECTU
• Contribute to the UK labour market (for example you are highly regarded in your field or are part of continuity efforts)
• Obtain a certificate of sponsorship

• Your certificate of sponsorship number
• A valid passport or recognised form of identity (you will need a blank page in your passport for your visa).
• Evidence of your stable finances, for example a bank statement
• Proof of a relationship with anyone who is coming with you (partner or children)
• A TB test result if you are staying for more than 6 months in the UK or are from any of these countries.

Any documents required for your application should be translated into English or Welsh.

Wherever this is not possible you should try to seek a solicitor who can give you a certified translation.

The costs associated with the Creative Worker visa are as follows:

• The application fee for each person applying (£340)
• The healthcare fee (£1035 per year)
• Prove you have sufficient personal savings

You will need a valid certificate of sponsorship from a sponsor organisation as part of your eligibility criteria.

A reference number on a certificate of sponsorship is needed to complete your Visa application as it will hold information about you and the type of voluntary job you are applying for. It can only be obtained from your sponsor.

Your sponsor must be from a recognised charity in the UK, and be allowed by the UK government to allocate certificates of sponsorship.

Your sponsor must be open with you about the hours and job details they are offering to you.

Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 weeks after it has been given to you.

Your sponsor will also be required to register for charity work. The certification must confirm your intention to take on voluntary jobs.

There are certain rules you must adhere to.

You are allowed to:

• Study
• Work for your sponsor in the job described as in your certificate of sponsorship
• Be employed at a second job in the same charity sector at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week
• Apply for a job on the skilled worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week
• Bring your dependents with you for your residency

You are not allowed to:

• Start your own business
• Receive public funding

If you choose to extend your visa, you must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision to stay in compliance with UK immigration law.

Your application will be withdrawn if you do not follow immigration rules.

You cannot apply to switch to the Creative Worker from inside the UK.

You can only apply for this visa from outside the UK, or apply to extend your existing visa if already in the UK.

If you plan to come to the UK for less than 3 months, you are eligible for the Creative Worker visa concession.

However, if you apply for this concession you will not be allowed to:

• Switch to the Skilled Worker visa
• Extend your stay
• Switch to any other temporary work visa

You can enter the UK without applying for a visa in advance if you:

• Have a valid Temporary Work – Creative Worker certificate of sponsorship
• Are coming to work in the UK for 3 months or less
• Do not require a visa to visit the UK
• Your dependants will also be able to travel with you as long as they also do not require a visa to enter the UK

You must still meet the Temporary Work – Creative Worker visa eligibility requirements throughout your residency.

When you arrive in the UK on a Creative Worker visa concession, you must not use the ePassport gates. You will be denied the right to work in the UK if you do this.

Instead, you must ensure that you see an airport UK immigration officer who will:

• Stamp your passport
• Check the validity of your certificate of sponsorship
• Check your financial stability

For individuals applying for the Creative Worker visa concession, there are rules you must follow that mirror the non-concession visa. You are allowed to:

• Study
• Work for your sponsor in the job described as in your certificate of sponsorship
• Be employed at a second job in the same charity sector at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week
• Apply for a job on the skilled worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week
• Bring your dependents with you for your residency

You are not allowed to:

• Start your own business
• Receive public funding
• Extend your visa

Temporary workers are able to bring certain family members with them to the UK. The family members that can join you on y our Temporary Worker Charity Visa include:

• Spouses, civil partners and unmarried partners
• Children under the age of 18
• Children over the age of 18 if they are already living in the UK as your dependent

Any dependent relatives joining you in the UK must make a separate visa application and they can apply to join you online.

To be eligible they will need to be able to prove their relationship with you and must also show that they have enough money to be financially supported whilst in the UK.

You will need to show that there is at least:

• £285 for your partner
• £315 for one child
• £200 for each additional child

As a temporary worker, if you wish to extend your visa you can apply as long as you continue to meet the eligibility rules.

You must apply before your current visa expires, and you must be in the UK to do so.

Your dependents such as your spouse or children that have come with you also need to apply to extend separately if they wish to.

You are not permitted to extend your visa if you are on the Creative Worker visa concession.

Whatever your immigration needs, our dedicated Immigration lawyers have the knowledge and expertise to assist with your application.

Our expert solicitors are ready to work with you on the details of your specific case and provide you with the best legal advice. We ensure that every client feels that they have been listened to and that they are in control of the process throughout.

If you want to speak to someone, call us on 03334149244 to discuss your query with one of our knowledgeable, excellent and friendly immigration specialists.

Our list of assistance includes but is not limited to:

• Providing a Letter of Representation
• Assist you in completing your application to the best it can be, including fixing errors and proofreading
• Conduct a thorough document check to make sure everything is included in your application
• Walk you through eligibility for multiple visas that best suit your needs
• Help you prepare for both the Life in the UK test and your English language examination
• Liaise with the Home Office on your behalf throughout the entire process

For further information and premium service speak to one of our immigration experts regarding your charity worker visa application.