By Mitch Rice
There are many musicians across the globe that wish to showcase their talents in the UK. But how do you go about it? In short, being granted a creative worker visa could provide you with the opportunity to legally introduce your music to the UK and potentially elevate your career to new heights.
What is the Creative Worker Visa UK?
Designed for foreign nationals, the creative worker visa UK is for creative professionals who work in industries such as film, music, dance and photography. If granted, it allows holders the right to stay and work in the UK on a temporary basis for up to 2 years in order to partake in permitted creative work.
Though the creative worker visa UK provides its holders with a chance to enhance their career and global notability, it is worth noting that it cannot be used as a route to permanent residency, also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’.
Why the Creative Worker Visa is Ideal for Musicians in the UK
So, what are the benefits of obtaining a creative worker visa? Simply put, it allows you the chance to travel to, live and work creatively in the UK for a generous period of time. Here, you can showcase your music to a global audience quickly.
The UK music scene is absolutely huge, and superbly multicultural, meaning your music can get distributed to a wide variety of people all at the same time. As it is popular with people across the globe and is known for its high international standing, if you do become successful in the UK, chances are you could become extremely well known or famous across different countries and perhaps make a lot of money in the process.
Musicians can discover which of their work can work best for different audiences and take advantage of the industry’s brilliant advertising and ‘word of mouth’ strategies. It offers you the chance to scale up your work, discover ways to improve it, and find out what works best in order to gain more success and elevate your career in the long term..
In addition, the UK itself has much to offer foreign nationals in general. Visitors can explore the wide variety of cultures and heritages, expanding their knowledge base and skill set. There are also many historical sites and areas of outstanding natural beauty within the UK that are easily accessible, perfect for those days off!
Am I Eligible to Apply for a Creative Worker Visa UK?
There are various immigration rules and regulations to be considered when applying for a creative worker visa and in order to obtain one, all applicants must meet strict requirements to satisfy the UK’s home office.
Some creative professionals may be refused entry and have their application denied if it is determined that there are grounds to do so. For example, if an applicant has a history of breaching immigration laws or, in some cases, an extensive criminal history, it is unlikely that they will be granted this visa type to enter the UK.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for the Creative Worker Visa for Musicians?
In order to be successful in your application for a creative worker visa, you must meet all of the general requirements and score at least 40 points on the UK’s new points-based immigration system. For example, budding international musicians must be able to demonstrate that:
- They can make a unique contribution to the UK’s labour market.
- Have at least £1270 in their possession in order to sufficiently support themselves.
- Are paid at least the minimum salary as set out by regulated trade bodies for their work.
- Hold a certificate of sponsorship from a valid sponsor.
In order to obtain the required 40 points, each applicant must be awarded a valid certificate of sponsorship (30 points) and prove they meet the financial requirements set out above (10 points). In addition, applicants must be able to provide a series of valid legal documents to support their application.
Certificate of Sponsorship
To apply for a creative worker visa, you must be issued a certificate of sponsorship from a valid sponsor before you make your application. All sponsors must hold a valid sponsor licence to apply for the certificate on your behalf. There are certain requirements that both you (the employee) and the sponsor (the employer) must meet in order for a certificate to be granted. There are also some costs to consider when applying for this certificate. However, help is available to secure a certificate of sponsorship and it is probably wise to gain some advice before attempting an application. Click here for further information.
How Do I Apply for a Creative Worker Visa?
Once you have obtained a certificate of sponsorship from a valid sponsor and have gathered the funds and the evidence needed to support your application, you can apply online for a creative worker visa on the Gov.UK website under the temporary work visa section.
Before you begin, it is probably wise to read the guidance set out by the UK’s Home Office so that you are up to date with everything you need to be successful in your application. Providing accurate biometric information and supporting documents can help speed up your application and ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible. Then all that’s left to do is await your decision!
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
