Change description : 2025-11-11 00:01:00: Updated section CRW6.9 to reflect that, from 11 November 2025, the provisions formerly contained in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules (grounds for refusal) are now in Part Suitability. [Guidance and regulation]
Guidance for employers in the creative sector on how to sponsor a creative worker on the Creative Worker route.
This route allows creative workers who can make a unique contribution to the UK’s rich cultural life, and their entourage, to come to the UK for up to 12 months initially, with the option to extend their permission up to a maximum of 24 months (if continuing to work for the same sponsor).
Updated guidance in line with the Immigration Rules changes coming into force on 9 April 2025. More details of changes can be found within the guidance.
8 October 2024
Updated to reflect changes to the Immigration Rules coming into effect on 8 October 2024.
16 May 2024
Updated guidance to reflect changes to the Immigration Rules coming into effect on 16 May 2024, as set out in Statement of Changes HC 590 (published on 14 March 2024), and to make some other minor amendments and clarifications.
18 October 2023
Updated to say certain nationalities using the Creative Worker visa concession will need to get an electronic travel authorisation before travelling. For full details, see the 'changes to this guidance' section.
13 April 2023
Accessible version added.
12 April 2023
Updated guidance to reflect changes to the Immigration Rules coming into effect on 12 April 2023.
9 November 2022
The guidance has been updated to reflect changes to the Immigration Rules coming into force on 9 November 2022 and to make some other minor changes and clarifications. See 'Changes to this guidance' for full details.
11 April 2022
Updated guidance on sponsoring a Creative Worker for use on or after 11 April 2022.
15 February 2022
Updated guidance, changes are detailed on page 6.
11 October 2021
Updated to reflect the introduction of the new Temporary Work – Creative Worker route, to outline responsibilities for sponsors who will be sponsoring school-age children, and other minor amendments and clarifications.
13 May 2021
Added accessible version.
6 April 2021
Guidance updated to reflect the amended definition of "consecutive engagement" in the latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 1248), and other minor amendments.