Tier 5 (Creative and sporting) Visa

Tier 5 (all categories)

This temporary visa is available to applicants who want to come to the UK to work or perform as sportspeople, entertainers or creative artists for up to 12 months. Upon expiry, this visa type is extendable up to a maximum period of 24 months.

Requirements

In order to qualify you must have a sponsor and a valid certificate of sponsorship.
If you are a sportsperson you must be established at the highest level in your sport and/or your employment must make a significant contribution to the development and running of sport at the highest level in the UK. Sports coaches must be suitably qualified to do the job.
The sponsor must have an endorsement from the relevant governing body of sport, which confirms that the applicant meets the governing body’s requirements. The governing body must also be recognised by UK Visas and Immigration.

Spouses and dependants

You can apply for your spouse/civil partner/unmarried partner and dependent children to join you in the UK.
The dependants will be granted the same period of leave as the main applicant and will be able to work without restriction in the UK.

Length of stay and right to work

For a sportsperson the visa can be granted for a maximum of 12 months. If the visa is granted for a shorter period you can apply for an extension up to a maximum of 12 months.

For a creative worker the visa can be granted for a maximum of 12 months. If the visa is granted for a shorter period, you can apply for an extension to stay up to 12 months at a time, up to a maximum of 24 months, though the job must continue with your last sponsor.