UK CREATIVE WORKER VISA FOR SWISS RESIDENTS

The UK Creative Worker Visa is available to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland who have been offered short-term work in the UK’s creative sector for up to 12 months.

A creative worker includes actors, dancers, musicians, entertainers, fashion models, or film crew who can make a unique contribution to the UK’s creative industries. Technical or support staff (‘entourage’) may also accompany eligible creative workers from Switzerland.

While this visa does not lead to settlement, it can be extended up to a maximum of two years with the same employer. UK Creative Worker Visa holders can be joined by a dependent partner and children under 18.

Requirements for a UK Creative Worker Visa for Swiss Nationals (and non-Swiss Nationals) in Switzerland

To qualify for a UK Creative Worker Visa from Switzerland, you must meet the following criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration:

• Job Offer: Have a job offer in the UK as a creative worker from a UK sponsor with a valid Temporary Work – Creative Worker sponsor licence and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the role.

• Salary: Be paid the minimum salary set by Equity, PACT, or BECTU (except for models, musicians, or circuses).

• Intention: Genuinely intend to undertake the sponsored role and not seek other employment.

• Financial: Have sufficient personal savings to support yourself in the UK.

• General Grounds: Your application must not fall for refusal under general grounds.

The specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. Consult a specialist UK immigration lawyer in Switzerland for expert advice.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Requirement for Creative Workers in Switzerland

Before Swiss passport holders (and non-Swiss passport holders) can apply for a UK Creative Worker Visa, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a Home Office-approved UK sponsor in the creative sector is required. Sponsors include national arts bodies, event organisers, producers, venues, agents, promoters, production companies, and media organisations in the UK.

When issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship, your UK sponsor will confirm that:

• You will comply with the relevant Creative Worker Code of Practice (if applicable).

• Your role appears on the shortage occupation list.

• They have considered the resident labour market and determined the role could not be filled by a settled worker.

Sponsors can issue individual or group certificates of sponsorship for performers and their entourage, which includes individuals with proven technical or specialist skills directly related to the employment of an entertainer, cultural artist, or dramatic production.

Financial Requirement for Residents of Switzerland

If you are a resident of Switzerland applying for a UK Creative Worker Visa, you will need at least £1,270 in your bank account, held for at least 28 days, ending not more than 31 days before your application, unless you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months or your sponsor confirms they will cover your costs for the first month.

English Language Requirement for Swiss Residents

Swiss residents do not need to satisfy an English language requirement in order to obtain a UK Creative Worker Visa.

UK Creative Worker Visa Duration of Stay

Successful applicants from Switzerland can stay in the UK for up to 12 months or the period stated on their Certificate of Sponsorship plus up to 14 days before and after, whichever is shorter.

Extensions of Stay in the UK

If you hold a UK Creative Worker Visa, you may extend your stay with the same UK sponsor for up to a total of 24 months. Changing employers limits your stay to a maximum of 12 months. Those entering the UK under the Creative Worker Visa Border Concession for up to 3 months cannot extend their stay.

Settlement in the UK

The Creative Worker Visa does not allows Swiss citizens (or non-Swiss citizens) to settle permanently in the UK. However, Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) may switch to another immigration route that leads to indefinite leave to remain.

Switching Into the Creative Worker Route

If you are from Switzerland and you are already in the UK with permission, switching into the Creative Worker route from within the UK is generally not permitted. The only exception is for those assigned a valid CoS on or before November 8, 2022, and who subsequently had permission as a Standard Visitor or Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor.

Conditions of Stay

Once your UK Creative Worker Visa application has been approved and you are in the UK, you may work for your UK sponsor in the job specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship. You may also take a second job in the same sector and level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week or a job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week.

Creative Worker Visa Border Concession

Non-visa nationals (e.g., EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens) with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for engagements of 3 months or less may travel to the UK without a visa and request permission to enter at the UK border. Swiss (and EU) citizens relying on this concession should note, however, that they will need to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UKETA) prior to travel.

UK Visa Processing Times in Switzerland

Most UK visa applications submitted in Switzerland are processed within 3 weeks. Faster decisions may be available through priority services. Extensions typically take 8 weeks, with priority and super priority services available for quicker decisions.

Dependants

Swiss (and non-Swiss) Creative Worker Visa holders can be joined by a dependent partner and children under 18.

Refusals

If your UK Creative Worker Visa application is refused, you may submit a fresh application from Switzerland or request an Administrative Review.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services encompass expert guidance on all UK visa routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland.

Our experienced team assists creative workers and their entourage across various disciplines. We can ensure you meet your start date and that your career progression aligns with your immigration goals.

We provide clear, reliable immigration advice and support to residents of Switzerland as part of a professional and friendly service. Contact us on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form.