I am an entertainer, can I work in the UK under a Standard Visitor visa?

As of 31 January 2024, the Standard Visitor visa has incorporated the Permitted Paid Engagement visa, allowing applicants to undertake specific paid employment in the UK.

This change benefits musicians, entertainers, and performers invited by UK-based companies, as it enables freer movement across the UK. This article outlines the requirements and restrictions for engaging in paid work in the entertainment business under the Standard Visitor visa.

Under the Standard Visitor visa, musicians, professional artists, entertainers, or performers are permitted to engage in paid employment provided (i) they carry out activities directly related to their profession and (ii) are invited by a creative organisation, agent, or broadcaster based in the UK.

If you wish to engage in employment, you may only do so within the first 30 days of your stay in the UK. These engagements must be planned before you arrive, and you must clearly declare your intentions to engage in paid work in your application. The UK organisation that invites you must issue a formal invitation directly relating to your area of expertise and not fabricated to facilitate unlawful immigration.

The Home Office also requires confirmation that you are a genuine visitor and intend to depart the UK at the end of your visit. To ensure a successful application, you must demonstrate that you do not intend to undertake other employment in the UK, such as providing short-term cover or permanently filling a role. This can be achieved by providing evidence of your residence in your home country and details such as flight or hotel schedules.

Gherson has extensive experience navigating the Standard Visitor route and its specific requirements regarding paid employment. We provide a tailored approach to ensure a seamless visit to the UK under the Standard Visitor visa.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to?contact us?for advice, send us an?e-mail: [email protected]

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

?Gherson?2024