Arts Professional: How Easy Is It for Overseas Creatives to Work in the UK?
October 28, 2025

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By: Louise Haycock, Jennifer Gray
As the UK looks to strengthen its creative economy, questions remain about how accessible its immigration system is for international talent. In an article for Arts Professional, Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray explore the challenges overseas creatives face when seeking to work in the UK. They note that while the Migration Advisory Committee’s review of the Temporary Shortage List could ease some barriers, high visa costs, sponsorship requirements and limited flexibility continue to restrict opportunities for many in the sector.
Louise and Jennifer highlight how more flexible, non-sponsored visa routes and industry-specific salary threshold adjustments could better support the creative sector’s needs. Such measures, they explain, would help attract and retain emerging talent and ensure the UK remains a leading destination for arts and culture.
Read more here.
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