Important Updates
Important Updates
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, BelgiumPeople Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?
October 30, 2025 | ChinaChina: Physical Social Security Card to Continue to Be Issued
October 30, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: Work Permit and Social Security Cards Integrated Under New Enhanced System
October 30, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, United StatesGames Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, BelgiumPeople Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?
October 30, 2025 | ChinaChina: Physical Social Security Card to Continue to Be Issued
October 30, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: Work Permit and Social Security Cards Integrated Under New Enhanced System
October 30, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, United StatesGames Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, BelgiumPeople Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Immigration Considerations for Foreign Workers in UK Film and HETV Productions

September 21, 2023

Immigration Considerations for Foreign Workers in UK Film and HETV Productions

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Kasia-Pinska

Kasia Pinska

Practice Leader, EA Co-ordination

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9204

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Kasia-Pinska

Kasia Pinska

Practice Leader, EA Co-ordination

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9204

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Kasia-Pinska

Kasia Pinska

Practice Leader, EA Co-ordination

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9204

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Milosz Skorupski, Jasmine Jackson, Kasia Pinska

According to the official statistics published by the British Film Institute, the combined spending by film and high-end television production during 2022 reached £6.27 billion in the UK—the highest ever recorded. As a reflection of these figures, the UK remains a global player in this industry and will again be home to major TV and film productions in 2023, including Paddington in Peru, The Crown, Wicked and Beetlejuice 2. These titles involve several cast members, production crew and supporting staff, many of which will very likely come from abroad and therefore may require a Creative Worker visa to work in the UK.

Production companies willing to support this type of visa will first need a Creative Worker sponsor licence. To learn more about obtaining a sponsor licence, see our previous blog about UK Visa Opportunities In The Creative Sector.

Once approved, a sponsor may issue the individual with a Certificate of Sponsorship which they can only do once certain criteria are met, including payment at the industry standard (as set by Equity) and the maintenance requirements. Sponsors will need to refer to the Creative Worker Codes of Practice (The Code), which sets out a number of rules that must be followed to sponsor creative workers, as well as a number of exemptions that can simplify the overall process. These rules should be treated as a guidebook for any company willing to become a sponsor in this visa category.

Initial role assessment and possible outcomes

In general, a sponsor of a potential creative worker should review the Code and ascertain the relevant section relating to the proposed role. The Sponsor should assess whether the candidate would qualify for an exemption from advertising (for example, a television performer could evidence that they are required for continuity or have international status and be exempt from advertising). If no relevant exemption exists, the role should be advertised to show that no UK worker is being displaced. The specifics of how to advertise are also contained in the Code.

In addition, when considering the appropriate route for a Creative Worker visa in the film and TV industry, an applicant can be treated either as a ‘performer,’ which mainly includes those enlisted as part of the cast, e.g., Ariana Grande in Wicked or Elizabeth Debicki in The Crown; or as a ‘worker,’ meaning producers, directors, costume designers, editors, composers, scriptwriters and others. This distinction is important as the available exemptions from advertising requirements will differ.

Exemptions from advertising requirements

Among others, to be exempt from advertising, the sponsor can provide contracts, press cuttings, cast lists, box office figures, awards or other documents proving the applicant’s experience in the TV or film industry, which will show that the performer has international status.

Whilst these documents may seem unusual from an immigration perspective, in practice, most of them should be either available or easily obtainable for the potential sponsors, as they would request at least some of them during the recruitment process. If the role requires unique skills, specific appearance, talent or vocal skills, the sponsor will have to prove that the candidate meets those criteria to be exempt from the advertising requirements.

Since the exemptions will differ by the proposed role, if none of them are suitable, the role should be advertised to evidence that no local UK worker is being displaced.

The significance of the shortage occupation list

This is a list containing roles which the UK Government considers to be in short supply in the UK labour market. If the proposed role is indeed included in this list, the requirements to follow the specific Code of Practice and any rules relating to resident labour market/advertising do not apply, including the examples provided above.

A sponsor can be exempt from complying with the rules of the Code and immediately proceed with the Creative Worker visa application, which should make the entire process much shorter and less document-heavy.

Whilst many professions in the TV and film production sectors would most likely be included in the shortage occupation list—such as producers and directors, for example—this cannot be said about all potential creative workers, such as actors, dancers, certain other performers, or some on-set roles, including camera and lighting operators.

For example, Tim Burton, who is directing the upcoming Beetlejuice 2 movie, would most likely be exempt from complying with the requirements of the Code. His personal assistants or favourite on-set operators may not.

Navigating the immigration requirements

To summarise, immigration requirements as defined by the Code might be challenging to navigate, making it essential to complete assessments for all foreign cast and crew members at an early stage of production planning in the UK and take advantage of various exemptions.

It is important to determine which immigration procedure might be most beneficial to each individual member, and plan for those that may take longer as per requirements of the Code.

Need to know more?

For questions related to navigating the UK immigration system, please contact Associate Jasmine Jackson at [email protected] or Practice Leader Kasia Pinska at [email protected].

This blog was published on 21 September 2023, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Kasia-Pinska

Kasia Pinska

Practice Leader, EA Co-ordination

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9204

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Kasia-Pinska

Kasia Pinska

Practice Leader, EA Co-ordination

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9204

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Kasia-Pinska

Kasia Pinska

Practice Leader, EA Co-ordination

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9204

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Games Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee

Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?

Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.

Learn more

Media mentions

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

Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Claiming British Citizenship Through Ancestral Lineage: Who Is Eligible?

Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Semiconductors Presents: "Voice of the Industry" October 2025 Q&A with Shari Liss

Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Legalny napływ cudzoziemców do pracy powstrzymany

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Media mentions

Games Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee

Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?

Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.

Learn more

Media mentions

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

Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Claiming British Citizenship Through Ancestral Lineage: Who Is Eligible?

Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Semiconductors Presents: "Voice of the Industry" October 2025 Q&A with Shari Liss

Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Legalny napływ cudzoziemców do pracy powstrzymany

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.