In addition to skilled worker visas, the UK also has options for artists and performers.
Marrakech – An analysis by the Guardian of UK Home Office data from 2021 to 2024, revealed that DJs were among several “middle skilled” professionals granted visas during this period.
Other professions included cabin crew, fitness instructors, and veterinary nurses.
University of Oxford researcher Robert McNeil, who uncovered the data, told The Guardian that while these jobs “might not be the sort of things that are front of mind for most people when they imagine roles that are critical for UK employers to recruit from overseas,” they are still “challenging and require particular skills.”
McNeil explained in a blog post that the inclusion of “middle skilled” jobs on the list stems from changes made by the Home Office after the UK’s departure from the EU.
The criteria for applying for a skilled worker visa were lowered, allowing more professions to qualify.
“When people think about such middle-skilled jobs, roles like plumbers, bricklayers or engineering technicians spring to mind,” McNeil said.
“But defining what is actually ‘middle skilled’ is not straightforward. In the end, the government used an existing classification based on an official qualifications framework. Some of the results are surprising.”
According to the Home Office’s website, “Permit Free Festivals” can sponsor artists, entertainers, and musicians to work in the UK for up to six months.
Eligible festivals include “The Warehouse Project”, “Creamfields”, “Wireless”, and others.
The UK also offers a Creative Worker visa, which requires a certificate of sponsorship.
This visa allows artists to stay in the country for up to 12 months while working up to 20 hours a week.
