Sportspeople and Entertainers (technical and support people)

This type of work permit is, like the rest, employer-driven. The application process involves a strict skills threshold, and the default position is that a test of the resident workforce should normally be required. This category applies to Sportspeople, Entertainers, and Cultural Artists who are established at the highest level and who would make a contribution to their field here in the UK. This category may also apply to technical or support staff who are necessary to the employment of the former.

To clarify, there are 4 categories of applicant that may enter under these provisions:

1. Sportspersons
2. Entertainers
3. Cultural Artists
4. Technical or Support staff

 

Generally, if the applicant (candidate) is to be remunerated for an engagement, or if there is a substantial series of engagements, a work permit for the specific purpose is more likely to be required. In other circumstances, it may be possible to obtain permit free entry. 

Sports & Entertainers work permits are, as a rule, only issued in the following areas of work:

Sportspersons	Entertainers
Ballet Baseball and softball Basketball Boxing Cricket Field Hockey Football managers and coaches Football players Horse Racing Ice Hockey Kabbadi Lacrosse Polo Rugby League Rugby Union Speedway	Actors - film Actors - theatre Classical musicians Cultural visits Dancers: Popular, teachers and choreographers Festivals Pantomime

 

 
Resident Labour Test – not always applicable

In some sports, The Border and Immigration Agency recognises that there are likely to be shortages of ‘resident workers’ who are skilled at the highest level.  Such posts do not need to be supported by evidence of the lack of availability of ‘resident workers’.  Likewise, for some employment where an established entertainer who is to perform in their own right or where they are a cultural artist, the question of whether a ‘resident worker’ could do the job will not be appropriate.

In other cases the employer will need to show why they cannot fill the post with a ‘resident worker’. This would include applications for residencies where the length of time required is for one month or more and people/groups are performing at the same venue or series of venues for the whole period.

If you are interested in a Sports & Entertainers application in the UK, please contact one of our consultants on 0845 226 4030 for detailed advice on the strength of your case.  Alternatively, you can make all e-mail enquiries to info@uk-wp.com.