This section explains our planned policy for the creative and sporting sub-category within Tier 5 of the points-based system. The information is based on our statement of intent published on 6 May 2008. The information in this section will be updated as we continue to develop the policy over the next few months.

The creative and sporting sub-category is part of the Tier 5 - temporary workers category of the points-based system. If you do not meet the requirements of this sub-category, you should see the page on the temporary workers for details of the other categories available to you.

The creative and sporting sub-category allows you to come to the United Kingdom for a maximum of 12 months to undertake short-term, temporary work. It is for individuals who currently obtain short-term work permits in the creative and sporting sectors. You will need to show you have the support of one of our approved sponsors and have sufficient funds to maintain yourself. You will be expected to leave the United Kingdom when your permission to stay ends.

The information in this section will not apply to you if you currently enter the United Kingdom under the permit-free concessions for entertainers and sportspeople. These concessions will be brought within the immigration rules under revised visitor categories. Further information on how this new visitor category will work will be published as part of the Government response to the recent consultation on visitor routes to the United Kingdom.

The information in this section will not apply to members of the Olympic family wanting to come to the United Kingdom for the 2012 Olympiad. The on-entry and departure systems for the Olympiad will be subject to separate policy and operational arrangements. These arrangements will be published when they are finalised.

When the Tier 5 - temporary workers category is introduced, a number of existing immigration categories will close to new applications. You should read the section on transitional arrangements for details of the schemes affected and how the introduction of the Tier 5 will affect anyone currently in the United Kingdom under one of these schemes.