If you’re an expert in your field and have been invited to the UK for a paid event or professional engagement, the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa might be the right option for you. This visa is perfect for artists, musicians, lecturers, and other professionals who want to visit the UK for a short time to work. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa.
What is the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa?
The Permitted Paid Engagement Visa allows certain professionals and experts from outside the UK to come to the country for up to one month without the need for sponsorship. This visa is specifically for people who are invited by a UK business or client for a paid professional role.
Some examples of eligible applicants include:
- Academic examiners or assessors
- Pilot examiners
- Artists, entertainers, and musicians
- Lecturers or experts giving talks
- Lawyers representing clients in the UK
- Sportspeople
This visa is only for those coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement.
What Is a “Permitted Paid Engagement”?
Before applying, it’s important to make sure your visit fits the criteria for a permitted paid engagement. According to UK immigration rules, these activities might include:
- Academic experts come to examine students or join selection panels at UK higher education institutions or research organizations.
- Experts invited by UK universities or research organizations to deliver a lecture in their field of expertise.
- Pilot examiners invited by UK training organizations to assess UK-based pilots.
- Qualified lawyers invited by a client to represent them in legal proceedings, including court hearings and arbitration.
- Professional artists, entertainers, or musicians invited by UK-based creative organizations, agents, or broadcasters.
- Professional athletes are invited by sports organizations, agents, or broadcasters in the UK.
It’s important to note that this visa does not allow you to do other activities, like working in a job not related to your field or staying in the UK longer than the permitted time.
What Activities Are Not Allowed on This Visa?
With a Permitted Paid Engagement Visa, you cannot:
- Do any paid work outside your area of expertise or unrelated to your current profession.
- Study or enroll in courses.
- Stay in the UK for a long period or use this visa to try and live in the UK.
- Access public funds or benefits.
- Get married or enter into a civil partnership (you would need a Marriage Visitor Visa for that).
Also, once your engagement ends, you cannot extend your stay or switch to a different visa.
Am I Eligible for the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa?
To qualify for this visa, you must first show that you have been invited by a UK business or client to attend a specific professional event related to your expertise. Additionally, you will need to prove:
- You are 18 or over.
- You intend to stay in the UK for no more than 1 month.
- You have enough money to support yourself during your stay (this can be funded by someone else).
- You plan to leave the UK before your visa expires.
- You are not planning to use this visa to live in the UK or visit frequently.
If you’re an artist, musician, or professional, you will need to provide evidence that you’ve been invited by a UK-based organization, such as a gallery, university, or event organizer. If you’re a sports professional, you must show you’ve been invited by a UK sports agency or organization.
How Do I Apply for a Permitted Paid Engagement Visa?
You can apply for the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa online on the UK Home Office website. It’s recommended to apply up to 3 months before your intended travel date.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete and submit the online application form.
- Pay the £100 application fee.
- Book an appointment at a visa application center.
- Attend your appointment to prove your identity and submit your fingerprints and photograph.
- Provide any supporting documents, like your invitation letter and details of the paid engagement.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your application will typically be processed within 3 weeks. If you need a faster decision, you may be able to pay an additional fee for expedited processing.
The Permitted Paid Engagement Visa is a great option for professionals and experts who are invited to the UK for short-term work in their field. If you meet the criteria, it’s a straightforward process to apply. However, you must make sure your engagement fits the rules and that you have the right documents to support your application.
For help with your application or if you have any questions, Law and Visas can provide expert advice to guide you through the process.
