Work Permit Query re Friend

Can anyone tell me what work permit my friend would need to come to the UK to work in theatre, film, and television??

Thanks!

That depends whether she has a job offer or wants to work freelance/establish their own company.

Victoria

She wants to work in education. She already works as a supply/substitue teacher and after school coordinator in a school in California.

I've now got another friend who wants to work in the UK. He wants to come to the UK to work in film, television, and theatre as an actor. How would he go about enquiring about this? Is it any different than normal work? Would he still have to be sponsored by a company and/or get a job offer first?

I keep getting conflicting answers from various people, so any and all advice is welcome!

Thanks!!

There are some threads about teachers somwhere - in the jobs board I think.

To work as an actor or entertainer in the UK you have to be a member of the Equity union so your friend should probably contact them first for advice on how to go about it.

Equity are the last people to contact!  They are the main organisation representing British actors and frequently lobby the Home Office to cut down on the number of work permits given to non-UK national actors.  They are especially antagonistic towards US actors coming here to take roles that could be taken by British actors.

Direct your friend to www.workingintheuk.gov.uk to see about work permit - there is a specific category for entertainers.  He can also look at www.ukvisas.gov.uk for categories for artists.

Victoria