Points-based system abandoned for short-term artist visits

Artists from outside the EU who make short visits to the UK will no longer have to go through the Points Based Immigration System. From 6 April, new visitors who are invited to the UK as professional artists and entertainers will be allowed to come through the ‘Permitted Paid Engagements’ (PPE) route, under which artists will be able to receive a fee and to stay for up to one month.

The Home Office has announced the forthcoming changes to the system following lobbying by the arts sector and the Greater London Authority (GLA), both of which had raised concerns about the bureaucracy of the Points Based system, which they said was inappropriate for artists coming to the UK for limited periods of time. A survey of arts bodies by the GLA last year revealed that 7 out of 10 arts organisations in London thought the system was negatively influencing London’s position as a world city for culture. Under the new arrangements, UK host organisations will no longer be required to keep artists’ contact details, biometric records or passport entry stamps, nor will they be required to apply to become a licensed sponsor, only prove that their contract is with a bona fide arts group or organisation.
Changes to maximum time limits for students studying under Tier 4 of the Points Based System have also been announced, with the general time limit of 5 years for students who come from outside the EU to study in the UK no longer being applied to music studied at a Conservatoire. A music student will from now on be able to study an undergraduate degree for up to five years followed by a three-year Master’s course in music at a Conservatoire.