Invited to the UK for a paid professional engagement? The UK’s Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) visitor route is the specific visa pathway designed for experts like you. Whether you’re a professional artist, an academic examiner, a guest lecturer, or a sportsperson, this route allows you to undertake short-term, paid work. Our immigration specialists provide expert assistance to ensure your visa application is seamless, accurate, and successful.
This guide explains the requirements for the Permitted Paid Engagement visitor route and how we can help you secure your visa.
What is a Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visa?
A Permitted Paid Engagement allows you to visit the UK for up to 6 months to undertake a pre-arranged, paid engagement. The work must be completed within the first 30 days of your arrival and must be directly related to your full-time profession and expertise in your home country.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be 18 or over.
- Hold a formal written invitation from a legitimate UK-based organisation or client.
- Prove you are an established expert in your professional field.
- Meet the UK’s standard visitor eligibility requirements.
Our service simplifies this process by helping you compile the correct evidence to prove your eligibility and professional standing.
Who Can Apply? Visa Guidance for Your Profession
The Permitted Paid Engagement route is open to specific professions. Find your specialism below to see the detailed requirements.
Professional Artists, Entertainers, and Musicians
If you are a creative professional, you can get a visa for paid engagements in the UK. This includes performers, musicians, writers, fashion models, photographers, make-up artists, and set designers.
- Permitted Activities: Performing, giving talks, participating in judging panels, attending promotional events, and joining professional conferences.
- Your Invitation Must Come From: A UK-based creative organisation, arts venue, agent, or broadcaster.
- Proof of Expertise: We will help you demonstrate your professional status with evidence such as published works, media reviews, awards, and publicity materials.
Professional Sportspeople
Athletes and sports professionals can secure a visa to get paid for taking part in UK sporting events.
- Permitted Activities: Competing in a tournament, match, or specific sporting event.
- Your Invitation Must Come From: A UK-based sports organisation, agent, or broadcaster.
- Proof of Expertise: Your application should include proof of your established career, such as media coverage, evidence of recent performances, and awards.
Guest Lecturers and Conference Speakers
Academics and industry experts can be paid to share their knowledge in the UK.
- Permitted Activities: Delivering a one-off lecture, a series of lectures, or speaking at a conference. This must not be a permanent or part-time teaching post.
- Your Invitation Must Come From: A UK higher education institution, research organisation, arts organisation, or conference organiser.
- Proof of Expertise: You must show you are highly qualified. We can assist in preparing evidence like a letter from your employer, a list of your publications, or details of previous lectures.
Academic Examiners and Assessors
Highly qualified academics can visit the UK to be paid for examining students or participating in assessment panels.
- Permitted Activities: Examining students (e.g., for a PhD viva) or chairing a selection panel.
- Your Invitation Must Come From: A UK higher education institution or a UK-based research/arts organisation.
- Proof of Expertise: Your application must prove you are highly qualified in the relevant field, supported by evidence of your employment, publications, and experience.
Qualified Lawyers
Lawyers qualified overseas can be paid to represent a client in the UK.
- Permitted Activities: Representing a client in a UK court, tribunal, arbitration, or other legal dispute resolution.
- Your Invitation Must Come From: Your client, confirming your instruction to represent them.
- Proof of Expertise: You will need to provide confirmation of your right of audience (“temporary call”) and evidence of your legal qualification (e.g., practising certificate).
Air Pilot Examiners
Examiners can be paid to assess UK-based pilots against their home country’s aviation standards.
- Your Invitation Must Come From: A UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved training organisation.
- Proof of Expertise: You must show you are employed full-time by your country’s national aviation authority.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – UK Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
Q: Do I always need a visa for a Permitted Paid Engagement?
A: It depends on your nationality. Some nationalities can visit the UK for up to 6 months without a visa. However, all visitors must meet the PPE eligibility rules at the border. Applying for a visa in advance is often the safest way to guarantee entry, especially if you have a complex travel history. We can advise you on whether you need to apply.
Q: How is a PPE visit different from a Skilled Worker visa?
A: The PPE route is for very short-term, specific paid activities (under 30 days) and is part of the visitor route. A Skilled Worker visa is for long-term, skilled employment with a licensed UK employer and allows you to live in the UK.
Q: Can I apply for a PPE visa if I am semi-retired?
A: Yes, if you are an academic or lecturer who is semi-retired but still earns an income from regular professional engagements, you can apply. You cannot apply if you are fully retired.
Q: What happens if my engagement lasts longer than one month?
A: The paid engagement itself must be completed within 30 days of your arrival in the UK. You can, however, remain in the UK as a visitor for up to a total of 6 months.
How We Can Help You Secure Your Visa
Navigating UK visa requirements can be complex. Our experienced immigration advisors specialise in Permitted Paid Engagement applications. We will:
- Assess Your Eligibility: A thorough review of your case to ensure you meet all requirements.
- Document Guidance: We provide a detailed checklist of the specific evidence you need to prove your professional standing.
- Application Management: We complete and submit your application to the highest professional standard, minimizing the risk of errors or refusal.
- Expert Support: We are here to answer your questions and provide clarity throughout the entire process.
About the Author:
Farzad Ghods is an international lawyer specialising in UK immigration law. He is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Immigration Advisors Authority (IAA) in the United Kingdom, and is also a member of the Iran Bar Association. He brings over fourteen years of professional legal experience to his practice.