Updated Mar 23, 2026 by TIGA
Since January 2021, the UK video games industry must operate under a points-based immigration system that requires international hires to secure 70 points based on job offers, skill levels, and English proficiency.
UK game studios must become licensed sponsors to hire international staff, including EU citizens who arrived after December 2020, which involves administrative oversight and potential immigration skills charges.
Applicants can earn additional points toward the 70-point threshold through higher salary levels, roles in shortage occupations, or relevant academic qualifications like STEM PhDs.
Specialized visa pathways exist alongside the Skilled Worker route, including the Global Talent visa for exceptional individuals, the Graduate visa for international students, and routes for innovators and intra-company transfers.
Business travel to the EU, EEA, and Switzerland is now restricted to 90 days within any 180-day period for meetings, with stricter requirements applied to specific professional services.
The government is actively refining the immigration framework, with planned reforms for 2022 and 2023 intended to simplify sponsor applications and license management.
Since January 2021, the UK video games industry must operate under a points-based immigration system that requires international hires to secure 70 points based on job offers, skill levels, and English proficiency.
UK game studios must become licensed sponsors to hire international staff, including EU citizens who arrived after December 2020, which involves administrative oversight and potential immigration skills charges.
Applicants can earn additional points toward the 70-point threshold through higher salary levels, roles in shortage occupations, or relevant academic qualifications like STEM PhDs.
Specialized visa pathways exist alongside the Skilled Worker route, including the Global Talent visa for exceptional individuals, the Graduate visa for international students, and routes for innovators and intra-company transfers.
Business travel to the EU, EEA, and Switzerland is now restricted to 90 days within any 180-day period for meetings, with stricter requirements applied to specific professional services.
The government is actively refining the immigration framework, with planned reforms for 2022 and 2023 intended to simplify sponsor applications and license management.