It has come to our attention that you could be in for a tough time if you are playing in the UK and you don’t also complete the new Certificate of Sponsorship requirements of the UK Home Office.  Click the link below to read an article about a Canadian artist who recently was denied entry into the UK.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/5358603/Canadian-musician-held-for-11-hours-at-Gatwick-before-deportation.html

The link below provides a link to the UK government pages that explain this new procedure.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/points/sponsoringmigrants/employingmigrants/certificateofsponsorship/

Our Toronto Consular officer (Jamil Malik) has also provided a link to Temporary Worker Entry Clearance. The Certificate of Sponsorship is a 'virtual' requirement and part of the overall Clearance document that has to be in place to allow for entry into the UK. (see below)

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf27pbstempworker#9150162

If you have any specific questions, Jamil may be able to answer.  His email is jamil.malik@fco.gov.uk.