diff --git a/client/ayon_core/tools/utils/projects_widget.py b/client/ayon_core/tools/utils/projects_widget.py
index b88b2f410a..c340be2f83 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/tools/utils/projects_widget.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/tools/utils/projects_widget.py
@@ -350,6 +350,14 @@ class ProjectSortFilterProxy(QtCore.QSortFilterProxyModel):
         if project_name is None:
             return True
 
+        # Make sure current project is visible
+        if index.data(PROJECT_IS_CURRENT_ROLE):
+            return True
+
+        default = super().filterAcceptsRow(source_row, source_parent)
+        if not default:
+            return default
+
         string_pattern = self.filterRegularExpression().pattern()
         if (
             string_pattern
@@ -357,15 +365,6 @@ class ProjectSortFilterProxy(QtCore.QSortFilterProxyModel):
         ):
             return False
 
-        # Current project keep always visible
-        default = super().filterAcceptsRow(source_row, source_parent)
-        if not default:
-            return default
-
-        # Make sure current project is visible
-        if index.data(PROJECT_IS_CURRENT_ROLE):
-            return True
-
         if (
             self._filter_inactive
             and not index.data(PROJECT_IS_ACTIVE_ROLE)