What is the Temporary Work Visa?
Temporary work visas permit individuals from abroad to work in the UK for a brief period, lasting up to 12 months (or more in certain cases). Various types of UK Temporary Work Visas are detailed below. With a UK Temporary Work Visa, you can engage in work, study, and, in some instances, relocate with your dependent family members. There is also the possibility to extend your visa and, in some cases, transition to a different category upon arrival, such as a Skilled Worker Visa or a Family Visa.
Categories of Temporary Work Visas In the UK
Various categories of Temporary Work Visas (previously known as Tier 5 visas) are accessible, including:
- Charity Worker Visa: Designed for individuals engaged in charitable work or volunteering roles within registered UK charities.
- Creative Worker Visa: Tailored for individuals involved in the arts, entertainment, or creative industries, encompassing artists, performers, and other creative professionals.
- Government Authorised Exchange Visa: Intended for individuals participating in government-approved exchange programs, fostering cultural exchange and collaboration.
- International Agreement Visa: Reserved for individuals entering the UK based on international agreements, typically involving diplomatic, consular, or official government duties.
- Religious Worker Visa: Applicable to those involved in religious activities, such as ministers, missionaries, or members of religious orders.
- Seasonal Worker Visa: Suited for individuals engaging in seasonal employment in sectors like agriculture or hospitality, allowing them to work for a limited period.
- Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: Facilitating young adults from specific countries to live and work in the UK temporarily, promoting cultural exchange and experiences.
- Graduate Visa: Aimed at recent graduates from UK institutions, allowing them to stay and work in the country for a certain period post-graduation.
Each visa category comes with specific eligibility criteria and requirements, providing flexibility for individuals with varied professional and personal objectives.
Charity Worker Visa
The Charity Worker Visa is designed for individuals from overseas who aspire to engage in unpaid voluntary work with a charitable organisation in the UK. To apply, individuals must obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from a charitable entity in the UK holding a sponsor licence. Those who are granted this visa can reside in the UK for a period of 12 months.
Creative Worker Visa
The Creative Worker Visa is tailored for individuals from overseas seeking to work in the UK within the creative sector, encompassing roles such as performers, actors, dancers, musicians, or members of a film crew. This visa supersedes the Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting Visa (T5) scheme. To apply, individuals require a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer holding a sponsor license. Those who are approved can remain in the UK for an initial 12-month period, with the option to extend for an additional 12 months when continuing employment with the same employer.
Government Authorised Exchange Visa
The Government Authorised Exchange Visa caters to foreign nationals desiring to work in the UK for a brief period, engaging in activities such as work experience, training, participation in an Overseas Government Language Programme, research, or pursuing a fellowship through an endorsed government-authorised exchange scheme. This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange Visa (T5) scheme. Successfully approved applicants are permitted to stay in the UK for a duration of up to 24 months if their purpose is research, an overseas language programme, or a training initiative. Those arriving for work experience under this scheme are limited to a stay of up to 12 months.
International Agreement Visa
The International Agreement Visa is designed for foreign nationals seeking to work in the UK under contractual obligations governed by international law or treaties. This includes individuals employed by a foreign government, those serving as private staff in diplomatic households, or those providing services under contract as contractual service suppliers or independent professionals. Successful applicants are permitted to stay in the UK for up to 24 months if their purpose involves research, an overseas language programme, or a training initiative. For those coming for work experience under this scheme, the durations are as follows:
- Working for a foreign government or as a private servant in a diplomatic household: 24 months
- Providing a service under contract: 6 months within any 12-month period
- Under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement: 12 months
- Under the temporary agreement between the Swiss Confederation (Switzerland) and the UK on services mobility: 12 months within any 24-month period.
Religious Worker Visa
The Religious Worker Visa is a type of visa that is designed for foreign nationals who wish to engage in religious work in a non-pastoral role or religious order. If the application is approved, the applicant can stay in the UK for a maximum of 24 months.
Seasonal Worker Visa
The Seasonal Worker Visa is designed for foreign nationals aspiring to engage in ‘edible horticulture’ activities in the UK, which encompasses tasks such as fruit and vegetable picking. Those who are approved can reside in the UK for a period of up to 6 months.
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is available to citizens of Australia, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Iceland, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. It is also accessible to British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, and British Nationals (Overseas). Applicants must fall within the age bracket of 18 to 30 and have the opportunity to reside and work in the UK for a maximum period of 2 years.
Graduate Visa
The UK Graduate Visa is designed for international students who have successfully finished an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the UK. Those who are approved can remain in the UK for a maximum of 2 years. Many individuals opt for this pathway to pursue permanent full-time employment opportunities after completing their studies.
Is sponsorship necessary for a Temporary Work Visa?
Not every Temporary Work Visa applicant necessitates sponsorship. Categories requiring sponsorship encompass:
- Charity Worker Visa: For those engaging in voluntary work with registered UK charities.
- Creative Worker Visa: Tailored for individuals in the creative sector, such as performers, actors, dancers, musicians, or film crew.
- Government Authorised Exchange Visa: Intended for individuals participating in government-approved exchange programs for work experience, training, language programs, research, or fellowships.
- International Agreement Visa: For individuals engaged in contract work covered by international law or treaties, such as working for a foreign government or providing services under contract.
- Religious Worker Visa: Applicable to those involved in religious activities, like ministers, missionaries, or members of religious orders.
- Seasonal Worker Visa: Suited for those engaging in seasonal employment, particularly in sectors like agriculture or hospitality.
Temporary Work Visa schemes that do not necessitate sponsorship include:
- Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: Facilitating young adults from specific countries to live and work in the UK temporarily.
- Graduate Visa: Allowing international students who have completed undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in the UK to stay for up to 2 years.
To see whether sponsorship is required for your preferred Temporary Work Visa route, consult with our team of immigration solicitors for Tier 5 visa guidance today at +44 (0) 333 577 0034.
Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Worker Visa
The eligibility criteria for each visa category differ, and the following general requirements apply to all temporary work visas:
- Charity Worker Visa:
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from a registered charitable organisation.
- Creative Worker Visa:
- Make a distinctive contribution to the UK labour market, such as international renown or being essential for continuity.
- Receive the minimum salary set by Equity, PACT, or BECTU (not applicable to models, musicians, or circuses).
- Government Authorised Exchange Visa:
- Visit the UK for work experience, training, an Overseas Government Language Programme, or research/fellowship under an approved government-authorised exchange scheme.
- International Agreement Visa:
- Be 18 or older.
- Engage in work under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), a similar agreement, for an overseas government, international organisation, or as a private servant in a diplomatic household.
- Religious Worker Visa:
- Be 18 or older.
- Undertake religious work in a non-pastoral role or within a religious order.
- Seasonal Worker Visa:
- Be sponsored for ‘edible horticulture’ work for a maximum of 6 months.
- Youth Mobility Scheme Visa:
- Possess £2,530 in savings.
- Be a national of Australia, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Iceland, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan, or be a British overseas citizen, British overseas territory citizen, or a British national (overseas).
- Not have children under 18 living with you or financially dependent on you.
- Not have previously participated in the scheme.
- Graduate Visa:
- Be present in the UK.
- Hold a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
- Complete a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or another eligible course as confirmed by your university.
To confirm the requirements for your chosen temporary work visa and verify your eligibility, consult with our specialised solicitors for Tier 5 visa guidance today at +44 (0) 333 577 0034.
Documents Required for Temporary Worker Visa
When applying for a Temporary Worker visa, the Home Office will request a comprehensive set of documents and evidence tailored to your specific visa type and circumstances. For most Temporary Worker visa applications, the following documents are typically required:
- Certificate of Sponsorship Reference Number:
- Provided by your employer or sponsor, this unique reference number is essential for your application.
- Proof of Identity and Nationality:
- Your passport or an alternative document confirming your identity and nationality is a fundamental requirement.
- Financial Evidence:
- Demonstrate sufficient personal savings, usually around £1,270, to support yourself during your stay. Recent bank statements are commonly accepted. Alternatively, a written confirmation from your sponsor indicating their commitment to cover your expenses (specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship) is an alternative.
- Relationship Documentation:
- If your partner or children are applying with you, provide proof of your relationship, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or civil partnership certificates.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results:
- Mandatory for nationals of certain countries. Include negative TB test results with your application.
Additional documents specific to certain visa types:
- Government Authorised Exchange Visa:
- Valid ATAS certificate if your employer confirms its necessity due to your job requiring research in a sensitive subject at a PhD level or higher.
- International Agreement Visa:
- Valid ATAS certificate if your employer confirms its necessity due to your job requiring research in a sensitive subject at a PhD level or higher.
- Youth Mobility Scheme Visa:
- A recent bank statement confirming £2,530 in savings.
- Graduate Visa:
- Current biometric residence permit (BRP) issued when you applied for your Student visa.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number provided during your Student visa application.
Failure to provide the necessary documents is a primary reason for the refusal of a Temporary Work Visa. Ensure that the documents you prepare align with Home Office requirements by consulting our solicitors’ team today at +44 (0) 333 577 0034.
How to Apply for a Temporary Work Visa
It is essential to note that, in most instances, the initiation of a new Temporary Worker visa application is feasible only when you are outside the UK. However, certain Temporary Work visas may permit in-country switching from another visa type. For instance, with the Graduate visa, as you are already in the UK completing your studies, you can apply “in-country.” It is crucial to verify the rules specific to the visa type you are seeking.
The application process for a Temporary Worker visa is contingent on the particular visa category you are pursuing. In general, you will likely need to follow these detailed steps:
- Complete the Online Application Form:
- Utilise the online application form, specifying the exact visa you are applying for. Note that the Graduate visa requires a distinct application form compared to other Temporary Worker visas.
- Payment of Application Fee:
- Pay the applicable application fee through the prescribed channels.
- Healthcare Surcharge Payment (if required):
- Fulfil the healthcare surcharge payment requirement if applicable to your visa type.
- Document Upload:
- Upload the necessary documents as per the provided list. Ensure you submit all required materials accurately.
- Biometric Appointment Booking:
- Schedule your biometric appointment, details of which will be provided, specifying the nearest visa application centre. At this appointment, your photo will be taken, and fingerprints will be scanned for your biometric residence permit.
- Attendance at Biometric Appointment:
- Attend your scheduled biometric appointment at the specified visa application centre.
- Decision Waiting Period:
- Await a decision from the Home Office. Upon reaching a decision, you will receive a letter or email outlining the outcome of your application.
- Passport Return:
- In the event of a successful application, your passport containing the attached visa will be returned to you.
- Travel to the UK:
- You are now authorised to travel to the UK.
Depending on the visa type, you might have the option to apply within the UK. To ascertain your eligibility for making a Temporary Worker Visa application within the UK, consult with one of our immigration solicitors at +44 (0) 333 577 0034.
Temporary Work Visa Application Fees
Here is a detailed breakdown of the fees for different types of Temporary Worker visas:
| Visa Type | Application Fee | Healthcare Surcharge | Biometric Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charity Worker Visa | £244 | £624 per year (not applicable for seasonal workers) | £19.20 |
| Creative Worker Visa | £244 | £470 per year | £19.20 |
| Government Authorised Exchange Visa | £244 | £470 per year | £19.20 |
| International Agreement Visa | £244 | £470 per year | £19.20 |
| Religious Worker Visa | £244 | £470 per year | £19.20 |
| Seasonal Worker Visa | £244 | Not applicable | £19.20 |
| Youth Mobility Scheme Visa | £244 | £470 per year | £19.20 |
| Graduate Visa | £700 | £624 per year | £19.20 |
How long does it take to apply for a temporary work visa?
In the majority of cases, you can anticipate receiving a decision on your Temporary Worker visa application within 3 weeks if you are outside the UK or 8 weeks if you are inside the UK. Alternatively, you may opt to apply using the priority or super-priority application processing service. The priority service offers a decision within 5 working days for a fee of £500, and the super-priority service guarantees a decision within 1 working day for a fee of £800. Not everyone is eligible to use these services; you will be informed if you qualify when you apply.
Temporary Work Visa Conditions
The table below outlines the permissions and restrictions associated with various Temporary Worker visa types:
Visa Permissions and Restrictions
Charity Worker Visa
- You Can:
- Study in approved institutions.
- Work for your sponsor within the specified role.
- Engage in a secondary job for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
- Bring your dependants along with you.
- You Cannot:
- Claim state-funded financial assistance.
- Initiate your own business venture.
Creative Worker Visa
- You Can:
- Pursue studies.
- Hold employment under the sponsorship.
- Take on a second job within the same field and at the same level for up to 20 hours weekly.
- Work in a position listed in the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours a week.
- Bring your dependants with you.
- You Cannot:
- Receive direct payments for work done.
- Transition to a permanent job role.
Government Authorised Exchange Visa
- You Can:
- Engage in studies.
- Work under sponsor guidelines.
- Take on a secondary job for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
- Work in a Skilled Worker shortage occupation list job for up to 20 hours a week.
- Shift to a global talent visa if eligible.
- Bring your dependants.
- You Cannot:
- Receive monetary compensation for work performed.
- Access state-funded financial support.
International Agreement Visa
- You Can:
- Pursue educational endeavours.
- Work within sponsor-specified constraints.
- Hold a job listed in the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week.
- Bring your dependants.
- You Cannot:
- Access state-funded financial support.
- Commence work before visa reception.
Religious Worker Visa
- You Can:
- Undertake studies.
- Work for the sponsoring institution.
- Pursue a secondary job within the same field and at the same level for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
- Engage in a Skilled Worker shortage occupation list job for up to 20 hours weekly.
- Bring your dependants.
- You Cannot:
- Access state-funded financial assistance.
Seasonal Worker Visa
- You Can:
- Work in the specified job as stated in your application.
- Pursue educational opportunities.
- You Cannot:
- Hold a permanent job.
- Engage in secondary employment not included in the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Access state-funded financial support.
- Bring family members to the UK.
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
- You Can:
- Pursue studies.
- Work in most employment sectors.
- Establish self-employment subject to specific conditions.
- You Cannot:
- Work as a professional athlete.
- Extend your stay further.
- Access state-funded financial assistance.
- Include family members on your application, although they can apply separately.
Graduate Visa
- You Can:
- Work in various job roles, including voluntary work.
- Actively seek employment.
- Pursue self-employment.
- Live in the UK with your partner and children.
- Travel abroad and return to the UK.
- You Cannot:
- Access state-funded benefits.
- Engage in professional sports as a career.
Exploring Long-Term Work Visa Transition
Consider the possibility of transitioning to a long-term work visa directly within the UK. This process, known as switching, allows you to apply for an alternative visa without the necessity of departing the country. It’s crucial to ascertain the viable long-term visa options available for switching. Some potential alternatives encompass:
- Skilled Worker Visa: Note that certain categories, such as seasonal workers and domestic workers in a private household, may not be eligible for this type of switch.
- Family Visa: This includes options like the Spouse Visa or Fiancé Visa.
It’s essential to emphasise that for a successful switch to a different visa category, you must fulfil all eligibility criteria associated with your chosen pathway.
To determine your eligibility for switching to another visa category within the UK and to explore the available options, reach out to our team of dedicated immigration solicitors at +44 (0) 333 577 0034.
Challenging a Refused Temporary Work Visa Application
If your Temporary Worker visa application faces rejection, you may explore the option of requesting an Administrative Review, particularly if the Home Office has made an error in their decision. Your refusal letter will outline the available avenues. Timely action is crucial, given that, in most instances, there is a deadline for response.
Several reasons could lead to the refusal of your application, such as:
- Failure to meet eligibility criteria:
- Missing required qualifications or experience
- Inadequate financial documentation
- Suspicions of the application’s authenticity or dishonesty in provided information:
- Falsification of information
- Discrepancies in provided details
- Existence of a criminal record:
- Convictions that contravene visa eligibility
- Incomplete submission of requested documents and information:
- Missing essential documents
- Inadequate supporting evidence
- Non-payment of required fees:
- Outstanding visa application fees
- Incorrect payment amounts
- Use of an incorrect application form:
- Submission of outdated forms
- Selection of an inappropriate visa category
To initiate an Administrative Review, you must:
- Complete an online form within 28 days (for applications from outside the UK)
- Pay a fee of £80
- Clearly outline the perceived errors made by the Home Office in their decision
Administrative Review applications may take up to 6 months to process.
Alternatively, you may explore the possibility of a Judicial Review to challenge the legal grounds of the refusal or consider submitting a fresh application.
For guidance tailored to your situation, including the review process, contact our team of specialised immigration solicitors at +44 (0) 333 577 0034.
