Temporary Worker Visa

What is a Temporary Worker visa

The Temporary Work visa, formerly known as Tier 5 visa, allows entry to work in the UK in a number of different circumstances, such as for charity workers, entertainers, diplomatic staff, and sportspeople. Most Temporary Work workers need a job offer from a licensed Temporary Work Sponsor in the UK, but nationals from certain specific countries can come under the Youth Mobility Scheme can gain entry without a job offer.

This immigration route is not available for highly-skilled foreign workers, who can instead apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.

Main categories

You can apply for one of the following categories to travel to the UK:

• Charity Workers, for those covering unpaid or voluntary roles for a UK-registered charity.
• Creative and Sporting, for highly skilled sportspersons, musicians or actors. Sportspersons must be internationally recognised at the highest level in their sport, or they must enter the UK to make a significant contribution to the development of their area of interest.
• Government Authorised Exchange, available only for nationals of countries who have signed an approved exchange scheme. Under this visa, young foreigners can do work experience, training or academic research in the UK, or take part in an Overseas Government Language Programme.
• International Agreement, only for workers whose job offer is covered by international law. This includes embassy and diplomatic employers under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) who hold a certificate released by an accredited UK organisation.
• Religious Workers, for those hired for preaching or work in a monastery or convent by a religious order in the UK.
• Youth Mobility Scheme, for workers aged 18 - 30 from a limited number of countries who wish to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. This scheme replaced the Working Holiday visa.

General requirements

In order to qualify for a Temporary Worker visa (except for Youth Mobility Scheme), you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you meet the following requirements:

• you have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job you are planning to do;
• the role meets the requirements for sponsorship;
• you will be paid at least the National Minimum Wage;
• you have sufficient funds to maintain yourself (if maintenance is not certified by the sponsor); 
• you have a TB certificate, if required; and
• you do not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal.

In order to qualify for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you meet the following requirements: 

• you are aged 18 to 30;
• you are a national from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea or Taiwan;
• you intend to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years;
• you have at least £1,890 in savings;
• you have not previously spent time in the United Kingdom under any working or studying scheme;
• you do not have children under the age of 18 who are living with you or are financially dependent upon you;

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration specialist for expert advice.

How long can you stay in the UK

If successful, you will be granted a visa for 6 - 24 months depending on the category you are applying under. If you are issued with a Certificate of Sponsorship, your visa duration will be in line with the work start and end dates specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

At the end of your initial visa. you may be able to apply for an extension if you have not reached the maximum term for your particular category. This is not a route which leads to settlement in the UK.

Dependants

Depending on your category, your family members (spouse/partner and any children under 18) may come with you. They will need to apply for a Dependant visa and if successful, will be granted a visa in line with yours.

Processing time and application fees 

For applications made from outside of the UK, the application will usually be processed within 3 weeks. For applications made from within the UK, the application will usually be processed within 8 weeks.

Priority service may be available for in-country applications and entry clearance applications made from certain countries, subject to availability and an additional priority fee.

The current application fee is £259 per person. Applicants may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the application, set at £624 per year (or £470 per year for Student / Youth Mobility Scheme / applicant under 18). 

How we can help

Our knowledgeable and experienced immigration team can:

• Assess your case and advise whether you are eligible to apply
• Provide you with a tailored & comprehensive document list
• Review all your documents and advise on necessary amendments
• Suggest on how to improve your application
• Complete your application forms in accordance with the UKVI requirements
• Assist you to complete the application submission process
• Provide our representation letter to support your application with necessary legal arguments
• Liaise with UKVI on your behalf

Depending on your need and budget, we have different levels of services that you may choose from. Check out Our Services to see which one is for you. 

Want to discuss your case with an immigration specialist? Contact Us now.