UK Temporary Work Visa

The Temporary Work Visa (formerly Tier 5 Visa) allows foreign nationals to work in the UK for a short period, typically up to 12 months (with some exceptions). Different types of UK Temporary Work Visas are available, each catering to specific employment needs. Holders of this visa may work, study, and in some cases, bring dependant family members. Some applicants may also have the option to extend their stay or switch to another visa category, such as the Skilled Worker Visa or Family Visa.

Types of Temporary Work Visas

The UK offers several types of Temporary Work Visas:

• Charity Worker Visa – For unpaid voluntary work with a registered charity.
• Creative Worker Visa – For individuals working in the creative sector (e.g., actors, dancers, musicians, film crew).
• Government Authorised Exchange Visa – For short-term work experience, training, research, or fellowship programs.
• International Agreement Visa – For those working under international law or treaty agreements (e.g., diplomatic households, foreign governments).
• Religious Worker Visa – For non-pastoral religious work.
• Seasonal Worker Visa – For temporary workers in edible horticulture (e.g., fruit and vegetable picking).
• Youth Mobility Scheme Visa – For young people from eligible countries (aged 18-30) to live and work in the UK.
• Graduate Visa – For international students who have completed a degree in the UK and wish to stay and work.

Does a Temporary Work Visa Require Sponsorship?

Not all Temporary Work Visa applicants require sponsorship. The following visas require a UK sponsor:

✅ Sponsorship Required:

• Charity Worker Visa
• Creative Worker Visa
• Government Authorised Exchange Visa
• International Agreement Visa
• Religious Worker Visa
• Seasonal Worker Visa

❌ No Sponsorship Required:

• Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
• Graduate Visa

Eligibility Requirements for Temporary Work Visas

Each Temporary Work Visa has different requirements, but general eligibility criteria include:

• Charity Worker Visa – Must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK-registered charity.
• Creative Worker Visa – Must contribute uniquely to the UK workforce (e.g., international reputation, continuity requirements).
• Government Authorised Exchange Visa – Must be coming for:
  • Work experience
  • Training
  • An Overseas Government Language Programme
  • Research or an approved exchange scheme.
• International Agreement Visa – Must be:
  • At least 18 years old.
  • Working under an international agreement.
  • Providing contractual services under treaty rules.
• Religious Worker Visa – Must be at least 18 years old and working in a non-pastoral religious role.
• Seasonal Worker Visa – Must have sponsorship for horticultural work.
• Youth Mobility Scheme Visa – Must:
  • Have at least £2,530 in savings.
  • Be a national of an eligible country.
  • Not have dependent children.
• Graduate Visa – Must:
  • Hold a Student Visa or Tier 4 Visa.
  • Have completed a UK degree.
  • Be in the UK at the time of application.

Documents Required for a Temporary Work Visa

To apply for a Temporary Work Visa, applicants must submit:

• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number (if required).
• Valid passport or identity document.
• Proof of financial means (at least £1,270 in savings for the past 28 days).
• Proof of relationship for dependants (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).

Additional requirements may include:

• Government Authorised Exchange Visa & International Agreement Visa – An Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate (if conducting sensitive research at the PhD level or higher).
• Youth Mobility Scheme Visa – Proof of £2,530 in savings.
• Graduate Visa – Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number.

How to Apply for a Temporary Work Visa

Most applicants must apply from outside the UK unless eligible for in-country switching. The general process is as follows:

1. Complete the online application form.
2. Pay the visa application fee.
3. Pay the healthcare surcharge (if applicable).
4. Upload supporting documents.
5. Book a biometric appointment.
6. Attend a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
7. Wait for a decision from the UK Home Office.
8. If successful, receive your visa and travel to the UK.

Temporary Work Visa Application Fees

Processing Time for a Temporary Work Visa

• Standard processing time – 3 weeks (if applying outside the UK) or 8 weeks (if applying inside the UK).
• Priority processing – 5 working days (£500 fee).
• Super-priority processing – 1 working day (£800 fee).

Conditions of a Temporary Work Visa

Switching to a Long-Term Work Visa

Some Temporary Work Visa holders may switch to a long-term visa without leaving the UK, such as:

• Skilled Worker Visa (Seasonal and Domestic Workers cannot switch).
• Family Visa (Spouse or Partner Visa).

Temporary Work Visa Refusals & Appeals

Applicants may request an Administrative Review if their visa is refused due to an error. To request a review:

1. Complete an online review form within 28 days.
2. Pay a fee of £80.
3. Explain the errors made by the Home Office.

Alternatively, applicants may consider:

• Judicial Review (legal challenge to a visa refusal decision).
• Submitting a new application with improved supporting evidence.

For expert guidance on UK Temporary Work Visas, contact Visa Solutions UK at info@visasolutions.uk.