Temporary Worker Visas

The Temporary Worker Visa replaces the old Tier 5 system and allows certain individuals to work in the UK on a temporary basis.

There are six categories of individuals that are eligible for this visa, these are as follows:

1. Charity worker

This route is for individuals who want to do unpaid voluntary fieldwork, which contributes to the advancement of the charitable purpose in the UK. This visa is available for a maximum of 12 months (depending on the circumstances).

This visa cannot be used for retail, admin or fundraising work, it must be fieldwork. The visa also cannot be used to temporarily fill a permanent position.

2. Creative or Sporting worker

This route is for individuals who are looking to work in the creative or sporting sectors. Creative roles could include artist, dancer, musician, entertainer or model. This visa is available for a maximum of 12 months for sporting roles and 24 months for creative roles (depending on the circumstances).

For an individual to qualify for the sporting visa, that individual must be internationally established at the highest level in their sport, and they must confirm they will make a significant contribution to their sport while in the UK.

3. Government authorised exchange worker

This route is for individuals coming to the UK on an approved exchange scheme for a maximum of 12 or 24 months (depending on the circumstances).

4. International agreement worker

This route is for individuals who will be providing a service in the UK under international law. This visa is available for a maximum of six to 24 months.

5. Religious worker

This is for individuals who want to undertake supportive religious work, such as non-pastoral work. This route does not include working as a minister of a religion as there is a separate visa for this. This visa is available for a maximum of 24 months.

6. Seasonal worker

This route is for individuals who work in edible horticulture who want to do seasonal work in the UK through an approved scheme operator. This visa is available for a maximum of six months in a 12-month period.

Youth mobility scheme

This scheme is available or individuals aged 18 to 30 (from participating countries) to work in the UK temporarily.

The idea behind this scheme is to allow young people to experience the UK and its culture, so most types of employment are allowed under this visa. Employers will not need to sponsor an individual on this scheme.

Contact our business immigration solicitors today

At Ashtons Legal, we support businesses with a range of immigration issues. For tailored advice for your business, please contact Jessica Piper, Robert Hickford or Claire Sleep through this website or by calling 0330 404 0768.