Those who have secured temporary work in the UK will need a visa that will allow them to stay to carry out their employment. This popular visa option offers up to 2 years of stay for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
Those on a Temporary Worker Visa also have the option of extending their visa. If work becomes more permanent, you may want to explore routes towards Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Temporary Worker Visa requirements
There are multiple requirements that must be met in order to receive a Temporary Worker Visa. From sponsorships to the timely submission of specific paperwork, it can be a daunting process.
Workers who are pursuing the Temporary Worker Visa route must meet all of the relevant requirements, which can depend on the type of employment that you will be carrying out. Your work must be covered by international law, meaning that you are carrying out legitimate work that is covered by international trade agreements. Generally, requirements include a certificate of sponsorship and the finances needed to support yourself as well as any dependants.
Sponsorship
To receive this visa, you will need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship. This is documentation through a reference number that provides information regarding you and your employment. This has to be provided by a UK government-recognised sponsor. Your sponsorship is valid for 3 months after its assignment date and you must have a valid certificate at your time of application.
Finances
In order to secure a temporary stay in the UK, you must be able to prove that you can financially support yourself. At least £1,270 is required to receive a Temporary Worker Visa. It must be readily available in your bank account and you will need to have had this amount available for 28 days in a row.
Alternatively, your employer can cover your finances – however, this must be agreed upon ahead of time and must be covered in your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Additionally, if you intend on bringing family along, they must prove that they can also financially support themselves.
Types of Temporary Worker Visas
UK Temporary Worker Visa is part of the UK points-based system and is intended for people wishing to work temporarily in the UK. It includes several categories, each suitable for specific purposes.
– Charity Worker Visa
This Temporary Work Visa UK is intended for people striving to temporarily perform unpaid volunteer work related to the activities of their charity sponsor.
By issuing a sponsorship certificate, the sponsor thereby endorses that the applicant:
- Will perform voluntary unpaid work related to the activities of the sponsoring organization.
- Will not undertake a permanent job.
- Will strictly comply with all conditions of their stay in the UK and will leave the country at the end of the permitted period.
There is an application fee of £298 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which would normally be £1035 per year
The decision to issue the visa under the Standard service is made within:
- 3 weeks if you are outside the UK.
- 8 weeks if you are in the UK.
If you wish to expedite the Visa processing, we may opt for the Priority Service where available.
The visa gives the right to stay in the country for up to 12 months or the duration on the Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever ends first. You can enter the UK 14 days before the start of work.
– Religious Worker Visa
This UK Temporary Work Visa is suitable for those who want to come temporarily to the UK to perform activities related to the religious organisation, such as a church or other places of worship.
By issuing a sponsorship certificate, the sponsor thereby ensures that the applicant:
- Will carry out religious work in a non-pastoral role or religious order.
- Has the qualifications corresponding to the declared position.
- Does not intend to work for the sponsor in any other capacity.
- Will work only in a certain location unless otherwise specified by the employer.
- Will not compete in the local labor market.
- Will strictly comply with all conditions of their stay in the UK and will leave the country at the end of the permitted period.
There is an application fee of £298, plus the IHS fee, which is usually £1,035 per year.
The decision to issue the visa under the normal service is made within:
- 3 weeks if you are outside the UK.
- 8 weeks if you are in the UK.
If you wish to request a faster decision, we may choose the Priority Service depending on availability.
The visa gives the right to stay in the country for up to 24 months or the period specified in the Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days. You can arrive in the UK 14 days before the role’s start date.
– Seasonal Worker Visa
This Temporary Worker Visa UK is necessary for employees who temporarily work in poultry or horticulture as seasonal workers, for example on a farm or picking fruit vegetables or flowers.
By issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), the sponsor thereby declares that the applicant:
- Will work in a relevant role in these sectors according to a signed contract.
- Will not apply for a permanent job.
- Will fulfill all conditions of their stay in the UK and will leave the country at the end of the permitted period.
There is an application fee of £298. The decision to issue the visa is often made within 3 weeks.
The visa gives the right to stay in the country for one season for up to 6 months for work in horticulture and from October 18 to December 31 each year to work with poultry. You can enter the UK 14 days before the start of work.
– Creative Worker Visa
This Temporary Visa UK is great for those planning to come to the country to work in the creative industries, for example, as a performing artist, model, actor, dancer, film crew member or musician.
By issuing a CoS, the sponsor thereby undertakes that the applicant:
- Will make a unique contribution to the UK labour market, for instance the applicant is required for continuity or is internationally renowned.
- Does not intend to run their own business in the UK.
- Will be paid the minimum salary as set by Equity, PACT or BECTU (models, musicians or circuses are exempt).
- Does not compete in the local labor market.
- Will strictly comply with all conditions of their stay in the UK and will leave the country at the end of the permitted period.
There is an application fee of £298, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which would be £1035 per year.
The decision to issue the visa is made within:
- 3 weeks if you are outside the UK.
- 8 weeks if you are in the UK.
If you need to expedite the Visa application, we may opt for the Priority Service where available.
The visa gives the right to stay in the UK for up to 12 months or the period specified in the certificate of sponsorship, plus 28 days, whichever ends first.
For those entering under the Creative Worker Visa Concession, you will need to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. If you are traveling to the UK from Ireland on the concessionary Creative Worker Visa, you must prepare and submit an application for remote clearance at least 72 hours before arrival in the UK.
It is important for the Creative Worker Visa of a team member to be successful, as any refused application may affect the other applicants in the same group.
– International Agreement Visa
This Temporary UK Work Visa is suitable if you have a contract for work governed by international agreements, for example:
- To a foreign government in the UK.
- As a servant in a family of diplomats.
English language requirement may be applicable to longer term work routes.
By issuing a sponsorship certificate, the sponsor thereby states that the applicant:
- Will come to the UK to perform work governed by international law or treaty.
- Does not intend to run their own business in the UK.
- Does not compete in the local labor market.
- Will strictly comply with all conditions of their stay in the UK and will leave the country at the end of the permitted period.
There is an application fee of £298, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is usually £1035 per year.
The decision to issue the visa for standard service is made within:
- 3 weeks if you are outside the UK.
- 8 weeks if you are in the UK.
If you need a faster decision, we may request for the Priority Service depending on availability.
If you are an overseas government official or employee of an international organization, you can stay in the country for up to 2 years or the period specified on your certificate of sponsorship, plus up to 14 days, whichever is shorter.
If you are a private worker in a diplomatic family, you can stay in the country for up to 5 years.
You can arrive in the UK on the day your visa starts.
How To Apply For a Temporary Work Visa?
To obtain Short Term Work Visa UK, you need to take the following steps:
- Check here if you need a UK visa.
- Fill out the online form on the official website of the UK government (select the required visa type).
- Confirm your identity at a visa application center or using the “UK Immigration: ID Check” mobile app and upload documents confirming your visa eligibility.
- Pay the relevant application fee(s).
You will receive a letter or email notification of the UK Home Office’s decision on your application. It will also contain instructions on your next steps.
Essential documentation
Those applying for a Temporary Worker Visa must provide the essential documents to secure their application. On top of the certificate of sponsorship and financial information that proves that you have the disposable income to support yourself in the UK, you will need the following:
- A valid passport or equivalent document that proves your identity and nationality
- A tuberculosis test result for applications from countries where it is required
- Approved English test or qualification, where applicable
- A valid ATAS certificate if needed
Additionally, if you are bringing dependants, you will need proof of a legitimate relationship with your partner and/or children.
Temporary Work Visa Conditions
To obtain a UK Short-Term Work Visa, you must match the qualification criteria, which depend on the specific category.
General requirements include a job offer from a UK-based sponsor, a valid CoS, and sufficient funds to live in the country.
Switching To a Long-Term Work Visa
UK Temporary Visa can be changed to most longer-term visas, except for a Seasonal Worker Visa (6-month Work Visa UK).
To change from one visa category to another, in all cases, you must complete the following conditions:
- You are in the UK at the time of application.
- Your current visa has not expired.
- Immigration rules permit the changes you wish to make.
- You meet the latest eligibility criteria for the visa you are applying for.
- You comply with the immigration conditions of stay under your current visa.
- You are not breaking the law while in the UK.
- You are not under immigration bail unless the exceptions apply.
The change process for a Short Term UK Work Visa depends on which long-stay visa you are applying for. The main steps that need to be completed for the transition:
- Complete and submit the appropriate application form.
- Pay the fee and other associated costs.
- If required to attend a UKVCAS appointment, submit biometric data (fingerprints and photographs).
- Provide all required documents.
The decision to issue a visa is made approximately 8 weeks after submitting the application and biometrics.
Period of stay
The amount of time that you – and any dependants – can stay in the UK will depend on the type of employment that you are undertaking. While this visa offers a maximum of 2 years of stay with 2 equivalent extensions (6 years total), your situation may only allow 6 to 12 months of stay.
Those working for a foreign government or as a private servant in a diplomatic household are offered the maximum of 2 years of stay, or the time that is stipulated on the certificate of sponsorship, plus up to 28 days. You will receive whichever of the two is shorter.
You can stay for 6 months through any 12-month period for private sector work that is recognised and covered by the GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services), or 12 months or more for employment covered by the following:
- UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement
- Temporary agreement between the Swiss Confederation and the UK on services mobility
Again, you may be offered less if the time stipulated in your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days is less than the 6 or 12 months agreed.
FAQ
How do I get a work permit for the UK without a job offer?
Without a job offer, you will not get a Temporary Workers Visa UK, as this is a mandatory sponsorship requirement.
Can I bring my family to the UK?
Yes, you can bring your partner and children. But you must be able to prove that either you can financially support them or that they can financially support themselves. Please note each dependant will incur additional application fees. You also have to consider legal fees when working alongside immigration lawyers to help your case.
What if my work becomes permanent?
If your work becomes permanent, you can switch to one of the more permanent Work Visas so long as you meet the necessary requirements. This will open up the option of eventual Indefinite Leave to Remain and a path to British Citizenship.
How much will a Temporary Worker Visa cost?
You will need to pay £259, as well as the same amount for any potential dependants. There may be immigration healthcare surcharge which will depend on the specifics of your application. You can pay an additional £800 for the super-priority service which will allow you to receive a much quicker application decision.
It is also advisable to bring on professional legal support to ensure that your application has an increased likelihood of acceptance.
Is it possible to switch from a Temporary Work Visa to a long-term work visa?
UK Visa Temporary Worker may be changed to a qualifying long-term Work Visa such as the Skilled Worker Visa if you meet the new rules, except Seasonal Worker Visa (6 months’ Work Visa UK).
How long is the allowed period of stay for Temporary Worker Visa holders?
The length of stay depends on the visa category:
- For a Seasonal Worker Visa: 6 months (6-month Working Visa UK).
- For a Charity Worker Visa: 12 months or the period specified in the sponsorship certificate, plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.
- For Creative Worker Visa: 12 months or the period specified in the sponsorship certificate, plus 28 days, whichever is shorter.
- For Religious Worker, Government Authorized Exchange, and International Agreement Visas: Up to 24 months or for the period specified in the sponsorship certificate, plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.
What is a Temporary Worker Visa in the UK, and who is it intended for?
A Temporary UK Visa is a type of permit that allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UK for a brief period.
How does the sponsorship process work for a Temporary Worker Visa?
The employer must obtain a Sponsor Licence giving the right to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, which is a mandatory condition for employing foreign employees requiring Work Visas in the UK.mp
What are the essential requirements for obtaining a Temporary Worker Visa?
To get a Temporary Working Visa UK, you must have a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK licenced employer. In addition, you must have enough funds in your bank account to support your stay in the UK, at least £1,270, unless your employer has certified maintenance.