Temporary Work Visas

Work in the UK on a Short-Term Basis

 

Temporary Work Visas allow you to come to or stay in the UK to do temporary work for a limited period under specific categories. These visas are designed for people entering the UK for short-term employment, training, work experience, seasonal work, or under international agreements. They do not usually lead to permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

 

What Are Temporary Work Visas?

Temporary Work Visas are a group of visa types under the UK's immigration rules that permit non-UK nationals to undertake specific temporary work roles when sponsored by a licensed UK organisation or through an approved scheme. Most categories require a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK sponsor.

 

The main Temporary Work Visa categories include:

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

 

Summary of Key Categories


1. Seasonal Worker Visa

This visa allows you to come to the UK to work in horticulture (e.g. picking fruit/vegetables) or poultry production under a sponsor's scheme. Seasonal routes generally last up to 6 months in any 12-month period and do not lead to settlement. Dependants usually cannot join you on this category.

  • Work in horticulture or poultry sector in the UK.
  • Need a UK sponsor with an approved scheme.
  • No permanent residency and no dependants permitted under this route.


2. Creative Worker Visa

This visa is for individuals offered temporary employment in the creative industries, such as actors, dancers, musicians or film/TV crew. A sponsor licence and a Certificate of Sponsorship are required. This route normally allows stays of up to 12 months.

  • Work in the creative sector in roles that cannot easily be filled locally.
  • Requires sponsorship and a valid CoS from a UK employer.


3. Charity Worker Visa

This visa allows you to undertake unpaid voluntary work for a UK-registered charity. Sponsored by the charity, you can usually stay for up to 12 months.

  • Volunteer with a recognised UK charity.
  • Requires sponsorship and a CoS from the charity.
  • Does not lead to settlement.


4. Government Authorised Exchange Visa

This category enables you to come to the UK under an approved exchange scheme for work experience, training, research, language programmes or fellowships. The visa length depends on the scheme and is typically 12 to 24 months.

  • Participate in training, research, language or exchange programmes.
  • Must be part of a Home Office authorised exchange scheme.
  • Requires a valid CoS from an approved sponsor.

 

5. Religious Worker Visa

This visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to undertake religious work (non-pastoral) for a UK religious organisation or order. You are normally allowed to stay for up to 24 months (plus 14 days).

  • Undertake work for a recognised religious organisation.
  • Requires a valid CoS from the religious employer.
  • Usually valid for up to 2 years.


6. International Agreement Visa

This category allows you to work in the UK under an international law or treaty contract. For example, working for an overseas government, international organisation, or as a private servant in a diplomatic household. You will need a sponsor licence from the employer and a valid CoS. Duration may vary but is often up to 24 months.

  • Work under contract covered by international law or treaty.
  • Requires sponsorship and a CoS.
  • Does not lead to settlement.

 

Key Features of Temporary Work Visas

1. Sponsorship Requirement:

Most Temporary Work Visas require that you have a job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence before applying.

2. Duration:

Each category sets its own maximum length of stay - typically 6 to 24 months - depending on the type of work and scheme. Seasonal routes are shorter, while exchange and religious roles may be longer.

3. No Automatic Settlement:

Temporary Work Visas do not usually lead to permanent settlement (ILR). If you wish to stay longer or settle, you generally must switch to a different work visa category (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa) before your temporary visa expires.

4. Dependants:

Some Temporary Work Visa categories allow your partner and children to apply as dependants, but others (such as Seasonal Worker) do not permit dependants. Check the individual category details.

 

Eligibility Criteria (General)

While each category has specific eligibility requirements, the common criteria usually include:

  • Being 18 or older (unless an exception applies).
  • Having a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK sponsor (for most categories).
  • Meeting maintenance funds requirements (e.g., sufficient savings or sponsor support).
  • Providing identity and travel documents and any other evidence required for your category (e.g., job offer, scheme acceptance).

 

What You Can and Cannot Do

  • Work in the UK: You can undertake the specified temporary role for your sponsor.
  • Travel in and out of the UK while your visa is valid.
  • No access to public funds.
  • Cannot stay permanently unless you switch to another qualifying visa route before expiry.

 

Application Process (General Steps)

Step 1: Check Eligibility:

Confirm the specific category requirements and whether your UK sponsor will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Step 2:Prepare Documents:

Gather your passport, CoS reference number, evidence of funds, and any specific supporting documents.

Step 3: Apply Online:

Complete the visa application form on the UK government website.

Step 4: Pay Fees & Biometrics:

Pay the application fee (typically £319 for many temporary categories) and the Immigration Health Surcharge, then attend your biometric appointment.

Step 5: Await Decision: Decisions are usually made within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, or within 8 weeks from inside the UK.

 

Visa Fees & Costs

Application fee: Usually around £319 for many Temporary Work categories (subject to confirmation for the specific visa type).

Immigration Health Surcharge: Paid as part of the application and varies based on visa duration.

Maintenance Funds: You may need to show personal savings unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.


Speak to LNvisa

Every Temporary Work Visa application is assessed based on the specific route and circumstances.

Factors such as the correct visa category, sponsor eligibility, scheme requirements, duration limits and switching options can significantly influence the outcome.

LNvisa provides tailored immigration advice to individuals and sponsors navigating temporary work routes, ensuring applications align with both immigration rules and future plans.

If you would like guidance on a Temporary Work Visa application or advice on longer-term options after temporary work, our team would be happy to assist.