Requirements for a temporary worker visa
The UK Temporary Worker visa, formerly known as Tier 5 visa, allows individuals to work temporarily in the UK. An overseas worker has to meet a full range of Temporary Worker visa requirements to qualify.
About Temporary Worker visa
The UK Temporary Worker visa (T5) is designed for individuals to undertake a temporary work placement, only for a limited period of time (6-24 months). Overseas workers should get a job offer from a licenced employer to apply for a Temporary Worker visa UK.
There are multiple Temporary Work visa categories and the applicant can choose the category most appropriate for them. The T5 visa category includes
- Charity Worker
- Creative Worker & International Sportsperson
- Government Authorised Exchange
- International Agreement Worker
- Religious Worker
- Seasonal Worker
- Youth Mobility
Requirements for a Temporary Worker visa
UKVI expects applicants to meet several eligibility requirements before submitting the application.
- The applicant needs to get a formal job offer from an approved UK employer, holding a valid Sponsor Licence
- The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued to the international worker by the prospective sponsored employer.
- Provide evidence that you can support yourself and any dependants financially whilst in the UK. The applicant must have a minimum of £1,270 in the bank account for 28 consecutive days. These 28 days must be within 31 days of submitting the Temporary Worker visa application. This requirement will be exempt if employer is willing to “certify” maintenance on the CoS.
- The applicant must meet certain eligibility requirements depending on the specific sub visa category.
- The applicant may have to pass the English language test for the chosen visa category.
This visa is part of the UK’s new point-based immigration system, therefore, the applicant has to score 30 points to qualify for the UK Temporary Worker visa. The worker will get 30 points from the Certificate of Sponsorship and the remaining 10 from proving financial independence.
The main requirements for this route are a formal job offer and CoS, however, foreign nationals from selected countries can apply through the Youth Mobility Scheme without a job offer.
Documents required to apply for Temporary Worker visa
There are multiple documents you need to prove your eligibility, including
- Formal job offer (HR email or letter)
- Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer
- Valid passport
- Bank statement
- Tuberculosis test results, if required
The applicant may show that they have passed an English test depending on the subcategory.
Applying for the UK Temporary Worker visa
The process of applying for the Temporary Worker visa may vary slightly depending on the subcategory you are applying under. In most cases, the worker has to fill out the application form online, pay the application fee and health surcharge, and upload documents.
Book and attend the Biometric appointment at the local visa centre to have your photos taken and fingerprints scanned. The applicant will receive an email or letter from the Home Office explaining the outcome of the application.
