Temporary Worker Visa

TEMPORARY WORK VISAS

 

1. Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker Visa


The Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker Visa is a UK visa category for individuals who have a job offer in the horticulture or poultry production sectors. It provides opportunities to undertake seasonal work, such as picking fruits and vegetables or working in poultry production.

 

Q1: What are the eligible roles for this visa?
A: Eligible roles include a variety of jobs in the horticulture sector, such as working with protected and field vegetables, soft fruits, orchard fruits, mushrooms, and vines. For poultry production, roles like poultry catcher, butcher, trusser, food operative, and more are included.

Q2: How long can I stay in the UK on a Seasonal Worker Visa?
A: The stay duration depends on the sector:

  • Horticulture workers can stay for a maximum of six months in any 12-month period.
  • Poultry production workers can stay from 2 October to 31 December each year.

Q3: What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and why is it necessary?
A: A CoS is a virtual record containing details of your job, issued by your employer. It confirms that your job meets visa requirements and provides the information needed for your visa application.

Q4: Can I bring dependents or switch to another visa category?
A: No, the Seasonal Worker Visa does not allow dependents to join you and switching to or from this visa route is not permitted.

Q5: How much does this application cost?
A: The application fee is £298.

 

For further detailed guidance on the requirements, you can visit the UK government's official page for the Seasonal Worker Visa.

 

 

2. Temporary Work – Creative Worker Visa

 

The Temporary Work – Creative Worker Visa enables individuals in the creative sector to work in the UK for up to 12 months. This visa is designed for those contributing uniquely to the UK’s creative industries, including actors, dancers, musicians, entertainers, models, and technical or support staff ('entourage').


Q1: Who can apply for a Temporary Work – Creative Worker Visa?
A: Anyone who has been offered a job in the UK’s creative sector by a sponsor with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship. Applicants can include entertainers, musicians, actors, fashion models, and their technical support team.

Q2: What are the requirements for this visa?
A: You must have a job offer from a sponsor holding a Creative Worker Sponsor Licence, meet the minimum salary requirements set by industry standards, hold sufficient funds for your stay, and obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship. You must also meet other eligibility criteria such as possessing a valid TB certificate if required.

Q3: Can I switch to this visa from another visa route?
A: Generally, switching to a Creative Worker Visa from within the UK is not permitted. There are limited exceptions if the applicant had a Certificate of Sponsorship assigned before entering the UK.

Q4: Can I be accompanied by my dependents?
A: Yes, Creative Worker Visa holders can be joined by a dependent partner and children under 18.

Q5: Is this visa a route to settlement?
A: The Creative Worker Visa does not lead to indefinite leave to remain, but it may be possible to switch to other visa routes that do.

Q6: How much does this application cost?
A: The application fee is £298, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge(IHS) of £1035 per year.

 

 

3. Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Visa

The Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Visa allows individuals to enter the UK for up to 12 or 24 months to participate in approved work experience, internships, training, or research programs.

Q1: Who is eligible for the Government Authorised Exchange Visa?
A: To qualify, you must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from a Home Office-approved overarching sponsor. The role you undertake should be part of an approved Government Authorised Exchange scheme and must not be a vacancy in the workforce. You must also demonstrate sufficient personal savings and meet other general requirements.
Q2: Is there an English language requirement?
A: No, the Government Authorised Exchange Visa does not have an English language requirement.
Q3: Can I extend my stay on this visa?
A: Yes, if the scheme you are on allows it, you may apply for an extension for a total duration of up to 12 or 24 months, depending on the specific scheme's terms.
Q4: Can I bring dependents?
A: Yes, holders of this visa can be accompanied by their dependent partner and children under 18 years old.
Q5: Can I switch into this visa category while in the UK?
A: Switching to the Government Authorised Exchange Visa is typically not allowed, with the exception of applicants who last held a Student Visa and meet specific criteria. More information on switching can be found on the relevant page on gov.uk.
Q6: Can I apply for settlement with this visa?
The Government Authorised Exchange Visa is not a direct route to settlement. However, holders may have options to switch to other visa routes, such as the Skilled Worker Visa or the Innovator Founder Visa, which do offer pathways to settlement.
Q8: How much does this application cost?
A: The application fee is £298, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge(IHS) of £1035 per year.

4. Temporary Work – International Agreement Visa

The International Agreement Visa is designed for individuals who are coming to the UK to provide services covered by international law, such as private servants in diplomatic households or employees of overseas governments and international organisations.

Q1: What are the requirements for an International Agreement Visa?
To qualify for a Temporary Work – International Agreement Visa, applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a role as a private servant in a diplomatic household or as an employee of an overseas government or an international organisation.
  • Meet the additional role-based requirements for the position.
  • Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an authorised sponsor with a Temporary Work – International Agreement sponsor licence.
  • Intend to work in the sponsored role and not undertake any other employment.
  • Have sufficient personal savings or have a sponsor covering their initial costs.

More information about requirements can be found on the UK government’s page on the International Agreement Visa.

Q2: What specific conditions apply for private servants in diplomatic households?
As a private servant in a diplomatic household, you must:

  • Be employed by a named member of staff of a diplomatic mission or an international organisation.
  • Not be a relative of your employer or their spouse by blood or marriage.
  • Be paid at least the National Minimum Wage and work full-time in the specified role.

Q3: What conditions apply for employees of overseas governments or international organisations?
Employees of overseas governments or international organisations must:

  • Be under a contract of employment with the overseas government or international organisation.
  • Not take on any other form of role beyond what’s assigned in their Certificate of Sponsorship.

Q4: Is there an English language requirement for this visa?
No, there is no English language requirement for the International Agreement Visa.
Q5: Can you extend an International Agreement Visa?
Yes, you can extend your visa up to a maximum of 24 months, subject to conditions such as continuous employment with the same sponsor.
Q6: What financial requirements must be met?
Applicants must show funds of at least £1,270, held for at least 28 days, unless their sponsor confirms coverage of initial costs.
Q7: Can this visa lead to settlement in the UK?
No, the International Agreement Visa is not a direct route to settlement, but it may be possible to switch to another visa category that could lead to settlement.
Q8: How much does this application cost?
A: The application fee is £298, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge(IHS) of £1035 per year.

5. Temporary Work – Charity Worker Visa

The Charity Worker Visa is designed for individuals who have a job offer to undertake unpaid, voluntary work in the UK for up to 12 months. This visa allows applicants to work in charitable roles that directly contribute to a sponsor's charitable purpose without taking on paid employment.

Q1: What are the requirements for a Charity Worker Visa?
To qualify for a Temporary Work – Charity Worker Visa, you must:

  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Have a job offer that meets the specified voluntary work requirements.
  • Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the role from an approved sponsor.
  • Intend to undertake the role genuinely and not intend to take other employment.
  • Satisfy the financial requirements by holding adequate funds or having your sponsor confirm support.
  • Have not had permission as a Religious Worker or Charity Worker in the past 12 months (unless you were outside the UK during this period).
  • Meet any TB certificate requirements if necessary.

More details about requirements can be found on the UK government’s page on Charity Worker Visa.

Q2: What type of voluntary work is permitted?
To qualify as charity work, your role must meet these criteria:

  1. It must involve unpaid fieldwork that directly supports your sponsor’s charitable purpose. It should not include activities usually offered for a wage, such as routine administration, fundraising, or retail.
  2. You should only be compensated for reasonable expenses incurred in performing your duties.
  3. Your position should not replace a role that would otherwise require a permanent employee.

Q3: What are the financial requirements for a Charity Worker Visa?
You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account held for at least 28 consecutive days within the 31 days before the application. Alternatively, your sponsor can confirm their commitment to covering your costs during your first month in the UK. If applying with dependants, they must also prove that they can support themselves with funds of £285 for a partner, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child.
Q4: Can I extend my Charity Worker Visa?
Yes, you can apply to extend your stay as a Charity Worker if you meet all the initial requirements, including holding a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your existing sponsor.
Q5: How much does this application cost?
A: The application fee is £298, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge(IHS) of £1035 per year.

6. Temporary Work – Religious Worker Visa

The Religious Worker Visa allows individuals to support the activities of a UK religious institution by performing religious work, such as working in a religious order or undertaking non-pastoral roles, for up to 2 years.

Religious Workers aiming to lead a congregation or perform essential rites should consider the Minister of Religion Visa (T2) instead.

Q1: What are the requirements for a UK Religious Worker Visa?

To qualify for a Temporary Work – Religious Worker Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: You must be 18 or older.
  • Job Offer: You need a job offer as a Religious Worker from a sponsor holding a valid Temporary Work – Religious Worker sponsor licence.
  • Genuine Intentions: You must genuinely intend to undertake the religious role and have the ability to perform it.
  • Financial Requirement: You need to meet a minimum financial threshold.
  • Previous Permission: You should not have held permission as a Religious Worker or Charity Worker in the past 12 months (unless you were outside the UK during this period).
  • Certificate of Sponsorship: You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your sponsor.
  • TB Certificate: If required, you must provide a valid tuberculosis certificate.

To learn more, visit the UK government page on Religious Worker Visa.

Q2: What is the financial requirement for the Religious Worker Visa?
You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account held for at least 28 days within the 31 days before your visa application. Alternatively, if your sponsor agrees to cover your first month’s expenses, they must confirm this on your CoS. Dependants also need to meet minimum financial thresholds to join you.
Q3: Can I extend my stay under the Religious Worker Visa?
Yes, you can extend your stay, but only for up to a maximum total of 24 months in the UK. To extend, you need to continue meeting the requirements and work with the same sponsor.
Q4: Is this visa a route to permanent settlement?
No, the Religious Worker Visa is not a direct route to settlement. However, you may explore switching to other visa routes that can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Q5: Can I switch to this visa from another visa route?
Switching into this visa category is not generally allowed from within the UK. You must apply from overseas.
Q6: Can dependants join me on this visa?
Yes, dependants (partner and children under 18) can apply to join or accompany you on this visa.
Q7: How much does this application cost?
A: The application fee is £298, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge(IHS) of £1035 per year.

How Kaya Legal Can Assist
 

Kaya Legal offers end-to-end support for those looking to obtain a Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker Visa:

  • Initial Consultation and Eligibility Check: We assess your eligibility based on age, role, and other factors, ensuring that you meet all visa requirements.
  • Application Preparation and Submission: We help prepare and submit your visa application, including gathering necessary documents and guiding you on financial and other requirements.
  • Certificate of Sponsorship Assistance: We liaise with your sponsor to ensure your Certificate of Sponsorship includes all required information and meets Home Office guidelines.
  • Post-Application Support: We provide ongoing support, from handling potential application refusals to advising on your next steps once your visa term ends.
     

If you’re looking for expert guidance on securing a Temporary Work visas, contact our team.