The UK offers a range of Temporary Worker Visas tailored to individuals who seek short-term employment opportunities across various sectors. From charity work to seasonal labour, these visas are critical for filling temporary skill shortages and promoting international collaboration. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into each visa type, their eligibility criteria, durations, and application procedures.

Temporary Worker Visas

The UK Temporary Worker route is part of the broader points-based immigration system. These visas enable non-UK citizens to work temporarily in roles that meet specific cultural, charitable, or international obligations. Each visa type is employer-sponsored, requiring a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed sponsor.

Key Attributes:

• Sponsored by a UK licensed employer
• Short-term validity (6 to 24 months depending on the visa type)
• Some visas allow dependants and limited switching to other routes

Temporary Work – Charity Worker Visa

The Charity Worker visa is for individuals engaging in unpaid voluntary work for a UK-registered charity.

Eligibility:

• Must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship
• The role must be unpaid, and duties must relate directly to the charity’s core objectives
• Must prove sufficient financial resources (minimum £1,270)

Duration:

• Valid for up to 12 months or the time on the CoS plus 14 days, whichever is shorter

Fees:

• Application fee: £298
• IHS surcharge: £1035/year

Restrictions:

• No access to public funds
• Cannot take on a paid job

Official Source:
UK Government – Charity Worker Visa

Temporary Work – Creative Worker Visa

Designed for individuals in the arts, film, dance, music, or theatre industries.

Eligibility:

• Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed creative sponsor
• Demonstrated recognition or merit in the field
• Sufficient maintenance funds

Duration:

• Up to 12 months (with possible extension to 24 months for specific sectors)

Fees:

• Application: £298
• Healthcare surcharge: £1035/year

Special Features:

• Dependants allowed
• Artists and performers can work for multiple gigs under the same sponsor

Official Guidance:
Creative Worker Visa – GOV.UK

Temporary Work – Religious Worker Visa

This visa permits individuals to carry out religious work (such as preaching or pastoral work) in the UK for a limited time.

Eligibility:

• Valid CoS from a religious organisation
• Must not take the role of a minister of religion
• Maintenance funds and English language requirement not needed

Duration:

• Up to 2 years or the length of the job, whichever is shorter

Fees:

• Application: £298
• Healthcare surcharge: £1035/year

Limitations:

• No access to public funds
• Cannot switch to a Minister of Religion visa within the UK

UK Government Source:
Religious Worker Visa – GOV.UK

Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Visa

This visa facilitates work experience, research, training, or overseas government language programmes.

Sub-categories:

• Work experience (internships)
• Research schemes
• Fellowships
• Language assistants

Eligibility:

• Must be sponsored under a Government Authorised Exchange scheme
• CoS required from the scheme’s sponsor
• Proof of funds: £1,270

Duration:

• 1 to 2 years depending on the programme

Fees:

• Visa fee: £298
• Healthcare surcharge: £1035/year

Switching Rules:

• Cannot switch to this visa from within the UK

Official Resource:
Government Authorised Exchange – GOV.UK

Temporary Work – International Agreement Visa

For individuals working under international law, including embassy staff, foreign government employees, or employees under trade agreements.

Eligibility:

• CoS needed
• Employment must fall under international law exceptions

Use Cases:

• Working for a foreign government
• Providing a service under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)
• Servicing contracts with UK government under international agreements

Duration:

• Between 6 months and 2 years, based on the nature of the contract

Fees:

• Application fee: £298
• IHS: £1035/year

Notes:

• Certain applicants (e.g., diplomats) may be exempt from IHS and fees

Official Link:
International Agreement Worker – GOV.UK

Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker Visa

This visa targets individuals working in horticulture or poultry sectors, particularly during peak seasons.

Eligibility:

• Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved Seasonal Worker scheme operator
• Age: 18+
• Must work in edible horticulture or poultry (November to December only)

Duration:

• Up to 6 months in a 12-month period

Fees:

• Application: £298
• No IHS (for less than 6 months)

Important Restrictions:

• No family dependants allowed
• Cannot switch to another visa or extend stay

Approved Operators List:
UK Seasonal Workers Scheme Sponsors

Temporary Worker Visa: Application Process

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Secure a job offer and receive a Certificate of Sponsorship
2. Prepare documents:
   • Passport
   • CoS reference number
   • Proof of funds
   • TB test (if applicable)
3. Apply online via the UK Visas and Immigration portal
4. Pay the fees and book biometrics appointment
5. Wait for decision: Typically 3 weeks from outside the UK

Priority service is available in some countries.

Visa Validity and Extension Rules

Each visa has a maximum permitted length and extension limitations. Overstaying can result in future entry bans.

Switching to other visa routes such as Skilled Worker may be possible in limited scenarios only from outside the UK.

Conditions and Restrictions

• Work Limitation: Only the job specified in your CoS
• Dependants: Allowed for most visas except Seasonal Worker
• No Recourse to Public Funds: All routes
• Study: Permitted with conditions
• Travel: Freely allowed during visa validity

Always verify employer’s sponsorship status on the Register of Licensed Sponsors.

Internal Resources

Explore more visa options and guides:

• UK Skilled Worker Visa Guide
• UK Student Visa Requirements
• How to Get a Sponsor Licence in the UK
• Switching to a Work Visa from Visitor Visa
• UK Visa Processing Times in 2025

External Resources

• UKVI – Apply for a UK visa
• Immigration Health Surcharge
• UK Points-Based Immigration System
• UK Sponsor Licence Guidance

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, immigration laws are subject to change. For the most current guidance, always consult official UK government sources or a qualified immigration advisor.