UK Temporary Work Visa
Access short-term employment opportunities across various sectors in the United Kingdom
What is the Temporary Work Visa?
The Temporary Work Visa is a specialized UK work authorization that enables skilled workers and professionals from outside the European Economic Area to work in the United Kingdom for a defined temporary period. This visa category is designed for individuals who need to contribute their expertise to the UK workforce for a specific duration without permanently settling in the country.
The UK government has established several categories under the Temporary Work Visa framework to accommodate different types of temporary employment needs. These categories include roles in creative industries, seasonal agriculture, charitable work, international agreements, and government-authorized exchange programs. Each category has specific eligibility criteria tailored to the nature of employment and the skills required.
Key Features
- ✓Duration from 6 months to 2 years depending on category
- ✓Requires Certificate of Sponsorship from UK employer
- ✓Does not lead to permanent settlement or ILR
- ✓Allows some categories to bring eligible dependents
- ✓Permits study and limited secondary employment
Temporary Work Visa Categories
The UK Temporary Work Visa framework encompasses five distinct categories, each designed to address specific employment sectors and international agreements. Understanding which category applies to your situation is essential for the application process.
For professionals working in the creative sector including actors, dancers, musicians, photographers, models, and technical crew. Requires proof of contribution to UK cultural life and income meeting Equity, PACT, or BECTU standards.
Duration: Up to 1 year, extendable to 2 years
Designed for temporary employment in agriculture and horticulture sectors during peak seasons. Workers process fruit, vegetables, and other agricultural products on British farms.
Duration: Up to 6 months, not extendable
For individuals volunteering or working for registered UK charitable organizations. The work must contribute meaningfully to the charity's mission without displacing paid employees.
Duration: Up to 12 months, extendable to 2 years
Under bilateral agreements between the UK and other countries for specific employment opportunities. This category enables workers to participate in international exchanges and collaborations.
Duration: Varies by agreement
For participation in government-approved exchange and training programs. These programs promote cultural exchange and professional development between the UK and partner nations through structured work experience.
Duration: Up to 12 months, extendable to 2 years
Eligibility Requirements
Age Requirement
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for any Temporary Work Visa category.
Employer Sponsorship
Your employer must hold a valid UK sponsor license and provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is valid for three months from issuance.
Financial Support
You must demonstrate £1,270 in savings available for 28 days within the 31 days before your application, unless your employer provides financial support.
You may be exempt from the financial requirement if:
- •You have been in the UK continuously with a valid visa for 12 months or longer
- •Your UK employer guarantees to provide financial support equivalent to £1,270 for your first month
- •You have previously held Temporary Work Visa status
Essential Documents
- ✓ Valid passport with blank visa pages
- ✓ Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- ✓ Proof of financial means (bank statements)
- ✓ Valid ATAS certificate if applicable
- ✓ Tuberculosis test certificate (if required)
Additional Considerations
All documents must be either in English or Welsh. If your documents are in another language, you must provide certified translations.
Job-specific documents (contracts, qualifications, or portfolios) may be required depending on your Temporary Work Visa category.
Application Process
Obtain Certificate of Sponsorship
Your UK employer must first apply for and obtain a sponsor license from the UK Home Office. Once licensed, they can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship specific to your position. The CoS contains your job details and becomes valid for three months from issuance.
Complete Online Application
Visit the UK Visas and Immigration website and complete the online application form for your specific Temporary Work Visa category. You will enter your CoS reference number and provide detailed answers about your employment, background, and reasons for the temporary work arrangement in the UK.
Upload Required Documents
Upload all supporting documents through the online portal in the required format (JPG, PNG, PDF, or JPEG). Documents must be clear scans or photographs. Ensure all information is legible and corresponds with details in your application.
Pay Fees and Healthcare Surcharge
Submit payment for the application fee (£259) and the Healthcare Surcharge (£624 per year or pro-rata for shorter periods). These payments are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
Attend Biometric Appointment
Book an appointment at your nearest UK Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information including fingerprints and photographs. You must bring your passport and any requested supporting documents to this appointment.
Fees and Processing Time
£259
Standard application processing for all Temporary Work Visa categories
£624
Per year of visa duration, covers NHS healthcare access
£883+
Based on one-year visa duration
Standard Processing
3 weeks
If you are outside the UK at application
8 weeks
If you are inside the UK at application
Processing Notes
These timeframes may vary based on visa application center workload and whether additional documentation is requested. After receiving approval, your Biometric Residence Permit takes up to 10 working days to arrive.
Complex cases or applications requiring additional verification may take longer than standard processing times.
Visa Duration and Extension
Creative Worker Visa
Up to 1 year, extendable to 2 years maximum
Seasonal Worker Visa
6 months only, not extendable
Charity Worker Visa
Up to 12 months, extendable to 2 years
Other Categories
Varies by specific visa type and agreement
Most Temporary Work Visa categories allow extensions, with the exception of the Seasonal Worker Visa which does not permit extensions.
To extend your Temporary Work Visa:
- • Apply before your current visa expires
- • Obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship
- • Meet all current eligibility requirements
- • Pay extension fees (same as initial application)
- • Extension cannot exceed 2 years total for most categories
What You Can Do
- ✓Work for your designated employer as stated in CoS
- ✓Pursue full-time or part-time education and study
- ✓Do secondary employment (up to 20 hours/week in most categories)
- ✓Bring eligible dependents (some categories)
What You Cannot Do
- ✗Access public funds or benefits
- ✗Obtain permanent settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain
- ✗Switch to other visa types while on Temporary Work Visa
- ✗Change employer without reapplying
Important Considerations
Dependent eligibility varies by Temporary Work Visa category. Creative Worker, Charity Worker, and Government Authorized Exchange visas typically allow dependents, while Seasonal Worker and International Agreement Worker visas do not.
Dependents must meet eligibility requirements and apply separately at additional cost.
The Temporary Work Visa does not lead to permanent settlement in the UK or Indefinite Leave to Remain. If you wish to remain in the UK permanently after your temporary work period ends, you must switch to an eligible settlement-based visa such as a Skilled Worker or Spouse visa.
You must leave the UK when your Temporary Work Visa expires unless you have applied for and received an extension or switched to another visa category before expiration. Overstaying your visa can result in penalties and impact future UK visa applications.
Your Certificate of Sponsorship is valid for three months from the date it is issued by your employer. You must complete your visa application and biometric appointment within this three-month window, or your CoS will expire and you will need to request a new one.
Ready to Apply for a Temporary Work Visa?
Explore your options and begin your application journey with the UK Home Office.