If you’re thinking about working temporarily in the United Kingdom, it’s important to understand the UK Temporary Worker Visa. This guide will explain how to get T5 visa, the criteria, and all you need for a successful work experience
What is the Temporary Worker Visa
The T5 visa is a temporary work visa that lets people from different countries work in the UK for a specific period. It includes different categories for specific types of work and lengths of stay, ranging from 6 months to 2 years depending on the category you choose.
Temporary Worker Visa Types
The T5 Visa is made up of various categories for different temporary work purposes:
Creative Worker Visa and International Sportsperson Visa:
The Creative Worker Visa and International Sportsperson Visa allow sportspersons, entertainers, and artists to work in the UK for up to 12 months.
International Sportsperson Visa:
Requires international recognition in your field or a job contributing significantly to sport development at the highest level, with sponsorship and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Government Authorised Exchange Visa:
For approved exchange programs covering work experience, training, language programs, or research, sponsored by a licensed UK organization, with stays lasting 12 or 24 months.
International Agreement Worker Visa:
Covers individuals under contracts governed by international law, such as those with foreign governments or international organizations, with durations varying based on specific agreements.
Religious Worker Visa:
This visa allows individuals to engage in religious work, either paid or unpaid, for a duration of up to 24 months in the UK.
Charity Worker Visa:
This visa permits individuals to carry out unpaid voluntary work for registered UK charities, valid for up to 12 months.
Seasonal Worker Visa:
Enables foreign nationals to work in UK agriculture for up to 6 months, with 30,000 visas available in some seasons, restricting permanent employment or second jobs.
Youth Mobility Scheme:
Specifically for young people from participating countries to experience life in the UK for up to 2 years without requiring a job offer or allowing visa extensions or family sponsorships.
Eligibility Requirement
- To be eligible for a Temporary Worker Visa, you’ll need an endorsement from a UK Sponsor who can give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- In the UK’s points-based system, you must earn 30 points to qualify for this visa. Most of these points (30) come from your CoS.
- To get the remaining 10 points, you must show you have enough money to support yourself while in the UK. Typically, you’ll need to prove you have at least £1,270 available in your bank account. This money must have been there for 28 consecutive days within 31 days of applying for the visa.
Note: While having a job offer and a CoS is a primary requirement for most Temporary Worker Visas, some applicants under the Youth Mobility Scheme may enter the UK without a job offer.
Applying for a UK Temporary Worker Visa
To apply for a Temporary Worker Visa, you’ll need to follow an online process on the official government website (gov.uk) and prepare the following:
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
- A valid passport or alternative ID.
- Proof of financial capability, such as bank statements.
- Tuberculosis test results (if required by your country).
- Additional documents may be needed depending on the specific Temporary Worker Visa category, especially if you plan to bring family members, requiring proof of your relationship.
During the application, you’ll also need to provide biometric data, including a photograph and fingerprints, at a visa application center. This information is used to issue your Biometric Residence Permit, confirming your right to live and work in the UK.
How do I obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship for a T5 visa
To obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for a Temporary Worker Visa (T5) in the UK, follow these steps:
1. Ensure Employer Eligibility
- The employer must hold a valid sponsor licence issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This licence allows them to issue CoSs to non-UK workers. The application for a sponsor licence requires the employer to demonstrate that they are a legitimate business with genuine job offers.
2. Choose the Type of CoS
- There are two types of CoS:
- Defined Certificate of Sponsorship (DCoS): For workers applying from outside the UK.
- Undefined Certificate of Sponsorship: For workers applying from within the UK or for temporary roles.
3. Requesting a CoS
- Once the employer has obtained a sponsor licence, they can request a CoS through the Sponsor Management System (SMS):
- Log into the SMS.
- Select ‘Defined CoS’ if applicable.
- Fill out the required information about the job role, salary, and employment details.
4. Assigning the CoS
- After approval, the employer assigns the CoS to the worker. This certificate will contain a unique reference number that the worker needs to apply for their visa.
- The worker must apply for their visa within 3 months of receiving the CoS and cannot apply more than 3 months before their job start date.
5. Costs Involved
- There is a fee associated with assigning a CoS:
- £25 for Temporary Worker visas.
- £239 for Defined Certificates for Skilled Workers.
- Employers may also need to pay an Immigration Skills Charge if applicable.
6. Processing Time
- The processing time for assigning a CoS can vary but generally takes about 1-2 weeks for Defined Certificates. Undefined Certificates can be assigned immediately.
The UK Temporary Worker Visa provides opportunities for individuals seeking temporary work in various fields. Understanding the categories, eligibility, and application process is essential to getting your work permit. Whether you’re in sports, creative work, research, charity, or part of the Youth Mobility Scheme, the T5 Visa offers unique work experiences in the UK.
In conclusion, getting a UK Temporary Worker Visa can be a rewarding experience. With the right guidance, you can start a successful temporary work journey in this diverse and vibrant country.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the UK straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Charity Worker Visa or a Tier 5 Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas have a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the UK. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
