The UK’s Temporary Work Visas (Tier 5)

Posted by Reiss Edwards on March 24th, 2020

What is a Tier 5 Temporary Worker Visa?

Tier 5 Temporary Worker

This subcategory covers a variety of temporary roles that a UK organisation aims to fill. These temporary roles include international objectives including religious, charitable or international objectives including voluntary work and job shadowing. Below is a brief summary of each of the subcategories for the temporary worker scheme.

Tier 5 Creative and Sporting

Is an entry clearance only application for entertainers or creative artists and sportspeople of whom have been offered up to 12 months of work/contract in the UK. For creative workers, a 12-month visa can be extended up to 24 months. For a sportsperson, the maximum stay is 12 months.

If you are a dance artist, coach, actor, presenter, musician, footballer, rugby player, snooker player, etc, and require temporary admission to the UK to perform in your industry, this category will be the correct route. If you require more than 12 or 24 months in the UK, you may require a Tier 2 visa in the alternative.

When making an application, you will need evidence that you will:

•          Make a significant contribution to the highest level for your sport or creative vocation;
•          Have been issued with a valid Certificate of sponsorship from a licence sponsor
•          Have the required maintenance funds or have your sponsor certify this for you (saying they will provide this)
•          Received an endorsement from the governing body of your sport, if applicable.

Tier 5 Charity Workers

This is strictly for unpaid charitable work, where you will volunteer for a charitable organisation whose main operation is charitable. The maximum term for this subcategory is 12 months at the first instance, which can be extended for a further 12 months.

When making an application for a Tier 5 Charity Worker visa, you will need to:

•          Have a certificate of sponsorship issued by a licenced sponsor;
•          Hold the required maintenance or have maintenance certified by your employer;

Tier 5 Religious Workers

This includes working in a monastery, convent, preaching or working as a pastor. The maximum stay for this category is 24 months, with extensions.

When making an application for a Tier 5 Charity Worker visa, you will need to:

•          A certificate of sponsorship provided by a licence sponsor;
•          Hold the required maintenance or have maintenance certified by your employer;

Tier 5 Government Authorized Exchanget

All Higher Education Institutions that hold a Tier 5 Government Exchange licence are permitted for the following type of roles:

•          work experience;
•          training;
•          conduct research;
•          to complete a fellowship through an authorised scheme;
•          participate in a Government Language Programme

You can apply for up to 12 months extending to a maximum of 24 months depending on the scheme you intend to apply under.

To make an application, the migrant must be able to provide:

•          A certificate of sponsorship from the licensed sponsor;
•          Hold the required maintenance funds or have the same certified by the licensed sponsor;
•          Note take up another vacancy that is permanent or advertised;
•          The salary must meet the national minimum wage.

There is the option to apply from inside the UK for Tier 4 migrants that will need to undertake work experience, an internship or you may need an immigration solicitors' help. Most applicants, however, will make their application from outside of the UK, for entry clearance.