Temporary workers

This section contains information about the routes available to migrants who want to come to the UK to do temporary work for a licensed Tier 5 sponsor.

If you are a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, the European nationals section describes your right to work in the UK.

If you are a national of a country outside the EEA or Switzerland (except Turkey - see below), you will need to apply for a visa under Tier 5 of the points-based system.

To be able to apply for a visa under most Tier 5 categories, you must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor, and you must pass a points-based assessment. There are different requirements under the Youth mobility scheme.

Before you apply, you should read the eligibility requirements for your category in full.

Tier 5 (Temporary worker - creative and sporting)

For people coming to work or perform in the UK for up to 12 months as sportspeople, entertainers or creative artists. Sportspeople must be internationally established at the highest level in your sport, and/or their job must make a significant contribution to the development and running of sport at the highest level.

Tier 5 (Temporary worker - charity workers)

For people coming to do voluntary (unpaid) work for a charity in the UK.The work must be directly related to the sponsor organisation's work.

Tier 5 (Temporary worker - religious workers)

For people coming to the UK forpreaching, pastoralor non-pastoral work,or work in a religious order such as a monastery or convent.

Tier 5 (Temporary worker - government authorised exchange)

For people coming to the UK through approved schemes that aim to share knowledge, experience and best practice, and to experience the UK's social and cultural life.This category must not be used to fill job vacancies or to bring unskilled labour to the UK.

Tier 5 (Temporary worker - international agreement)

For people coming to the UK under contract to do work that is covered under international law. Thisincludes workers under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and similar agreements, employees of overseas governments and international organisations, and private servants in diplomatic households.

Tier 5 (Youth mobility scheme)

For young people from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea and Taiwanwho want to come and experience life in the UK.