UK Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa

Introduction

The Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa is a popular way for non-EEA workers to obtain work rights in the UK. It is a flexible visa option that allows individuals to come to the UK and work in various fields for a set period.

In this article, we are going to discuss what the Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa is, who is eligible to apply for it, how to apply, the requirements, processing time, fees, and common FAQs.

What is Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa?

The Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa is a type of UK work visa that allows individuals to come to the UK to work for up to 12 months in certain job categories. It is generally meant for individuals who want to gain work experience in the UK, such as interns or those participating in a cultural exchange program.

There are five categories under the Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa:

1. Charity Worker Visa: For those who want to undertake unpaid voluntary work.

2. Creative and Sporting Visa: For those who are internationally established in their field of arts and entertainment, or whose work would enhance the UK’s cultural heritage. This visa is also for professional and amateur sportspeople who want to play or coach in the UK.

3. Government Authorised Exchange Visa: For those who want to come to the UK through an approved government scheme to gain work experience or training, and/or to share knowledge, skills and best practice.

4. International Agreement Visa: For those who are coming to the UK to provide services covered under International law, such as embassy staff or employees of international organizations.

5. Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa: For those aged 18-30 from certain countries, allowing them to work and travel throughout the UK for up to 2 years.

Who is eligible to apply for the Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa?

To apply for the Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa, you must be from a country outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Additionally, you must meet the eligibility requirements of the specific category you are applying under.

For the Government Authorised Exchange Visa and Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, applicants must also meet the following criteria:

1. Be aged 18-30.

2. Have £1,890 in savings.

3. Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from a registered sponsor.

4. Meet the English Language requirements.

5. Meet the Maintenance requirements.

How to apply for the Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa

To apply for the Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa, you must complete an online application form and pay the application fee. You will also need to provide the following supporting documents:

1. A valid passport.

2. A recent passport-sized photograph.

3. An endorsement letter from a registered sponsor (if applicable).

4. A certificate of sponsorship (COS) reference number.

5. Proof of English language proficiency.

6. Proof of financial support.

7. Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).

Once you have submitted your application, you will need to attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and a photograph. The processing time for a Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa application is generally within 3 weeks.

How much does the Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa cost?

The cost of the Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa varies depending on the specific category you are applying under. The current fees are:

1. Charity Worker Visa: £244.

2. Creative and Sporting Visa: £244.

3. Government Authorised Exchange Visa: £244.

4. International Agreement Visa: £244.

5. Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa: £244.

Common FAQs about the Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa

Q1: Can I extend my Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa?

A: Yes, you can extend your Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa for up to 12 months. However, you must still meet the eligibility requirements and apply before your current visa expires.

Q2: Can I switch to a different visa category from a Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa?

A: Yes, you can switch to a different visa category, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and apply before your Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa expires.

Q3: Can I bring my family with me on a Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa?

A: In most cases, no, you cannot bring family members with you on a Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa. However, some categories may allow dependents to join the applicant.

Q4: Can I work part-time on a Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa?

A: Yes, you can work part-time on a Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa, provided it is within the limits of your visa category.

Conclusion

The Tier 5 Temporary Working Visa is a flexible and popular way for non-EEA workers to obtain work rights in the UK. If you are considering applying for this visa, ensure you understand the eligibility requirements and the application process.

By following this guide, you can ensure that your application is successful, and you can gain valuable work experience in the UK, helping to boost your career opportunities.