Seasonal Visas for Temporary Workers

The Temporary Worker visa allows certain types of temporary workers to enter the UK to satisfy cultural, charitable, religious, sporting or international objectives including volunteering and job shadowing.

Temporary Work visa: Main requirements

In order to qualify for a Temporary Worker visa for the UK the applicant must be able to demonstrate that:

• they have a sponsor that has issued them with a Certificate of Sponsorship;
• the role meets the requirements for sponsorship;
• they will be paid at least the National Minimum Wage; and
• they have sufficient funds to maintain themselves (if maintenance is not certified by the sponsor);
• they have a TB certificate, if required; and
• they do not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal.

Length and conditions of stay in the UK

Applicants can apply to come to the UK for a maximum period of 6 – 24 months depending on the scheme they are applying under. If applying for a shorter stay, an applicant will be granted leave in line with the time stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship.

During their stay in the UK, applicants can work in the role described on their Certificate of Sponsorship and study. Applicants cannot access public funds.

This is not a route which leads to settlement in the UK.

Temporary Worker visa applications: How we can help

The Home Office will carefully scrutinise an application for a Temporary Worker visa. If it considers that any of the requirements have not been met, the application will fall for refusal. It is therefore essential that the application is prepared thoroughly and carefully.

We are experienced in preparing Temporary Worker visa applications to ensure a successful outcome and will provide expert guidance and assistance to you throughout the process.

For further advice, please contact us. If you’re an organisation looking to sponsor an individual, see our temporary worker sponsor licence guidance.