There are different types of temporary work, each of which has their own requirements to be met, all types require sponsorship and for you to demonstrate you have enough funds to support your stay in the UK. The temporary work covered under this route includes:
- Charity Worker: use this option if you want to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity. You cannot be paid or take up a permanent job, but you will be able to undertake study, and, under strict conditions, do a second job or take up a job in shortage occupation.
- Creative and Sporting: if you have been offered work as a sports person or creative worker then this is the option to choose. You cannot start your own business, but you can undertake limited studies, by meeting strict conditions a second job or a job in shortage occupation, a sports broadcaster, and work as a sportsperson for your national team while it is playing in certain competitions.
- Government Authorised Exchange: it you want to come to the UK for work experience or training, work in an Overseas Government Language Programme, research or undertake a fellowship, then you can do so using this option. The permitted Government Authorised Exchange Schemes are listed in the Immigration Rules, if the scheme is not listed here then you cannot use this route. See the links at the end of this page for a list of the schemes.
- Religious Worker: if you want to do religious work in a non-pastoral role or religions order then choose this option. You can also undertake some study, have a second job or work in a job that is in shortage occupation.
- Seasonal Worker: this can be used if you wish to come to the UK for up to 6 months to do farm work. While you can take some studies, you cannot take any other jobs or bring your family members with you.
- Youth Mobility Scheme: this allows young people, aged between 18 to 30, to come to the UK to live and work for up to 2 years. It’s limited to certain nationalities and is currently not available to EU citizens.
- International Agreement Worker: this allows entry for workers in industries or services listed in international agreements or treaties. It also includes employees of overseas governments and international organisations and private servants in a diplomatic household. The UK-EU trade deal has been included in this category and if an industry or service is listed within this trade deal then a worker can apply for this type of temporary status to enter the UK. If it is not listed, then it will not be possible to use this route.
Should I apply in advance of my travel to the UK?
In some limited circumstances, it not always necessary to apply for a T5 status in advance so long as when you travel to the UK you possess all the necessary documentation, you are of good character with no past criminal records or breaches of immigration laws in any country, and your paid activities would last less then 3 months. On arrival, speak to a border agent who will grant you entry with a T5 status. If you do not meet these limited circumstances, or your activities will last more than 3 months, or you are not sure if you will be granted entry on arrival, then you should apply for a T5 status before you travel.
What fees are associated with a T5 scheme?
You will need to pay an application fee, the fees charged depends on the type of work you are applying for, where you are applying from and your nationality. This route also attracts the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Can I bring my family with me?
Family members (husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner and dependent children) may be able to accompany you or join you in the UK later under most of these temporary routes. If it’s possible for your family members to join you, then they will need to make their own individual applications and meet the requirements for those applications.