Temporary Worker visas

A clear starting point

Find the appropriate sponsored route for a specific temporary placement or activity. This page sets out the questions to consider before choosing an application and paying any charges.

Applicants considering eligible charity, creative, religious, exchange or other temporary sponsored activity. The correct approach depends on the exact permission, application location and immigration history involved. A similar-looking case may be subject to a different rule or transitional arrangement.

Who is this for?

Applicants considering eligible charity, creative, religious, exchange or other temporary sponsored activity.

General eligibility and requirements

Each Temporary Worker category has separate permitted activities and sponsorship conditions. Match the actual work to the correct route before seeking sponsorship.

Check the current official guidance for the intended submission date. If you have a previous refusal, an approaching expiry date or a change in circumstances, include that in your initial enquiry. These details may affect what is possible and how urgently you need advice.

Supporting documents

A useful evidence file addresses the specific requirements, with clear dates and consistent personal details. Depending on your circumstances, the following may be relevant:

• Sponsor and certificate reference
• activity and placement details
• identity records
• financial evidence where required
• route-specific supporting documents

This is a preparation list, not an exhaustive submission checklist. Check required formats, relevant evidence periods and translation requirements. Keep an exact copy of the final application and evidence. See our document preparation guide for a practical way to organise your records.

The application process

1. Identify the exact temporary category that covers the planned activity. Short duration alone does not make an ordinary job eligible for a Temporary Worker route.
2. Check the organisation’s relevant licence and sponsorship arrangements. Match the certificate, activity description and dates to the category-specific conditions.
3. Prepare the relevant identity, financial and supporting evidence. After a grant, review limits on work, stay and any change of activity or sponsor.

For appeals, protection and employer compliance matters, the relevant procedure may be a review, tribunal process or ongoing duty rather than a visa application. The official source below identifies the appropriate starting point.

Government fees & processing times

Professional fees are separate from government charges. Ask for a written quote confirming scope, any VAT, exclusions and additional costs. Our fees information explains what to clarify. Paying for a faster service does not guarantee approval or a decision by a particular date.

Common issues to consider

Selecting a route solely because the work is short-term, using unpaid work to bypass work permission and overlooking sponsor-specific limits.

Where a record is missing or inconsistent, explain the issue honestly and establish which evidence can address it. Do not amend a document to make it appear to meet a requirement. For help preparing for a discussion, read our consultation preparation guide.

Frequently asked questions