Temporary Worker Visas
Creative, Charity & Government Exchange Routes
Overview of Temporary Worker Routes
| Visa Route | Max Stay | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Worker | 12 months (extendable to 24) | Performers, artists, film crew |
| Charity Worker | 12 months | Unpaid voluntary work for UK charity |
| Religious Worker | 24 months | Religious duties, pastoral work |
| Government Authorised Exchange | 12-24 months | Work experience, training, research |
| Seasonal Worker | 6 months | Agricultural and horticultural work |
Creative Worker Visa
For professionals working in creative industries, including performers, technical staff, film and television production crew, fashion models and make-up artists.
Requirements: Job offer from UK sponsor, Certificate of Sponsorship, sufficient maintenance funds.
Duration: Initially up to 12 months, extendable to maximum 24 months.
Charity & Religious Worker Visas
Unpaid voluntary work for UK charity.
No salary, but living expenses allowed.
Duration: 12 months.
Pastoral or non-pastoral religious duties.
Paid role with sponsor.
Duration: 24 months.
Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) Visa
The GAE visa allows individuals to come to the UK for work experience, training, research, or fellowship through an approved exchange scheme.
- Work experience or job shadowing (up to 12 months)
- Trainee positions (6-12 months)
- Research or academic fellowships (up to 24 months)
- Overseas government language programmes
Seasonal Worker Visa
For temporary agricultural work, including:
- Picking fruits and vegetables
- Packaging and processing produce
- Floriculture (flowers and plants)
Duration: Up to 6 months. Cannot be extended or switch to another visa.
Requirements: Job offer from approved UK sponsor, Certificate of Sponsorship, sufficient maintenance funds.
Important Information
- No settlement: Time on Temporary Worker visas does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain
- Dependants: Not permitted for most Temporary Worker routes (except GAE in some cases)
- Switching: Cannot switch to most other visas from inside the UK
Working Temporarily in the UK?
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