Temporary Workers
The Temporary Worker visa route allows individuals to come to the UK to undertake specific types of work for a period of one or two years.
Categories
There are 6 categories in the Temporary Worker route:
For those who have been offered work as a sportsperson or creative worker, such as an actor, dancer or musician.
You must be sponsored by your employer.
For those who wish to do unpaid, voluntary work for a charity in the UK.
You must be sponsored by your employer.
For those who have been contracted to do work covered by international law while in the UK (for example, working for a government).
You must be sponsored by your employer.
For those who wish to do religious work (e.g. preaching or working in a religious order).
You must be sponsored by your employer.
This route is for those who want to come to the UK for work experience or to do training or research.
The work experience or training programme that you do must be though an approved government authorised exchange scheme, and your visa will be sponsored by an overarching body, such as the British Council.
If you will come to the UK to take part in a formal research project at the University of Edinburgh, the University may be able to sponsor your visa.
Government authorised exchange schemes
Sponsored research at the University of Edinburgh
This visa is for nationals of certain countries to come to the UK for up to two years to work or look for work.
| Australia | Canada | Japan |
| Monaco | New Zealand | Hong Kong |
| South Korea | Taiwan | British Overseas Citizens |
| British national (overseas) | San Marino |
There is no restriction on the type of work you can do except:
- You must not be self-employed
- You must not work as a professional sportsperson or coach
- You must not work as a doctor or dentist in training
You must apply before your 31st birthday.
There is a separate scheme for Indian nationals, called the India Young Professional Scheme visa.
India Young Professionals Scheme visa
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