Temporary Worker sponsor licence routes
Multiple routes for short-term workers, including creative, charity, seasonal and government authorised exchange programmes.
- 5 routes
- Different categories of temporary sponsorship
- Up to 12 months
- Maximum duration
- No ISC
- Exempt from the Immigration Skills Charge
- No settlement
- Temporary routes generally do not lead to settlement
What the Temporary Worker routes cover
The Temporary Worker routes enable UK employers to sponsor workers for short-term assignments in various sectors. These routes are designed for specific industries, projects and purposes, with typically shorter durations than the Skilled Worker route.
The five Temporary Worker routes
Each route has its own eligibility rules and evidence requirements.
Creative Worker
For workers in creative sectors including arts, entertainment, fashion and media industries.
Charity Worker
For registered charities sponsoring workers to undertake voluntary or paid charitable work.
Seasonal Worker
For scheme operators sponsoring seasonal workers in horticulture and agriculture.
Government Authorised Exchange (GAE)
For approved schemes enabling work experience, training or knowledge sharing.
International Agreement
For workers employed under contracts to provide services under international law or treaty.
What each route requires
Creative Worker
For film, TV, music, fashion and digital media projects. Maximum stay up to 12 months. No minimum salary for some roles.
Charity Worker
The organisation must be a registered charity. Maximum stay up to 12 months. The work must directly contribute to the charity objectives.
Seasonal Worker
Only overarching bodies (scheme operators) are eligible. Requires a Defra endorsement letter. For temporary agricultural or horticultural work.
Government Authorised Exchange (GAE)
Schemes must be endorsed by UK government departments and listed in the Immigration Rules. Includes research, training and cultural exchange programmes.
International Agreement
For diplomatic missions and international organisations. Employment under an international agreement is required, with a supporting letter from the head of mission.
You can hold more than one route
Related
Other routes worth checking
Skilled Worker sponsor licence
The main route for employers recruiting skilled workers from overseas.
Read moreReligious Worker routes
Sponsor ministers of religion and religious workers for a faith community.
Read moreInternational Sportsperson
Sponsor elite players and coaches endorsed by a UK sports governing body.
Read moreReady when you are
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