The Tier 5 Visa: Your Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to work in the UK for a short period; maybe as an artist, volunteer, trainee, or researcher, you might still hear the phrase “Tier 5 visa.” Don’t worry, it still exists in spirit; the Home Office simply renamed it. Today, these are known as Temporary Work visas, which are divided into six routes. This guide breaks them down in clear language, shows how to apply step by step, explains who can bring family, and lists what to avoid so your application goes smoothly.

What is a Tier 5 Visa?

Tier 5 used to cover all short-term UK work visas. Since the new points-based system came in, they’ve been renamed to Temporary Work visas. They let people come for limited, specific jobs and not to settle permanently. Each route has its own rules, sponsor requirements, and time limits.

Temporary Work Routes

Route	What it’s for	Typical stay	Family allowed?
Creative Worker	Actors, musicians, artists, and film crew	Up to 12 months (sometimes 24 months)	Yes
Charity Worker	Unpaid voluntary work for a registered charity	Up to 12–24 months	Yes
Religious Worker	Religious work, such as assisting in worship or community outreach	Up to 24 months	Yes
Government Authorised Exchange (GAE)	Research, internships, or training under an approved scheme	Up to 12 or 24 months	Yes
International Agreement	Work covered by international contracts or treaties	Up to 24 months	Yes
Seasonal Worker	Temporary farm or poultry work	Up to 6 months (horticulture) or 2 Oct–31 Dec (poultry)	No

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Tier 5 Visa

1. Get Sponsored and Receive Your CoS

You must have a licensed sponsor in the UK. They’ll issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, an electronic record showing your job, pay, and start date. You must apply within three months of your CoS being issued.

2. Check You Meet the Rules

• You’re 18 years or older.

• Your job fits the right route (for example, charity work must be unpaid).

• You have at least £1,270 saved for 28 days, unless your sponsor agrees to support you.

• You meet any route-specific conditions (for example, TB test if required).

3. Apply Online

Apply up to three months before your job start date. Also, make sure to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. visa fee, and upload your documents and then submit the form.

4. Give Biometrics

You’ll attend an appointment to give your fingerprints and photo.

5. Wait for the Approval

The decisions can take about three weeks for those applying from outside the UK, or up to eight weeks if applying from inside.

6. Move and Start Working

Once your request is officially approved, you can travel to the UK within your visa window and start working in the job according to your CoS.

Switching, Extending, and Settlement

• Switching: You can switch to a Skilled Worker visa from most Temporary Work routes except the Seasonal Worker visa.

• Extension: You can extend your stay if your sponsor issues a new CoS and your total time doesn’t exceed the route’s limit.

• Settlement: Time spent on a Temporary Work visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). If you want to stay long-term, plan to switch to a different route.

Money Requirements

Who	Required funds
Main applicant	£1,270 (held for 28 days)
Partner	£285
First child	£315
Each extra child	£200

If your sponsor agrees to cover your maintenance, you don’t need to show this money.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake	Result	How to Avoid
Choosing the wrong route	Visa refusal	Match your actual job type to the correct route
Old or invalid CoS	Application rejected	Apply within three months of the CoS issue
Not meeting the financial proof	Refusal	Keep the required funds in your account for the full 28 days
Assuming dependants are allowed on all routes	Rejection for family members	Check your route; a Seasonal Worker can’t bring dependants
Believing it leads to settlement	Future visa problems	Plan early if you want a long-term visa later

Bringing Family

Your partner and children under 18 can usually come with you if you meet the financial rules, except on the Seasonal Worker visa, where dependants aren’t allowed. Each dependent must apply separately, and you’ll need to show enough money for each person unless your sponsor certifies it.

Costs Overview

• Visa fee: depends on your specific route (check the latest Home Office fee list).

• Health surcharge: payable per year if your route requires it.

• Processing time: can be around 3 weeks outside the UK or up to 8 weeks inside.

MSD Solicitors

MSD Solicitors is a UK-based law firm that specialises in immigration and family law and is recognised well of the top 3 solicitors in the UK. They can assist you with:

• Visa applications and extensions

• Challenging immigration cases and appeals

• Switching between visa categories

• Family and settlement planning

• Legal representation for refusals or judicial reviews

They are based in Manchester and help clients all over the UK with clear and useful immigration advice.

Quick Facts About Tier 5 Visa

Topic	Fact
Current visa name	Temporary Work (formerly Tier 5)
Number of routes	Six
Sponsor requirement	Must have a licensed sponsor and a valid CoS
Application timing	Up to 3 months before the job starts
Maintenance funds	£1,270 unless the sponsor certifies support
Family funds	£285 partner, £315 first child, £200 each extra child
Family permission	Allowed on all routes except the Seasonal Worker
Switching allowed	Yes, except Seasonal Worker
Settlement	Not a settlement route

Final Thoughts

The UK’s Temporary Work (Tier 5) routes are great for short-term work or cultural exchange, but they’re not long-term immigration routes. Make sure your sponsor is licensed, your job matches the correct route, and you meet the money rules. If your case is complicated or you want to switch to a longer-term visa later, hiring an immigration lawyer like MSD Solicitors can help you save time, money, and stress.