Types of UK short-term work visas

If you are applying for a Work visa to the United Kingdom, you should be aware that there are two main categories in terms of period of stay: Short term and Long term. Long term visas include the “Skilled Worker” and other types, which typically allow you to work in the country for a minimum period of two years. If you need a visa to work in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, but you do not intend to stay for longer two years, you could apply for one of the UK Short-term Work visas in 2021. Today’s blog will therefore provide an answer to the basic question, “What is a UK Short-term Work visa?” Learn how to apply for the UK Short-term Work visas, and about all of the relevant UK Short-term Work visas and requirements in 2021 (such as whether you need to meet the English language requirements, the relevant visa fees, and other essential information for applicants).

What is a UK short-term work visa?

• The UK Short-term Work visa is a category of visa that allows you to enter and work in the United Kingdom for a “short” (usually from one—two years) period of time. 
• Because a Short-term visa allows you to stay for less time, they tend to have fewer requirements than Long term visas. For example, the below Short term visas do not have English language requirements, whereas most Long term visas—including the Skilled Worker—require you to demonstrate a degree of English language fluency.  
• The majority of UK Short term Work visas require you to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship as a condition of applying. 
• Only certain types of UK visas ((T5) fall into the Short term Work visa category (these are outlined below)). 

Types of UK short-term work visas 2021

• Currently, the types of UK short-term work visas in 2021 include the following:
  • Temporary Worker – Charity Worker visa (T5)
  • Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting visa (T5)
  • Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5)
  • Temporary Worker – International Agreement Worker visa (T5)
  • Temporary Worker – Religious Worker visa (T5)
  • Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5)
  • Graduate-visa

Short-term work visa terms and conditions

• Almost all Short-term Work visas prohibit their holders from applying for benefits in the UK. Aside from this general rule, however, different types of Short term Work visas have different terms and conditions. For example, the Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5) allows you to stay in the country for up to two years, whereas the Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting visa (T5) limits you to stays of up to a year (another difference—while the latter visa type (and the majority of short-term visas) allows the applicant to apply to have family members join him/her in the country, the Youth Mobility visa does not extend this benefit to holders).  
• Another example, while you can extend a Temporary Worker – International Agreement Worker visa (T5) visa, you are not allowed to extend a Graduate-visa. 
• A final example, regarding when you can apply for your visa: While most Short term Work visas (such as the Temporary Worker – Religious Worker) limit you to applying a minimum of three months prior to your UK job’s start date, the Youth Mobility Scheme visa allows you to submit your application six months in advance of your trip to the country. 

How much do the short-term work visas in 2021 cost?

• The basic price for most Short-term Work visas is £244. However, costs vary (for example, the cost for a Graduate-visa is typically £700. 
• Please keep in mind that the above cost does not reflect additional mandatory pricing related to healthcare and biometric data collection. 

The UK short-term work visas and requirements in 2021

• As you can see from the above list, there are a number of different types of Short-term Work visas, each with specific requirements. 
• For example, if you are applying for a Temporary Worker – Charity Worker visa (T5), you will have to submit different documents than if you were applying for a Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5).
• Another example concerns the visa category’s financial requirements. Most of the Work visas require you to demonstrate your possession of a minimum amount of funds, in the amount of £1,270. However, if you are applying for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5), you will need to have £2,530. 
• In general, however, applicants must meet the following UK Short-term Work visas and requirements in order to be eligible for a Short term UK Work visa:
  • Submission of required documents (all Short term Worker visa types require applicants to submit a passport)
  • Financial requirements 
    • Most visa types require you to show proof of holding £1,270
  • Submission of tuberculosis test results 
    • Negative test result required for applicants who reside in certain countries 
  • Certificate of Sponsorship 
    • Certain types of short worker visas require you to obtain sponsorship via an official sponsor prior to arriving in the country.

How to apply for UK short-term work visas

• The following application process can be understood to apply to UK Work visas generally. Keep in mind, however, that different visa types have different eligibility terms and conditions and different required documents. 
• Apply for a UK Short-term Work visas in 2021 by following the below steps: 
  1. Check the UK Short-term Work visas and requirements
     • As discussed above, different short term work visas have different eligibility requirements. Before you apply, check to see the specific requirements that apply for your specific visa type, in order to make sure you satisfy them. 
  2. Gather your required documents
     • As discussed above, most Short term Work visas require applicants to submit the same types of documents (passport, proof of finances, etc). However, different visas may require additional documents (such as a certificate of sponsorship). 
     • Check to see what specific documents are required of your specific visa type, so that you are prepared to submit them when you apply.  
  3. Apply online 
     • The application process for all Short-term Work visas is mainly online, with minimal in-person requirements. 
     • When you are ready to apply for your Short-term Work visa, contact us here. 
  4. Pay your visa fees
     • As mentioned above, the typical fee for the Short term Work visa is £244.
  5. Submit your biometric information
     • Typically, the only in-person requirement for most Short-term Worker visas is the submission of one’s fingerprints and photo for security and identifying reasons. 
     • You can submit your biometrics at visa application centers, which are located in most countries around the world. However, if there is no center in your location, you may have to travel abroad in order to fulfill this requirement. 
  6. Await your decision 
     • Most short-term work visa applicants will receive a decision on their application within three weeks of applying. Once you receive your passport and visa, you will be allowed to enter the UK.