Shabana Bukhari 
Need a temporary work visa in Reading? Our expert team offers professional guidance and support for your application.
What is a Temporary Work Visa?
A temporary work visa, also known as an International Agreement visa, is for those applicants with a contract to provide work in either an overseas government or alternatively as a private servant in a diplomatic household.
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for the temporary work visa are as follows:
- Persons must be at least eighteen years of age.
- Holding a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer proving the work that you are completing in the UK. The reference number on the certificate must be provided as part of your application.
- Your work must either be for an overseas government or alternatively as a private servant in a diplomatic household.
- If you are coming to the UK to take up work as a private servant than you must also prove your knowledge of English to at least level B1 on the CEFR scale. Please talk to our expert team at Henleaze Law for advice on whether you are exempt from this requirement due to being from one of the listed exempt countries.
- Prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself whilst living in the UK. This often means proving you have a minimum of £1,270 in your bank account. However, you may be exempt from this requirement if either you have been residing in the UK on a valid visa for a minimum of twelve months, or your employer is able to cover these costs during the first month in the UK.
Application Process
- Start an application for the temporary work visa and ensure you meet the listed eligibility criteria above. Persons should begin their application up to a maximum of three weeks prior to the date they are meant to commence to work in the UK. However, please note that some applicants may need longer than this as some are required to book an appointment to prove your identity.
- Begin your application, attaching the necessary documents where necessary.
- Pay the application fee, which is £298, as well as the healthcare surcharge.
- Wait to hear the success of your application for the temporary work visa which the UK government estimates to take around three weeks if the applicant is currently outside the UK or eight weeks if the applicant is currently residing in the UK. There is also the option to pay a fee for an expedited service.
FAQs
What is a temporary work visa?
A temporary work visa, also known as an International Agreement visa, is for those applicants with a contract to provide work in either an overseas government or alternatively as a private servant in a diplomatic household.
How long does it take to hear back on the success of my temporary work visa application?
It takes around three weeks if the applicant is currently outside the UK or eight weeks if the applicant is currently residing in the UK to hear back on the success of your temporary work visa application.
How early can I apply for the temporary work visa?
Persons can apply for the temporary work visa up to a maximum of three months prior to the date you are set to begin working in the UK.
When will I be told whether I need to book an appointment as part of the temporary work visa application process to provide documents and prove my identity?
Persons will be told whether they need to book an appointment as part of the temporary work visa application process to provide documents and prove their identity once an application is started.
What is the application fee for the temporary work visa?
The application fee for the temporary work visa is £298. Please note that this does not include the fee for the healthcare surcharge which must likewise be paid for.
How long am I able to stay in the UK for on the temporary work visa?
Applicants on the temporary work visa can stay in the UK for a maximum of two years (or the time laid out on your certificate of sponsorship) if you are an overseas government worker. However, if you are a private servant in a diplomatic household you can remain in the UK for a maximum of five years.
How long is my certificate of sponsorship valid for when making my temporary work visa application?
Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for three months from the date it is assigned to you.
What is the financial requirement for the temporary work visa?
The financial requirement for the temporary work visa is proving that you have a minimum of £1,270 in your bank account. However, you may be exempt from this financial requirement if either you have been residing in the UK on a valid visa for a minimum of twelve months, or your employer is able to cover these costs during the first month in the UK.
Summary
In this blog readers have learnt about how to apply for a temporary work visa in Reading, including the eligibility requirements, necessary fees and length of stay.
Please contact our expert team at Henleaze Law on 0117 908 4625 for help and advice on temporary work visa applications.
