UK has an immigration system in place that allows non-British nationals to enter, live and work in the UK. This is called a points based system comprising of 5 tiers. These 5 tiers came into existence in the UK between 2008 and 2010 and replaced the old work permit system. Now, this new tier system is administered by UK Visa and Immigration.

UK Tier 5 visa category

There are temporary workers who wish to come to the UK for a short period of up to 12 months or 24 months (in two situations). Tier 5 visa category has 5 subcategories namely the followings:

• Temporary workers - International Agreement;
• Temporary Workers - Charity Workers;
• Temporary Workers - Creative and Sporting;
• Temporary Workers - Religious Workers; and
• Temporary Workers - Government Authorized Exchange.

Along with 5 sub-categories, there is also a youth mobility scheme under the Tier 5 system. Anyone coming to the UK under Tier 5 category can come for only 12 months except in two cases. These two cases where a migrant can apply to stay in the UK for up to 24 months are the Youth Mobility Scheme and the International Agreement Scheme.

Appendix T5

Appendix T5 of UK immigration systems lists out the eligibility requirements, documents required, the rule for dependents under Tier 5 categories, etc. One needs to score a minimum of 40 points in total to be eligible to apply under the T5 visa category. All temporary workers need to get a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed UK employer for which they get 30 points. One applying under the Youth Mobility Scheme is exempted from this. Another 10 points can be obtained for showing that you have maintenance funds to support yourself financially in the UK. The minimum amount required as of now is £800.

Eligibility Requirements All subcategories have different visa eligibility requirements. However, there are some common eligibility requirements. Let us see them here.

Youth Mobility Scheme visa requirements You need to meet the followings major requirements;

1. Your age must be between 18 and 30.
2. You must have a savings of £1,890.
3. You must have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed UK employer.
4. You must be a national of one of the following countries: a. Australia b. Canada b. Japan c. Monaco d. New Zealand e. Hong Kong f. Republic of Korea g. Taiwan or you must have a certain type of British Nationalities such as British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen or British National (Overseas).

Temporary workers - International Agreement requirements Under this sub-category, you need to have a certificate of sponsorship and at least £1,270 to support yourself financially (unless you are exempt). Temporary Workers - Charity Workers requirements Under this sub-category, you need to have a certificate of sponsorship and at least £1,270 to support yourself financially (unless you are exempt). Temporary Workers - Creative and Sporting requirements You must apply and obtain entry clearance on the creative or sporting worker route before arriving in the UK (except where CSP 3.2 is applicable).

You must show that your intention is genuine to take the role for which you have been assigned the job and you will not take any other job role. You must have at least £1,270 to support yourself financially (unless you are exempt).

Temporary Workers - Religious Workers requirements Under this sub-category, you need to have a certificate of sponsorship and at least £1,270 to support yourself financially (unless you are exempt). Temporary Workers - Government Authorized Exchange requirements You must apply and obtain entry clearance on the creative or sporting worker route before arriving in the UK. You must have a certificate of sponsorship and at least £1,270 to support yourself financially.

Can dependents apply to join you? Yes, dependents such as your partner and/or your child under the age of 18 can apply to join you at the same time as your application. Should you wish to seek professional assistance for your application process please contact Visa and Migration Ltd on +44(0)2034111261