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A Tier 5 Visa UK is a temporary work visa granted to foreigners for a short time. The Tier 5 visa UK has been replaced by the Government Authorised Exchange visa (Temporary Work). The visa is available for a maximum period of 12 -24 months. It is available to those who want to visit the UK for a short time for temporary work/training purposes, or to undertake an Overseas Government Language Programme/research/ fellowship through an approved government-authorized exchange scheme. However, to receive the visa applicants must have a sponsor, and must meet other requirements. Keep reading to learn more about the Tier 5 visa UK: types, eligibility criteria, documentation, application process, and fees, among others.
| Visa Name | Tier 5 Visa UK |
| Replaced by | Government Authorised Exchange Visa (Temporary Work) |
| Validity | 12-24 months |
| Fee | £298 |
| Processing Time | 3 weeks |
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What is a Tier 5 VISA UK?
A Tier 5 visa Uk is a visa available to international travellers to the UK for temporary work. The Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange visa has replaced the Tier 5 visa. The visa is meant for those who want to visit the UK to undertake temporary work/activity. The visa cannot be used to obtain permanent work in the UK.
Types of Tier 5 Visa UK
The following are the different types of Tier 5 Visa UK. International travellers from outside the EEA and Switzerland can apply for a Tier 5 visa. The duration of the visa can range between 12-24 months depending on the visa type.
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Creative and sporting) visa;
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Charity Worker) visa;
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – International Agreement) visa;
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange) visa;
- Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa.
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Religious Worker) visa
Learn About the Different Types of UK Visa
Tier 5 Visa UK Eligibility Requirements
The following are the Tier 5 Visa UK eligibility requirements:
- The applicant must have a UK sponsor and must provide a certificate of sponsorship reference number
- Moreover, the applicant must have enough money to support themselves. That is, the applicant must have a minimum of £1,270 to support themselves
- Additionally, the employer must adhere to the minimum wage requirements of the UK, and the number of hours the applicant will work
- The money must be in the account of the visa holder for 28 days in a row
Sponsorship
The temporary worker must provide a certificate of sponsorship to undertake work in the UK. The sponsor must provide a reference number that contains confirmation of the job, and the personal details of the applicant. Moreover, the work/training that an applicant undertakes must be relevant to the sponsor organization’s work. A sponsor can be any of the following:
- An organization that is running an approved exchange scheme
- A government department/agency
- Educational institution. For example, in the case of a sponsored researcher, academic)
Learn How to Get Visa Sponsorship Jobs in UK?
Tier 5 VISA UK Documentation Requirements
The following documents are required for a Government Authorised Exchange visa for Temporary work.
- Certificate of sponsorship reference number provided by the employer
- A valid passport of the applicant
- Proof of personal savings. For example, bank statements
- Proof of relationship with a partner/children (if they are also applying for the visa)
- TB test results
- Valid ATAS certificate (if an employer requires it) for researching a sensitive subject
- Letter from a government/international scholarship agency as proof of consent to remain in/re-enter the UK
- Must have blank pages in the passport
- Must provide a translation of documents that are not in Welsh/English
- Any other additional documents, as required
Tier 5 VISA UK: Application Process
The Tier 5 visa UK has been replaced by the Government Authorised Exchange visa (Temporary Work). Hence, we have provided the application process for the Government Authorised Exchange Visa.
- First prove identity: Take fingerprints and photographs at a visa application center. After completing this step, the biometric residence permit will be issued
- Next, use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan the identity document. Later create/sign in to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, and apply
- Next, make an appointment. Note: the visa application centre will keep the passport and the documents for the visa application process. The applicant will have to collect it later on.
- The dependent child or partner of the applicant can apply for the visa. However, they require a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN) of the applicant.
Learn the Steps Required to Apply for a Visa?
Government Authorised Exchange Visa (Temporary Work) Cost
The Government Authorised Exchange visa cost includes the following:
- Application fee of £298 for each person
- Healthcare surcharge. It is approximately £624 per year
- Additionally, the applicant must have enough personal savings
Tier 5 Visa UK: Extension
It is possible to extend the temporary worker-Government Authorised Exchange visa. However, the application for the same has to be submitted before the visa expires. The visa application extension can be applied by visiting the official website of the Gov.UK. However, even if the applicant has successfully extended the visa, it does not mean that the visa application extension will apply to the dependents of the applicant.
Tier 5 Visa UK Duration
The maximum duration of the Tier 5 visa UK is as follows:
- 12 months of work experience
- 24 months for training, research, and overseas government language program
Under the Government Authorised Exchange visa, the applicant can stay for the duration specified in the certificate of sponsorship, plus 14 days (whichever is shorter)
Tier 5 Visa Application Result
After completing the online application, proving the identity, and submitting the essential documents, an applicant can expect a decision on the temporary visa.
| Particulars | Duration |
| Outside the UK | 3 weeks |
| Inside the UK | 8 weeks |
FAQs
The application fee for the tier 5 visa is £244. The Government Authorised Exchange visa (temporary work) that has replaced the Tier 5 visa costs around £298 per application.
A dependent is a spouse or child of the applicant, The applicant must have sufficient financial resources to take care of themselves and their dependents. The same has to be proven in the application. For example, bank statements.
Yes. Under certain circumstances, it is possible that the visa application to be rejected. For example, Inadequate supporting documentation, problems with Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and insufficient funds, among others.
We hope you now understand what a Tier 4 UK visa is, its requirements, the application process, etc. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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