Tier 5 Visas in the UK

United Kingdom also opens its doors to immigrants who want to temporarily live or work in the country. Under the United Kingdom Borders Agency’s Points-Based System, temporary workers fall under the category Tier 5. Under the Tier 5 category, there are two sub-categories in which immigrants can apply for: the Youth Mobility and Temporary Workers.

Youth Mobility

Youth as described by United Kingdom Borders Agency are individuals between the ages of 18 and 30. The Youth Mobility sub-category of Tier 5 is formerly known as Working Holidaymaker. This sub-category is open for the youth from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and also British Overseas Citizens including those who are from the British Overseas Territories Citizens or British Nationals. Aside from experiencing how to live in United Kingdom, successful applicants can also have the opportunity to be employed up to 2 years.

To qualify under the Youth Mobility sub-category, the applicant must first have a passport. The application must then be sponsored by the nationals’ governments. Necessary points will then be earned for Attributes under Appendix A as long as the requirements are met. There is no need for the mastery of the English language under this sub-category. Upon application, interested nationals must have at least 1,600 pounds in savings to show that they can support themselves during their stay in United Kingdom. However, applicants under this sub-category cannot apply for permanent settlement and cannot switch from one Tier to another if they wish to apply for employment or for study.

Temporary Workers

This category is for those immigrants who will be working in United Kingdom between 12 and 24 months.

Entertainers, sportspeople, creative or charity workers can apply as Temporary Workers under Tier 5 and they can stay in United Kingdom for up to 12 months.

Temporary religious workers, individuals who will work as part of a Government Authorized Exchange, or those who work under contract under international agreements and private servants in diplomatic households will fall under the Temporary Workers of Tier 5.

Notes: Family Members of Tier 5 Migrants

Immigration Rules will not allow entrance for the family members of immigrants who applied for Youth Mobility under Tier 5.

Temporary workers under Tier 5 can be accompanied by their family members. However, they must meet the maintenance requirements as listed in the Appendix E of Immigration Rules.

To get more information about the specific requirements of each sub-category, please visit United Kingdom Borders Agency official website, http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/.