Leading UK Immigration Lawyer

qc_immigration email icon
QC Immigration logo

UK Short Term Work Visit Routes

Explore UK short-term work visas for temporary roles, exchanges, and fixed-term employment opportunities.

google colored logo stars logo vector
4.9/5 196 reviews

Short Term Work Visas Options

Short term uk work visas enable foreign nationals to work in the UK under defined conditions, such as seasonal agriculture, domestic service, internships, and cultural exchange. They are often restricted in duration and scope, and most do not lead to long-term stay or settlement. Dependents are not permitted under most routes.

Two women working at laptops in a bright modern office, representing professionals eligible for UK short-term work visa options
Close-up of person cleaning with spray bottle and cloth, representing eligibility for the UK Overseas Domestic Worker Visa

UK Overseas Domestic Worker Visa

For: Long-term domestic workers accompanying their overseas employer on a short UK visit.

This visa allows private domestic staff (e.g., housekeepers, nannies, chauffeurs) to accompany an employer visiting the UK. Applicants must have worked for their employer for at least one year. The visa is capped at 6 months and does not allow dependents or settlement.

Man standing in wheat field at sunset, representing agricultural labor under the UK Seasonal Worker Visa scheme

UK Seasonal Work Visa

For: Agricultural or poultry workers coming to the UK for short-term peak-season roles.

This visa enables work in horticulture (up to 6 months) or poultry processing (October–December). Applicants must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor. Family members cannot accompany the visa holder. This route does not lead to settlement and is governed by annual quotas.

Stage actors in period costume performing behind red curtain, representing applicants for the UK Temporary Work – Creative Worker Visa

Temporary Work - Creative Worker Visa

For: Professionals in the creative sector, including performers, artists, and production crews.

This visa allows short-term engagements in the UK creative industries. Applicants must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from an authorised UK employer and meet salary and role-specific criteria. The visa is typically granted for up to 12 months and can be extended to a maximum of 24 months with the same sponsor.

Professional woman in hijab holding a laptop, representing candidates for the UK Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Visa

UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa

For: Internships, research, training, and fellowships under official schemes.

This route facilitates structured short-term placements or research through Home Office-approved exchange programmes. Applicants must be sponsored by a licensed organisation and meet financial and eligibility criteria. Most GAE visas last 12–24 months and do not lead to settlement.

Group of young adults laughing outdoors at sunset, representing participants in the UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

For: Young adults (18–30 or 35, depending on nationality) from select countries.

This visa allows young people from eligible countries to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years (3 years for some nationalities). It does not require employer sponsorship but is subject to age, nationality, and financial requirements. No dependents are allowed.

University graduate raising cap in celebration, representing eligibility for the UK High Potential Individual Visa scheme

High Potential Individual Visa

For: Recent graduates from top global universities.

This visa allows eligible graduates to live and work in the UK without employer sponsorship for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD holders). It is not tied to a specific job or sector but does not lead to settlement. Dependents are permitted if they meet eligibility criteria.

Professional woman speaking at a podium to an audience, symbolizing roles under UK International Agreement Visa including public service and diplomatic professionals

UK International Agreement Visa

For: Work covered under international law (e.g., foreign government staff, treaty obligations).

This visa applies to roles covered by international agreements, such as embassy staff or employees of international organisations. Duration varies by role, with a maximum stay of up to 5 years for private servants in diplomatic households.

Group of people sorting clothes in a volunteer setting representing temporary worker visa applicants in the UK

Temporary Worker Visa

For: Individuals undertaking temporary work in the UK under approved categories.

This visa allows individuals to carry out short-term work in the UK for up to 24 months, depending on the specific visa route. Applicants must be sponsored by a licensed UK employer and work must align with one of the approved sub-categories, such as charity work, creative work, or seasonal employment.

Short Term Work Visas

Short-term work visas allow non-UK nationals to undertake temporary employment in the UK under specific schemes, such as seasonal work, internships, creative projects, or international agreements. These visas are time-limited, do not typically lead to settlement, and often do not allow dependents. Learn more about each route, including who is eligible, the types of work permitted, and key application requirements.