Temporary Workers

For those who have been offered work as a sportsperson or creative worker, such as an actor, dancer or musician.

You must be sponsored by your employer.

Creative and sporting visa

For those who wish to do unpaid, voluntary work for a charity in the UK.

You must be sponsored by your employer.

Charity worker visa

For those who have been contracted to do work covered by international law while in the UK (for example, working for a government).

You must be sponsored by your employer.

Tier 5 international agreement

For those who wish to do religious work (e.g. preaching or working in a religious order).

You must be sponsored by your employer.

Religious work

This route is for those who want to come to the UK for work experience or to do training or research. 

The work experience or training programme that you do must be though an approved government authorised exchange scheme, and your visa will be sponsored by an overarching body, such as the British Council.

If you will come to the UK to take part in a formal research project at the University of Edinburgh, the University may be able to sponsor your visa.

Government authorised exchange schemes

Sponsored research at the University of Edinburgh

Government authorised exchange

This visa is for nationals of certain countries to come to the UK for up to two years to work or look for work.

There is no restriction on the type of work you can do except:

• You must not be self-employed
• You must not work as a professional sportsperson or coach
• You must not work as a doctor or dentist in training

Youth Mobility Scheme

There is a separate scheme for Indian nationals, called the India Young Professional Scheme visa.

India Young Professionals Scheme visa