Date published: 28.07.2025
This article explores in detail two categories of temporary employment in the UK — the Temporary Worker Visa and the Frontier Worker Permit. Who can apply, what are the conditions, limitations, employment types, refusal risks, and solutions. Everything you need to know for legal short-term employment — with legal guidance from Consultant platform experts.
Temporary Worker Visa: short-term work in the UK
The Temporary Worker Visa is a category of visas that allows foreigners to work in the UK on a temporary basis, usually up to 12 months. It includes several subcategories:
Main types:
- Charity Worker — for volunteering;
- Creative Worker — artists, musicians, actors;
- Religious Worker — religious personnel;
- Seasonal Worker — agriculture and food processing;
- Government Authorised Exchange — internships, training;
- International Agreement — work under international treaties (e.g., diplomats).
Who can get a Temporary Worker Visa?
- Has a licensed sponsor (Sponsor Licence);
- Received a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS);
- Meets the specific visa conditions;
- Has sufficient funds (£1,270 or employer guarantee);
- Is ready to work for a limited period without settlement rights.
Frontier Worker Permit: for those who work in the UK but live outside it
The Frontier Worker Permit is a special permit for EU citizens who lived outside the UK but worked in the UK before the end of 2020 and continue to do so after Brexit.
Eligibility:
- You are not a UK resident;
- You started working in the UK before 31 December 2020;
- You have evidence of regular work in the UK;
- You work as an employee or self-employed.
Key advantages and limitations
Temporary Worker Visa:
- Legal employment for up to 12 months;
- You can work for the designated sponsor;
No path to settlement or bringing family (with few exceptions);
- Cannot switch sponsors without reapplying.
Frontier Worker Permit:
- Free of charge;
- Entry and work in the UK without a visa;
- Retain work while living abroad;
- No ILR or citizenship rights;
- Must regularly prove employment.
Required documents
For Temporary Worker Visa:
- Passport;
- CoS;
- Proof of funds or sponsorship;
- Depending on subcategory — additional documents (portfolio, references, contracts).
For Frontier Worker Permit:
- Employment proof (contracts, payslips);
- Proof of non-residency in the UK;
- Evidence of work before the end of 2020.
Cost
- Temporary Worker Visa: approx. £298;
- Frontier Worker Permit — free of charge;
- Immigration Health Surcharge may apply (not always);
- Legal support — priced individually.
Difficulties and common mistakes
- Incorrect CoS or too short contract (for Temporary);
- No proof of work before 2020 (for Frontier);
- Lack of funds for maintenance;
- Misunderstanding visa limitations — assuming long-term stay is allowed;
- Confusion between visa types (e.g., wrong subcategory).
How to avoid mistakes?
- Consult an experienced lawyer before applying;
- Choose the correct visa or permit category;
- Gather all employment evidence;
- Verify your sponsor meets requirements;
- Apply within validity periods — these are temporary routes.
Contact the lawyers on the Consultant platform to:
- Find the right category for you;
- Properly prepare your documents;
- Get assistance with your application;
- Avoid refusals and extra expenses.
- Get a consultation — and take a legal step toward working in the UK today!
Temporary Worker Visa and Frontier Worker Permit are two legal pathways for short-term employment in the UK. They provide access to the UK labour market but come with specific conditions and restrictions. To reduce the risk of refusal, it's essential to understand all requirements and get professional legal support.
