Tier 5 is for temporary workers. It includes schemes for employers to sponsor workers for internships and exchanges, and for migrants coming to the UK under international law or agreements or as professionals in sport and the creative sectors. Tier 5 also covers the Youth Mobility Scheme, which allows people under 30 years of age from certain countries to come to the UK and work without sponsorship.
The maximum duration of a grant of leave under Tier 5 is two years, though several subcategories are limited to a single year. Similar to Tier 2, the Tier 5 system involves applicants being sponsored by UK-based entities to work in the UK. Employers can, therefore, apply for sponsor licences under certain categories of Tier 5.
The subcategories of Tier 5 (Temporary Workers) are:
Creative and sporting — for short term engagements for individuals working in the creative and sporting industries
Charity workers — covers unpaid voluntary “fieldwork” for charities based in the UK
Religious workers — for short-term religious work such as preaching or working in a religious order
The government authorised exchange — this visa can be used for internships in the UK. The Home Office has approved a number of intern schemes which are managed by an overarching body, supported by a UK government department. They act as the sponsor and issue certificates of sponsorship to work for other entities.
International agreement — covers people coming to the UK to provide a service covered under international law. This includes employees of governments and other international organisations.
There is not an English language requirement for Tier 5.