Outlined below is general information about the new Temporary Workers category (Tier 3). After November 2008, anyone with permission to stay in the United Kingdom who intends to extend their stay will need to apply under the points-based system.  The temporary workers category will be made up of five sub-categories.

CREATIVE AND SPORTING

Points assessment

• You will need to score 40 points from the sponsorship and maintenance categories.

Sponsorship

To come to the UK as a Sportsperson, your sponsor must be a sports club, sporting body or event organiser.

To come to the UK as a Creative worker, your sponsor must work within the creative industry. For example, an event organiser, national body or venue.

CHARITY WORKERS

Points assessment

• You will need to score 40 points from the sponsorship and maintenance categories.

Sponsorship

You must prove that you have a valid certificate of sponsorship issued by a licensed sponsor. Your potential employer must be a registered, excepted or exempt United Kingdom charity.

RELIGIOUS WORKERS

The religious workers category allows you to come to the UK for a maximum of 24 months to undertake short-term, temporary work for a recognised religion. While in the United Kingdom you will be allowed to undertake religious work as recognised by the religion but cannot be involved in preaching or pastoral work.

GOVERNMENT AUTHORISED EXCHANGE

The government authorised exchange sub-category allows you to come to the United Kingdom for a maximum of 24 months to share knowledge, experience and best practice.

Points assessment

• You will need to score 40 points from the sponsorship and maintenance categories.

Sponsorship

Certificates of sponsorship for the government authorised exchange sub-category will be issued by an overarching body that runs and administers the scheme. The overarching body will have the support of a UK government department.

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT

The international agreement category allows you to come to the United Kingdom for a maximum of 24 months to provide a service that is covered under international law. The services covered by this sub-category include: employees of overseas governments and the General Agreement of Trades in Services (GATS) and similar bilateral agreements.

Points assessment

• You will need to score 40 points from the sponsorship and maintenance categories.

YOUTH MOBILITY SCHEME

The Youth mobility scheme allows young people to come and experience life in the United Kingdom for up to two years. Young United Kingdom nationals will also be able to benefit from similar opportunities in participating countries. If you meet the criteria to participate in the scheme and your country joins the scheme, you will be free to do whatever work you like during your stay in the United Kingdom except for business and professional sport, or work as a doctor in training.

The Youth mobility scheme replaces the Working holidaymakers visa scheme, Au pair and Youth Exchange schemes.

Eligibility

You must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• aged between 18 and 30 years of age
• You are a National of a country participating in the scheme

Points assessment

• You must score 50 points from the sponsorship, age and maintenance categories.