UK visa applications: Temporary Worker
UK visa applications: Temporary Worker stood at 30,077 Visas in Q2 2026, according to GOV.UK official statistics. It is one of the indicators in the Immigration, quarterly table (Value · Quarterly), with a complete series running from Q1 2005 to Q2 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Immigration, quarterly table
| Indicator | Q2-2026 | Q1-2026 | Q4-2025 | Q3-2025 | Q2-2025 | Q1-2025 | Q4-2024 | Q3-2024 | Q2-2024 | Q1-2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa applications | |||||||||||
| Temporary Worker | 30,077 | 24,250 | 14,752 | 16,801 | 33,100 | 22,213 | 14,773 | 17,764 | 30,985 | 24,761 | |
| Investor, business development and talent | 1,998 | 1,559 | 1,713 | 2,136 | 1,901 | 1,667 | 1,669 | 2,041 | 1,792 | 1,859 |
Understanding UK visa applications: Temporary Worker
This measure records every formal entry clearance submission lodged globally for short-term, non-settlement employment within the United Kingdom across seasonal, creative, charitable, and government-authorised exchange programmes. It captures individuals intending to reside temporarily for specific project-based labour without a pathway to permanent settlement, distinguishing them from core long-term working routes. The scope excludes standard visitors and permanent skilled employees.
When analysing these figures, pay close attention to structural shifts driven by seasonal agricultural demands and international youth mobility agreements. Early quarterly estimates are subject to administrative updates as late documentation clears processing queues. Comparing these counts against permanent work routes highlights the cyclical nature of temporary labour demand across specific industries.
Frequently asked questions
- What types of employment fall under this classification?
- It covers seasonal agricultural labourers, creative artists, charity workers, and participants in government-approved exchange schemes.
- Does this route lead to permanent settlement?
- No, temporary worker categories are specifically designed for non-settlement stays of limited duration.
- Why is seasonality particularly pronounced here?
- Agricultural and horticultural sectors rely heavily on seasonal labour intakes during specific quarters of the year.