UK International Agreement Visa - Temporary Worker
UK International Agreement Visa - Temporary Worker Route
The UK International Agreement Visa -Temporary Worker is for individuals coming to the UK to work under international treaties or agreements, including diplomatic workers, employees of overseas governments, and contractual service suppliers.
What is the UK International Agreement Visa?
The UK International Agreement Visa is part of the Temporary Worker (T5) route and is designed for individuals working in the UK under international laws or treaties.
This visa applies to:
- Private servants in diplomatic households.
- Employees of overseas governments and international organisations.
- Contractual service suppliers or independent professionals working under free trade agreements.
All applicants must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-based Home Office licensed sponsor.
Who Can Apply for a UK International Agreement Visa?
You can apply if you are:
1. A Private Servant in a Diplomatic Household
- You must work in a private household of a diplomatic official.
- Your employer must be a foreign diplomat or official representative in the UK.
2. An Employee of an Overseas Government or International Organisation
- You must be employed by a recognised foreign government or international body (e.g., UN, NATO, WHO).
- You must have been offered a role in the UK branch of your organisation.
3. A Contractual Service Supplier or Independent Professional
- You must be working under a UK-recognised international trade agreement.
- Your employer must be based overseas, and your services must be covered under a qualifying trade treaty.
- You must not be directly employed by the UK company receiving your services.
How Long Can You Stay on a UK International Agreement Visa?
- Private servants in diplomatic households: Up to 5 years, with renewals every 12 months.
- Employees of overseas governments or international organisations: Up to 2 years, or as per contract terms.
- Contractual service suppliers or independent professionals: Up to 6 or 12 months (depending on the trade agreement).
After reaching the maximum stay, you must leave the UK or apply for another visa (if eligible).
What You Can and Cannot Do on a UK International Agreement Visa
You can:
- Work only for the employer sponsoring you.
- Take on voluntary work.
- Study (some restrictions apply).
- Travel in and out of the UK during your visa period.
You cannot:
- Take on permanent employment in the UK.
- Work for a UK company outside your sponsored role.
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
- Access public funds or benefits.
Sponsorship and Employer Requirements of the International Agreement Visa in the UK
Your UK sponsor must:
- Be approved by the Home Office under the International Agreement route.
- Assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before you apply.
- Ensure that your role complies with international agreements.
Sponsors are responsible for monitoring compliance and reporting any visa breaches.
Required Documents for a UK International Agreement Visa
To apply for an International Agreement Visa for the UK, you should provide:
- A valid passport (with at least one blank page).
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your UK sponsor.
- Employment contract or letter from your employer.
- Proof of financial maintenance (£1,270 in savings) unless exempt.
- TB test certificate, if required for your country.
You must provide a certified translation if your documents are not in English or Welsh.
How to Apply for a UK International Agreement Visa
Step 1: Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your UK sponsor must issue a CoS before you apply.
Step 2: Check if You Can Use the UK Immigration: ID Check App
Some applicants do not need to attend a visa application centre and can verify their identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
You can use the app if:
- You are applying from outside the UK.
- You hold a biometric passport from an eligible country.
If eligible, you will be prompted to use the app during the online application process.
Step 3: Apply Online
- Complete your application through the official UK government website.
- Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Step 4: Verify Your Identity
If you cannot use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, you must book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to:
- Provide fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information).
- Submit any additional required documents.
Step 5: Await a Decision
- Standard processing time: 3 weeks.
- Priority processing (optional): 5 working days for an extra £500.
Once approved, you will receive:
- A digital status if you used the ID Check app.
- A visa vignette in your passport if you applied via a VAC.
UK International Agreement Visa Fees and Costs
Visa Application Fee:
- £298
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
- £1,035 per year
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee:
- Paid by the UK employer (£239 per worker)
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) does not apply to this visa.
How Immtell Can Help
Applying for a UK International Agreement Visa requires careful preparation to ensure compliance with Home Office requirements. Immtell provides expert support to help:
- UK employers and international organisations secure a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence.
- Workers complete their visa application accurately.
- Ensure roles meet Home Office eligibility requirements.
- Assist with visa compliance and legal support.
Work in the UK Under an International Agreement
Get expert guidance for your UK International Agreement Visa application and ensure a clear and efficient process for both employers and workers.
Get expert guidance for your UK International Agreement Visa application and ensure a clear and efficient process for both employers and workers.
Further Reading
Guide to Successfully Obtaining a UK Work Visa in 2025
How to Obtain a Work Visa for the UK in 2025
What is the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?
Your Guide to the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK: Meeting Eligibility and Navigating Compliance
How to Get a Skilled Worker Visa UK
Updated Guide to Getting a Skilled Worker Visa for the UK (2025)
The UK Immigration Process: A Guide for Newcomers
Your Essential Guide to Navigating the UK Immigration Process with Confidence