International Agreement visa (Temporary Work)
Overview
You can apply for a Temporary Work – International Agreement visa if you’ll be contracted to do work covered by international law or treaty while in the UK. This includes working:
- for an overseas government or ‘recognised international organisation’
- as a private servant in a diplomatic household
Check the eligibility requirements.
This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – International Agreement Worker visa (T5).
If you are being contracted to provide services to a UK company, apply for a Service Supplier visa (Global Business Mobility) instead.
Sponsorship
You need to be sponsored (have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer) before you can apply to come to the UK.
The work you do in the UK must relate to the work of your sponsor organisation.
How long it takes
You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.
As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.
Getting a decision
Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:
- 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
- 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.
How much it costs
You, your partner or children will each need to:
- pay the application fee
- pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £1,035 per year - you can check how much you’ll have to pay
- prove you have enough personal savings - check how much in the eligibility requirements
Application fee
The application fee for each person applying is £298.
The fee is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.
How long you can stay
How long you can stay in the UK depends on the type of work you do.
If you’re an overseas government worker or international organisation worker, you can stay for up to 2 years or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus up to 14 days, whichever is shorter.
If you’re a private servant in a diplomatic household, you can stay for up to 5 years. You can apply for up to 2 years at a time or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus up to 14 days, whichever is shorter.
When you can enter and leave
You can enter the UK on the date your visa starts.
You may be asked to leave the UK within 60 days if your job finishes early. It’s unlikely you’ll have to leave if your visa has less than 60 days remaining.
What you can and cannot do
You can:
- study as long as it does not interfere with the job you’re sponsored for - you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate for some courses
- work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
- do a second job on the Skilled Worker immigration salary list or one in the same sector as your main job for up to 20 hours per week (unless you are a private servant)
- travel abroad and return to the UK
- bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible
You cannot:
- get public funds
- start working before you get your visa