An International Agreement visa enables sponsored overseas nationals who have been contracted to do work which is covered by international law or treaty in the UK. This includes work such as employees of overseas governments and international organisations or private servants in diplomatic households.
This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – International Agreement Worker visa (T5).
In order to successfully apply for an International Agreement visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:
Applicants who are an overseas government worker or international organisation worker, can stay for up to 2 years or the time given on their certificate of sponsorship plus up to 14 days, whichever is shorter.
Applicants who are private servants in a diplomatic household, can apply for up to 2 years at a time or the time given on their certificate of sponsorship plus up to 14 days, whichever is shorter.
Before the expiry of an International Agreement visa, an applicant must apply to the Home Office to extend their stay in the UK.
Applicants who are an overseas government worker or international organisation worker, can apply to stay in the UK for a maximum of 2 years.
Applicants who are private servants or work as an employee in the household of someone who works for a ‘recognised international organisation’, can apply extend their stay for up to 2 years at a time until they reach a maximum of 5 years under this visa.
This route does not lead to settlement. However, applicants can switch into another category such as a Skilled Worker route which does lead to settlement.
The partner and children of an applicant can accompany or join them so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If this is met, they will be issued a visa which will have the same end date as the International Agreement Worker visa holder.
The Home Office will usually process an International Agreement visa application within 3 weeks if the application is made from outside the UK. If an application is made within the UK a decision is usually made within 8 weeks.
If eligible, applicants will be advised whether they can apply to get a decision faster. The Home Office charge additional fees for these priority services.
The Home Office fee for an International Agreement visa is £259.
The fee is the same whether applicants are applying from inside or outside the UK.
Applicants may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge depending on the length of their sponsorship, which is usually £624 per year.
Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you throughout your immigration journey.
If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.