GOV.UK
Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - International Agreement) visa
1. Overview
You can apply for a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - International Agreement) visa if:
- you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
- you’ll be contracted to do work covered by international law while in the UK, for example working for a foreign government or as a private servant in a diplomatic household
- you meet the other eligibility requirements
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 will take
The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before the date you’re due to start work. This date is on your certificate of sponsorship.
You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
Check the guide processing times to find out how long getting a visa might take in your country.
Fees
How much you pay for a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - International Agreement) visa depends on your situation, where you are and how you apply.
| Who you’re applying for | Apply (outside the UK) | Extend or switch online or by post in the UK | Extend or switch in person in the UK (premium service) |
|---|---|---|---|
| You | £235 | £235 | £825 |
| If you’re a citizen of Turkey or Macedonia | £180 | £180 | £770 |
| All dependants | £235 each | £235 each | £825 each |
You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.
How long you can stay
In most cases you’ll be able to stay for 2 years, or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus up to 28 days, whichever is shorter.
In certain cases you can only stay for 6 months in any 12 month period, or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter. This applies if you’re providing a service:
- under contract as set out in the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)
- under similar trade agreements, such as the EU-Chile free trade agreement
You can enter the UK 14 days before the start date on your certificate of sponsorship.
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 can’t do
You can:
- study - for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate
- work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
- do a second job on the Tier 2 shortage occupation list or one in the same sector as your main job for up to 20 hours per week (unless you are a private servant, a contractual service supplier or an independent professional)
- study, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the job you’re sponsored for
- travel abroad and return to the UK
- bring family members with you
You can’t:
- get public funds
- start working before you get your visa