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:

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:

You cannot: