UK International Agreement Visa

What is the International Agreement Worker Visa?

The UK International Agreement Worker Visa is a temporary UK visa for individuals providing services covered by international law or treaties. This includes working for a foreign government, serving as a private servant in a diplomatic household, or delivering services under a contract for an international organisation.

To qualify, a worker must be sponsored by an authorised UK employer and is allowed to work only under international agreements for a specific duration.

Suppose you are contracted to provide services to a UK company. In that case, you should apply for the Service Supplier visa under the Global Business Mobility route instead, as the International Agreement Worker Visa does not cover these arrangements.

Visa Pathway

The Government Authorised Exchange visa is temporary and does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship.

However, you may be able to switch to another visa category from within the UK, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for that route.

Dependents & Family Members

If they meet the eligibility requirements, you can bring your partner and children to the UK as your dependents. Their visas will usually expire on the same date as yours.

Dependents include:

• Your spouse
• Your civil partner
• Your unmarried partner (if you’ve lived together in a relationship for at least 2 years)
• Your children under 18

Children over 18 can apply if they are already in the UK as your dependent.

You must provide evidence of your relationship and show that your dependents have enough money to support themselves during their stay.

Financial Requirement

Your partner and children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while in the UK. The required amounts are:

• £285 for your partner
• £315 for one child
• £200 for each additional child

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Temporary Work – International Agreement visa, you must be 18 or over at the time of your application and meet the following requirements:

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

You need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or a sponsorship reference number from a UK employer authorised to sponsor workers under this route. Your CoS includes key details about your job, such as your job title, duties, start date, working hours, length of stay, and whether your sponsor will cover your living costs. The certificate is valid for 3 months (90 days) from the assigned date.

Financial Requirements

You must have at least £1,270 in personal savings in your bank account to support yourself in the UK. The funds must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, and day 28 must be within 31 days of your visa application. You are exempt from this requirement if:

• You have been in the UK on a valid visa for 12 months or more, or
• Your sponsor agrees to cover your costs (up to £1,270), which is confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship.

Job Requirements

Your job must be covered by international law or treaty. This includes:

• Working for an overseas government or a recognised international organisation
• Working as a private servant in a diplomatic household or the household of someone employed by a recognised international organisation

Your employer must ensure your role pays at least the UK minimum wage and complies with the rules on working hours. If they do not, your application will be refused.

English Language Requirement

If you are applying as a private servant from outside the UK, you must also prove your knowledge of English.

Required Documentation

When you apply for the Temporary Work-International Agreement visa, the documents you must provide can vary depending on your circumstances. In most cases, you will need to submit the following:

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number – provided by your UK sponsor, who must hold a valid UK sponsor licence.
• A valid passport or travel document showing your identity and nationality is required. Your passport must have at least one blank page for your visa.
• Proof of funds – bank statements showing you have at least £1,270 in savings unless your sponsor confirms they will cover your costs. The funds must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results – if you are from a country where TB testing is required for UK visa applications.
• ATAS certificate – only if your sponsor confirms it’s needed because your role involves research in sensitive subjects at PhD level or higher.
• Consent letter – if you’ve received funding from a government or international scholarship agency in the last 12 months, you will need written permission from that organisation to stay in or return to the UK.

If You Are Applying with Dependents, you will also need to provide:

• Proof of relationship – such as a marriage certificate for your partner or birth certificates for your children.

A certified translation must accompany any documents not in English or Welsh.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to provide additional documents. Always check the latest Home Office guidance before applying.

Processing Time

After you apply online, prove your identity, and submit your documents, you will usually get a decision within:

• 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK
• 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK

Priority Services

For faster processing of your International Agreement Worker visa application, you may be able to use one of the premium services (availability depends on where you apply):

• Priority Service: Costs an additional £500. You’ll usually receive a decision within 5 working days of your biometric appointment.
• Super Priority Service: Costs an extra £1,000. You’ll normally get a decision by the end of the next working day after your biometric appointment (if it’s on a weekday).

Fees

The International Agreement Worker visa application fee is £298 per applicant.

You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £1,035 per year of your stay in the UK.

These fees apply to both the main applicant and any dependents.

How to Apply for the International Agreement Worker Visa

You can apply for this visa up to 3 months before your start date in the UK.

Applications must be made online, usually from outside the UK. You can only apply to extend or switch to this visa from inside the UK. Applications are submitted via the UK Government website.

Complete Application Form

Fill out the online form with your personal details and information about your licensed sponsor.

Prepare Documents

Gather the required documents, including your Certificate of Sponsorship, passport, proof of funds, and any additional documents needed.

Pay the Fees

Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year).

Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment

Schedule and attend your appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph at the visa application centre.

Wait for a Decision

You’ll receive a decision by email once your application has been processed.

Collect Your Visa and BRP

If approved, collect your visa and Biometric Residence Permit (if required) after you arrive in the UK.

Duration

The length of stay you are granted depends on the type of role you are applying for:

Overseas Government Workers and International Organisation Workers

• You can stay in the UK for up to 2 years or for the time stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Private Servants in Diplomatic Households

• You can stay for up to 5 years but only apply for up to 2 years at a time, or the time on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Conditions of Stay

While in the UK, you are only permitted to:

• Work for your sponsor in the role described on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
• You can take a second job for up to 20 hours per week, as long as it’s either on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list or in the same sector as your main job (this option is not available if you are a private servant).
• Do voluntary work and study, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your sponsored job.
• Travel in and out of the UK and return
• Bring your partner and children with you as dependents if they meet the eligibility requirements

You cannot:

• Start work before your visa is granted
• Access public funds or benefits
• Settle permanently in the UK on this visa route

Visa Extensions

Can an International Agreement Worker visa be extended? You must be in the UK when you apply and continue to meet all eligibility requirements.

• If you work for an overseas government or a recognised international organisation, you can stay in the UK for up to 2 years in total.
• If you are a private servant in a diplomatic household or work in the household of someone employed by a recognised international organisation, you can stay for up to 5 years in total.

Eligibility for Extension

Workers under the International Agreement can extend their stay. The maximum extension period is 24 months. Private servants in diplomatic households have the option to extend their visas for up to five years. When applying for an extension, private servants must not demonstrate English proficiency.

If you have any questions or need further information about your visa extension, it is advisable to contact IAS for guidance. They can provide detailed information and assist with the application process.

Get Support With International Agreement Worker Visa Applications

If you need advice on applying for a UK International Agreement Worker visa or want to explore other temporary worker visa options, QC Immigration is here to help.

Our team of experienced UK immigration lawyers can guide you through every stage of the process—from confirming your eligibility and gathering the required documents to preparing a strong application. We aim to maximise your chances of success with clear, tailored advice and expert support.