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The International Agreement visa (Temporary Work) is designed for individuals coming to the UK to provide a service covered under international law, including employees of overseas governments and international organizations, as well as private servants in diplomatic households. This visa route is part of the temporary worker category and requires sponsorship from a UK-based employer or organization. The main purpose is to facilitate work in the UK that falls under international agreements, such as the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and similar bilateral agreements. This visa does not lead directly to settlement in the UK.
Temporary Worker
The International Agreement visa (Temporary Work) is designed for individuals coming to the UK to provide a service covered under international law, including employees of overseas governments and international organizations, as well as private servants in diplomatic households. This visa route is part of the temporary worker category and requires sponsorship from a UK-based employer or organization. The main purpose is to facilitate work in the UK that falls under international agreements, such as the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and similar bilateral agreements. This visa does not lead directly to settlement in the UK.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about applying for the International Agreement visa (Temporary Work), including detailed requirements, step-by-step application process, required documents, costs, timeline, and expert tips for a successful application.
Varies by application type
Immigration Health Charge
Paid by employer
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a reference number issued by your UK employer, who must be a licensed sponsor. It confirms your job details and that your role falls under an international agreement. You cannot apply for this visa without a CoS. To obtain it, your employer must first be registered as a sponsor with the UK Home Office.
FeaturedTo obtain a CoS, your employer must be a licensed sponsor and issue you the certificate confirming the role is covered by an international agreement. You typically need to provide your employment details, job role, and evidence that the position is part of an international agreement. Employers must also verify that your salary meets the specific threshold for the role.
FeaturedEnglish language requirements depend on the specific role. For some positions, especially those involving public interaction or significant communication responsibilities, you may need to prove your English proficiency through a degree taught in English or an approved English language test.
FeaturedSalary thresholds are specific to the international agreement and job role. They are stipulated in the agreement under which you are working. Your employer should include this information in your CoS, and you should confirm with them that your salary meets or exceeds this threshold before applying.
FeaturedRecognized employment includes roles such as private servants in diplomatic households, employees of overseas governments or international organizations, and roles under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). The job must specifically fall under the scope of an international agreement.
FeaturedNo, you cannot switch to the International Agreement visa from within the UK. You must apply from outside the UK, as this visa category does not allow in-country switching.
FeaturedIntroduction of additional criteria related to the nature of the international agreement or specific sectors prioritized by the UK government.
8/16/2025