If you’re working for a foreign government, as a private servant in a diplomatic household or providing services, you may be covered by the international agreement worker visa. This has replaced the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – International Agreement) visa.

Eligibility

To be eligible you will need a certificate of sponsorship number and enough money to sustain yourself. Your work must be covered by one of the following:

• The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).
• Similar agreements between the UK and other countries.
• Working for an overseas government or international organisation.
• Working as a private servant in a diplomatic household or in the household of an employee of an international organisation.

Costs and Maintenance

You will need to show you have at least £1,270 to support yourself when you arrive, together with enough money for the application fee and the health surcharge. You may be exempt if your sponsor will support you, in which case they must complete the sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate.

How long can you stay?

If you’re working for a foreign government or as a servant in a diplomatic household you can stay for two years, or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus up to 28 days, whichever is shorter.
If you’re providing a service you can stay for six months in any 12-month period or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.
The contract must be in a relevant sector as set out in the General Agreement on trade in services, or in another services trade agreement under which the UK made similar commitments.

You can enter the UK up to 14 days before your job starts. You may be asked to leave within 60 days if your job finishes early. This is unlikely to happen if your job finishes within 60 days of the end of your visa.
This is not a route into permanent residency.

Get in touch

For more information our team of expert immigration lawyers or immigration solicitors can help.