This page covers the following topics

Introduction

The UK Short-term work visas are a part of the Tier 5 visas and come under the UK’s Point-based system. The UK Short-term work visas are also known as ‘Temporary Workers Visas’
The visas under this category are listed below:

  1. UK Charity Worker visa.
  2. UK Creative Worker visa.
  3. UK Government Authorized Exchange visa.
  4. UK International Agreement visa.
  5. UK Religious Worker visa.
  6. UK Seasonal Work visa.
  7. UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
  8. UK Graduate visa.

UK International Agreement visa – Overview

Applicants can apply for a UK International Agreement visa if they will be contracted to do work covered by international law or treaty while in the UK. This includes working:

  • For an overseas government or international organisation.
  • As a private servant in a diplomatic household.
  • As an employee in the household of someone who works for a ‘recognised international organisation’.
  • If the work assignment is contracted to provide services to a UK company, apply for a UK Service Supplier visa (Global Business Mobility) instead.
Eligibility criteria List of documents
The eligibility criteria for a UK International Agreement visa are listed below:

  • The applicant must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from their UK sponsor.
  • The applicant must have enough money to support their stay in the UK – a minimum of £1,270 in the applicant’s bank account is mandatory.
  • The money must be available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.
  • The applicant must be 18 years old or above 18 years when they apply.
 The documents required to apply for a UK International Agreement visa are listed below:

  • A Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer.
  • A valid passport with enough blank pages for the visa, and other documents that prove the identity and nationality of the applicant.
  • Evidence of enough personal savings to support the applicant’s stay in the UK. For example, bank statements.
  • Proof of relationship with the partner or children, if they apply.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if required).
  • The applicant will need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.
  • A valid ATAS certificate if the UK employer tells the applicant that it needs one because the job role involves researching a sensitive subject at a Ph.D. level or higher.

Certificate of Sponsorship to apply for a UK International Agreement visa

  • Yes, the applicant must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer before they can apply to come to the UK to work.
  • The UK-based employer – also known as a ‘Sponsor’ – must provide the applicant with a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ stating all the information regarding the job role for which the applicant is employed in the UK.
  • It’s an e-Certificate. That means, it is an electronic record and not a paper document.
  • The applicant will need the reference number from the Certificate of Sponsorship to apply for the visa.
  • The Certificate of Sponsorship must be valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned to the applicant.

Applying for a UK International Agreement visa

The applicant can apply for a UK International Agreement visa up to 3 months before the day they are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on the Certificate of Sponsorship.

Extending a UK International Agreement visa

The applicant can apply to extend their UK International Agreement visa before their current visa expires.

Switching to a UK International Agreement visa

The applicant can apply to switch to a UK International Agreement visa while they are in the UK if they want to continue working for the current employer. The applicant must:

  • Have a work permit.
  • Work for an overseas government or international organisation.
  • Apply before their current visa expires.

Bringing a partner and children to the UK on a UK International Agreement visa

  • The applicant can bring along a partner and children (under 18 years) to join them in the UK as their ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.
  • If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as the main applicants.

A dependent partner or child is any of the following:

  • Husband, wife, civil partner, or an unmarried partner.
  • Children under 18 years – including if they were born in the UK during the main applicant’s stay in the country.
  • Children over 18 years if they’re currently in the UK living as a dependant.

Permitted and not permitted activities in the UK on a UK International Agreement visa

The applicant is permitted to:

  • Study (for some courses).
  • Work for the sponsor in the job described on the applicant’s Certificate of Sponsorship.
  • Do a second job in the same sector at the same level as the applicant’s main job for up to 20 hours per week.
  • Bring a partner and children (under 18 years), if they’re eligible.
  • Study, as long as it does not interfere with the job the applicant is sponsored for.
  • Travel abroad and return to the UK.

The applicant is not permitted to:

  • Get public funds.
  • Start working before the applicant gets their visa.

People also ask

How to apply for a UK International Agreement visa?

The applicant must apply online for a UK International Agreement visa.

Once applied online, submitted identity proofs, and provided valid documents, the applicant will usually get a decision on their visa application within:

  • 3 weeks, if the applicant is outside the UK.
  • 8 weeks, if the applicant is inside the UK.

The applicant is required to pay:

  • The application fee, which is £259 (the fee is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK).
  • The immigration healthcare surcharge, which is £624 for each year granted on the visa.

(Application fees updated as of May 2022).

  • The applicant can stay for up to 2 years or the time mentioned on the Certificate of Sponsorship plus up to 28 days, whichever is shorter.
  • The applicant can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of their job.
  • The applicant may be asked to leave the UK within 60 days if their job finishes early.
  • It’s unlikely the applicant will have to leave if their visa has less than 60 days remaining

  • An applicant can stay in the UK for up to 2 years.
  • There is no visa extension allowed on a UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
  • The applicant can live and work in the UK and enter the country at any time while their visa is valid, and leave and come back at any time during their stay.
  • If the applicant turns 31 years old after their visa is issued, they can still stay in the UK for as long as their visa is valid.

Need a professional help?.

Office

167-169, 5th Floor,
Great Portland Street, London,
W1W 5PF, United Kingdom

Contact

[email protected]

Open Hours

Monday – Friday: 9am – 6pm