International Agreement Visa

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  1. What is an International Agreement Visa?
  2. What are the eligibility criteria for an International Agreement Visa?
  3. How long can I stay in the UK on an International Agreement Visa?
  4. How do I apply for an International Agreement Visa?
  5. What are the benefits of an International Agreement Visa?
  6. What are the restrictions of an International Agreement Visa?
  7. What are the documents required for applying for an International Agreement Visa?
  8. How much is the visa fee for an International Agreement Visa?
  9. What are some reasons your International Agreement Visa application is refused?
  10. Can a refused International Agreement Visa application be appealed?
  11. Is it possible to switch into an International Agreement Visa from within the UK?
  12. Is it possible to switch from a Student Visa to an International Agreement Visa?
  13. Which visa categories are not allowed to switch to the International Agreement Visa?
  14. How can Morgan Smith Immigration help me with an International Agreement Visa?

What is an International Agreement Visa?

The International Agreement Visa is a UK Temporary Worker visa for people contracted to do work covered by international law or a treaty. It covers two main groups: those employed by an overseas government or a recognised international organisation to work in the UK, and private servants employed in the household of a diplomat or an employee of a recognised international organisation. A Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK-licensed sponsor is required before applying.

What are the eligibility criteria for an International Agreement Visa?

To be eligible you must: have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your UK sponsor; be aged 18 or over; have at least £1,270 in savings held for 28 consecutive days (unless your employer certifies they will cover your first month, or you have held a valid UK visa for 12 or more months); and be working in a qualifying role — either for an overseas government or recognised international organisation, or as a private servant in a diplomatic household. Private servants must also meet an English language requirement.

How long can I stay in the UK on an International Agreement Visa?

The length of stay depends on your category. Workers employed by an overseas government or recognised international organisation can stay for a maximum of 2 years in total. Private servants in diplomatic households can stay for a maximum of 5 years in total. Each grant of leave covers the period of your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, up to 2 years per grant. You can apply to extend your stay from within the UK provided you continue to meet the requirements.

How do I apply for an International Agreement Visa?

You must apply online via the UKVI portal and will need your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number before you apply. You can apply up to 3 months before your employment start date. This visa requires entry clearance — you must apply from outside the UK. Switching into this route from another visa category is not normally permitted, so you cannot apply from within the UK unless you are already on this route and applying to extend.

What are the benefits of an International Agreement Visa?

The visa allows you to work for your UK sponsor in the specific role described in your Certificate of Sponsorship. You can bring your partner and children to the UK as dependants, and they are permitted to work. You may also undertake some study and up to 20 hours per week of secondary employment in qualifying roles alongside your main sponsored position.

What are the restrictions of an International Agreement Visa?

You cannot access public funds (benefits or social housing). You cannot start working before your visa is granted. You must work only in the role described in your Certificate of Sponsorship and for the sponsoring employer. This visa does not lead to settlement — time spent on the International Agreement route does not count towards the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

What are the documents required for applying for an International Agreement Visa?

You will need: a valid passport or travel document; your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number; bank statements showing £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days (unless exempt); evidence of your employment with the overseas government or international organisation, or of your role as a private servant; proof of English language ability (private servants only); and any supporting documents your sponsor has indicated are required. Biometric information will be collected at a Visa Application Centre as part of the process.

How much is the visa fee for an International Agreement Visa?

As of 8 April 2026, the application fee is £340 per person. This applies to both out-of-country and in-country applications. Each dependant applying at the same time also pays £340. In addition, most applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is approximately £1,035 per year of leave granted, giving access to NHS services. Priority processing services are available at additional cost.

What are some reasons your International Agreement Visa application is refused?

Common reasons for refusal include: an invalid or expired Certificate of Sponsorship; the role not qualifying as work covered by international law or treaty; failing to meet the financial maintenance requirement; adverse immigration history or previous immigration breaches; failure to meet the English language requirement (private servants); and inconsistencies or gaps in the supporting documentation. Applications where the sponsoring organisation is not a recognised international organisation or overseas government will also be refused.

Can a refused International Agreement Visa application be appealed?

Yes, where a right of appeal exists, applicants may appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). The refusal letter will state whether an appeal is available and the deadline by which it must be lodged. An Administrative Review may also be available in certain circumstances. Depending on the grounds of refusal, submitting a fresh application with stronger supporting evidence may be the more practical route. We can advise on the best approach following a refusal.

Is it possible to switch into an International Agreement Visa from within the UK?

Switching into the International Agreement route from another visa category is not normally permitted. Unlike many other work routes, applicants are required to obtain entry clearance from outside the UK before travelling. If you are already in the UK on a different visa and wish to work in an International Agreement role, you will in most cases need to leave the UK and apply for the correct visa before entry. Those already in the UK on the International Agreement route can apply to extend their stay.

Is it possible to switch from a Student Visa to an International Agreement Visa?

No. Switching from a Student visa to the International Agreement route is not permitted under the Immigration Rules. Applicants on a Student visa who wish to take up qualifying employment under this route must leave the UK and apply for an International Agreement Visa from their home country or country of current residence. If you are approaching the end of your Student visa and have a qualifying job offer, specialist immigration advice is recommended as early as possible.

Which visa categories are not allowed to switch to the International Agreement Visa?

Switching into this route from any other UK visa category is not normally permitted — this applies across the board, including from the Skilled Worker, Student, Visitor, and other temporary worker routes. The International Agreement route requires entry clearance and applicants must travel to the UK with the correct visa already in place. If you believe your circumstances may allow an exception, we recommend seeking specialist legal advice before making any application.

How can Morgan Smith Immigration help me with an International Agreement Visa?

An International Agreement Visa application requires careful assessment of whether the role and sponsoring organisation qualify under the relevant international law or treaty. Our lawyers will review your Certificate of Sponsorship, employment documentation, and personal circumstances to ensure the application is put together correctly from the outset. We assist applicants and their employers with the full preparation and submission of applications, extensions, and — where available — appeals following a refusal.

Get the best Immigration advice on successfully getting an International Agreement Visa

Morgan Smith Immigration has successfully assisted clients with International Agreement Visa applications. We review each case on an individual basis and tailor our immigration advice per case. Request a Call Back by clicking on the blue button.

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