Employers and organisations can use the International Agreement route for work covered by international law, including certain diplomatic household roles and employees of overseas governments or international organisations. The route is specialist and evidence-heavy, so the sponsor must link the role clearly to a qualifying agreement.
Previously known as the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) International Agreement Worker route.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-14.
TL;DR
The International Agreement Visa is for work covered by international law, such as roles with overseas governments, international organisations and certain diplomatic households. The application fee is £340, the maximum stay is usually up to 24 months, and the usual outside-UK decision time is 3 weeks.
£340
Application fee
24 months
Maximum stay
3 weeks
Typical decision
What is the International Agreement Visa?
The International Agreement Visa is for workers coming to the UK to provide a service covered under international law. Examples include certain overseas government employees, international organisation workers and private servants in diplomatic households.
For sponsoring organisations, the crucial check is that the role is genuinely covered by a qualifying agreement under international law — this is a specialist route, not a general employment route. The sponsor must keep evidence linking the role to the agreement and ensure duties match the permission granted.
This is a temporary route and does not lead directly to settlement. Applicants who want to remain in the UK longer-term normally need to switch into another eligible route before their permission expires.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the International Agreement Visa.
📄
International Agreement Basis
The role must be covered by an eligible international agreement or international-law arrangement. Sponsors should keep evidence explaining why the worker and role qualify.
💼
Valid Certificate of Sponsorship
The applicant needs a CoS from a sponsor licensed for International Agreement. The CoS must accurately reflect the role, pay and agreement basis.
£
Pay and Working Conditions
Sponsored workers must be paid at least National Minimum Wage and the role must comply with UK working-time rules unless a specific lawful exemption applies.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a International Agreement Visa.
✓ You Can
- Work for the sponsor in the role stated on the CoS.
- Study if it does not interfere with sponsored work.
- Do limited supplementary work where permitted by the route.
- Bring eligible dependants if they meet the rules.
- Extend in some cases subject to route limits.
✗ You Cannot
- Access public funds while in the UK.
- Start work before permission is granted.
- Use the route for general employment not covered by an agreement.
- Use the route for settlement directly because it is temporary.
- Work outside the sponsored role except where the rules allow.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £340 per person |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year |
| Savings required | £1,270 unless exempt |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | £55 (paid by sponsor) |
| Priority services | Additional fee — check current fees |
How to Apply
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Check Route Fit
Confirm the applicant meets the International Agreement Visa eligibility requirements and that the role or activity fits the route.
Assign or Check Sponsorship
The sponsor should assign the correct Certificate of Sponsorship or approved sponsorship reference before the applicant applies.
Submit the Online Application
Apply online and pay the £340 application fee plus any healthcare surcharge due.
Attend Biometrics or Use the App
Provide identity evidence through the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a visa application centre.
Receive Your Decision
Outside-UK applications are usually decided within 3 weeks; in-country applications are usually listed as 8 weeks where available.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the International Agreement Visa from employers and applicants.
What is the International Agreement Visa UK?
The International Agreement Visa is a Temporary Work route for workers providing services in the UK under international law.
How much does the International Agreement Visa cost in 2026?
The Home Office application fee is £340 per person. Applicants may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and any optional priority-service fee if available.
How long can an International Agreement worker stay?
International Agreement workers can usually come to the UK for up to 24 months, although some categories, such as private servants in diplomatic households, may have different extension rules.
What work qualifies for the International Agreement Visa?
The work must be covered by international law, such as roles with overseas governments, international organisations or certain diplomatic households.
Can a private servant in a diplomatic household apply?
Yes, this can fall within the International Agreement route if the specific requirements are met and the role is properly sponsored.
Does International Agreement require a sponsor?
Yes. The applicant usually needs a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor for the International Agreement route.
Can dependants apply with an International Agreement worker?
Eligible partners and children can apply as dependants if they meet the relevant requirements.
Does the International Agreement route lead to settlement?
No. This is a temporary route and does not lead directly to indefinite leave to remain.
How long does an International Agreement decision take?
Outside-UK work visa applications are usually decided within 3 weeks; in-country Temporary Work applications are usually listed as 8 weeks.
What should sponsors check before using this route?
Sponsors should keep evidence that the role is covered by an international agreement and that the pay and duties meet the route rules.
Need Help With Your International Agreement Visa?
Our immigration specialists handle everything from sponsor licence checks to visa approval — for employers and applicants alike.