International Agreement Worker Visa

Work must fall under an international law or treaty.

Temporary visa route under the UK’s points-based immigration system.

Replaced the previous T5 International Agreement Visa in 2020.

Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed employer.

At least £1,270 in personal savings unless exempt.

Must be 18 years or older.

Role must be covered under international agreements (e.g., GATS, UK-EU Trade Agreement).

Employer must be a licensed sponsor.

CoS confirms job details, start/end dates, and financial support if offered.

If employer covers maintenance costs, this must be certified on the CoS.

£1,270 held for 28 consecutive days before applying.

Exempt if living in the UK for 12+ months or employer covers costs.

Proof shown via bank statements or employer sponsorship confirmation.

Eligible dependents: spouse/partner, children under 18, or over 18 if already dependents in the UK.

Proof of relationship required (marriage/birth certificates or cohabitation evidence).

Dependents must meet financial maintenance requirements.

Valid passport with at least one blank page.

CoS reference number.

Proof of savings or employer maintenance support.

TB test results if required.

ATAS certificate for certain technical roles (if applicable).

Certified translations for documents not in English/Welsh.

Submit online application form with supporting documents.

Pay visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (if applicable).

Provide biometrics at a visa application centre or via ID Check app.

Decision usually within 3 weeks; priority services available for faster results.

Standard extension: up to 24 months or time on CoS + 28 days (whichever shorter).

Private servants in diplomatic households: up to 5 years in total with 24-month extensions.

Contractual service suppliers: 6–12 months depending on treaty agreements.

May switch if already employed by a foreign government or international organisation.

Application must be made before the expiry of the current visa.

Otherwise, applicant may need to leave the UK and apply from abroad.

Must hold a valid sponsor licence under the points-based system.

Responsible for issuing CoS and ensuring compliance with immigration rules.

Must maintain accurate records and report changes to the Home Office.

May be subject to Home Office compliance visits.