International Agreement visa
You can apply for a Temporary Work – International Agreement visa if you are contracted to perform work in the UK that is governed by international law or treaty obligations. This includes:
Working for an overseas government or a recognised international organisation
Working as a private servant in a diplomatic household
Before applying, make sure to review the eligibility requirements. You will also need a valid certificate of sponsorship (CoS). It is essential to perform a Cos check to ensure that your cos number is active and correct, and to monitor your Cos status during the process.
This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – International Agreement Worker visa (T5).
If you are providing contracted services to a UK company, you should instead apply for the Service Supplier visa (Global Business Mobility).
CoS status
CoS check to confirm the validity of your Certificate of Sponsorship status and associated CoS number. Click here
Sponsorship Requirements
You must be sponsored by a UK-licensed employer who will issue you a certificate of sponsorship. The work you do must directly relate to the business of your sponsoring organisation.
To avoid delays, regularly Check cos and confirm your Cos status is valid throughout the application process.
When to Apply
You can apply for this visa up to 3 months before your job start date in the UK. This date will be listed on your certificate of sponsorship (cos number).
As part of your application, you will need to:
Verify your identity
Submit all required documentation
You may need to schedule and attend an appointment to complete this step. You’ll be informed if an appointment is necessary when you start your application.
Decision Times
After you have submitted your online application, proven your identity, and provided all necessary documents, you will typically receive a decision on your visa status within:
3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK
8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK
Priority processing may be available for an additional fee if you require a faster decision.
Visa Fees
Each applicant (including your partner and children) must:
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the healthcare surcharge, usually £1,035 per year
Provide proof of sufficient personal savings – see the eligibility requirements for the exact amount
Application fee: £319 per applicant, whether applying from inside or outside the UK.
Length of Stay
The length of your stay depends on the nature of your role and your Cos status:
Overseas government or international organisation workers may stay up to 2 years or the time stated in the certificate of sponsorship, plus up to 14 days (whichever is shorter).
Private servants in diplomatic households may stay up to 5 years. You can apply for stays of up to 2 years at a time, or the duration listed in your Cos, plus 14 days (whichever is shorter).
Entering and Leaving the UK
You can enter the UK on the start date listed on your visa.
If your job ends earlier than expected, you may be required to leave the UK within 60 days. You are unlikely to be asked to leave if less than 60 days remain on your visa.
What You Can and Cannot Do
You are allowed to:
Study, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your sponsored work (you may need an ATAS certificate for certain courses)
Work for your sponsor in the job detailed in your certificate of sponsorship
Take on a second job (up to 20 hours per week) if it is on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list or within the same sector as your primary role (not allowed for private servants)
Travel abroad and return to the UK
Bring your partner and children as your dependants, if eligible
You are not allowed to:
Access public funds
Begin working before your visa is granted
Eligibility Requirements for the Temporary Work – International Agreement Visa
You can apply for a Temporary Work – International Agreement visa if you meet the following criteria:
You have a valid certificate of sponsorship (CoS) – ensure your cos number is correct and active through a Cos check.
You have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK – typically at least £1,270, unless you are exempt.
You are aged 18 or over at the time of your application.
Employment Conditions
Your employer must ensure that your job meets the UK’s legal standards, including:
Paying you at least the UK minimum wage
Complying with the maximum working hours per week permitted under UK law
Failure by your employer to meet these conditions will result in your application being refused. It’s essential to confirm all employment details listed in your Cos number and monitor your Cos status using a Check cos before applying.
Work Covered by International Law
Your work in the UK must fall into one of the following categories:
Employment by an overseas government or a recognised international organisation
Employment as a private servant in a diplomatic mission or within the household of someone working for a recognised international organisation
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
The certificate of sponsorship is a unique reference number that contains details about you and your job. It is not a physical certificate or paper document.
Your sponsor (employer) will issue your Cos number, which you will need for your visa application. This number links directly to your Cos status, so it’s crucial to perform a Cos check to confirm its validity.
Your sponsor must also provide:
Details of your job role
Your expected working hours
Confirmation that the job meets sponsorship requirements
Only organisations recognised by the UK government are permitted to issue certificates of sponsorship for this visa route.
Please note: Your Cos number is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned to you. Be sure to apply for your visa within this period and regularly check cos status for any updates or changes.
Check CoS status
You check your CoS to confirm the validity of Certificate of Sponsorship status and associated CoS number. Check CoS status