International Agreement visa

You can apply for a Temporary Work – International Agreement visa if you’ll be contracted to do work covered by international law or treaty while in the UK. This includes working: for an overseas government or ‘recognised international organisation’ and as a private servant in a diplomatic household.

The Temporary Work – International Agreement (T5) visa enables professionals who are contracted under a treaty or international agreement to work in the UK for a recognised government, an international organisation, or as a private servant in a diplomatic household.

This page outlines who may apply, the key steps in the process and how ICS & Partners can support you.

Applying for International Agreement program

Eligibility is limited to individuals who meet at least one of the following categories:

  • Employees of a foreign government who are being seconded to a UK department or agency under a bilateral treaty.
  • Staff of a recognised international organisation (e.g., United Nations, WHO, World Bank) who are assigned to a UK office.
  • Private servants working in the household of a diplomatic mission, provided the employer holds diplomatic status.
Key point: The visa is tied to the specific sponsor and role – any change in employer or position will usually require a new application.

Core eligibility criteria

Sponsorship

A UK‑based sponsor must hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by the Home Office and be approved to employ international agreement workers.

Employees of overseas governments and international organisations

When a sponsor issues a CoS to employees of overseas governments and international organisations, they confirm certain points, including that the applicant:

  • is under a contract of employment with the overseas government or international organisation and wants to come to the UK to provide a service covered under international law;
  • if working on a contract basis (being supplied as labour from one organisation to another), is not filling a permanent position, including on a temporary basis;
  • will not take up any job for the sponsor, other than the one for which the certificate of sponsorship was issued;
  • will not be working as a private servant in a diplomatic household or as a domestic worker in a private household.

Private servants in diplomatic households

When a sponsor issues a CoS to private servants in diplomatic households, they confirm certain points, including that the applicant:

  • will be employed by and as a private servant in the household of either:
    • a member of staff of a diplomatic or consular mission who has diplomatic privileges and immunity as defined by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations;
    • an official employed by an international organisation with certain privileges and immunities under UK or international law.
  • intends to work full-time in domestic employment;
  • will not take up any other form of job for the sponsor other than as a private servant in the specified household;
  • is not related to the sponsor or the sponsor’s spouse, either by blood or by marriage - this includes but is not limited to the spouse or unmarried partner, child, parent, grandparent, or sibling of either the sponsor or the sponsor’s spouse;
  • will leave the UK when their permission to stay has expired.

Job role

The role must be directly related to the treaty or agreement and cannot be a generic position. The job description, salary and length of assignment must be detailed in the CoS.

Financial requirement

Applicants must demonstrate they can be maintained without recourse to public funds. The sponsoring organisation usually provides a maintenance guarantee, but personal savings can also be shown.

Application process

  1. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK sponsor.
  2. Gather supporting documents: passport, proof of qualifications, evidence of the international agreement, maintenance funds, and any relevant criminal‑record checks.
  3. Complete the online visa application (Form T5) and pay the Home Office fee.
  4. Book and attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre.
  5. Submit your documents and wait for the decision – typical processing times are 3 weeks, but can vary.

Document checklist

Passport, CoS reference number, proof of treaty/organisation status, evidence of maintenance, English‑language test result (if required), TB test results (if applicable).

After you arrive in the UK

The T5 visa is usually granted for up to 12 months and can be extended if the sponsorship continues. Visa holders may:

  • Enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date listed on the CoS.
  • Work only for the sponsoring organisation and in the approved role.
  • Access National Health Service (NHS) services on the same basis as UK residents.

If you wish to change employers, switch to a different visa route, or apply for settlement, you must meet the relevant immigration requirements and obtain a new sponsor.

How ICS & Partners can help

Navigating the International Agreement visa route involves precise documentation and strict timing. Our team can:

  • Confirm whether your role qualifies under the T5 category.
  • Assist your sponsor in obtaining a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
  • Prepare a tailored document package to meet Home Office standards.
  • Guide you through the online application, biometric appointment and any follow‑up queries.

If you are an employer looking to sponsor an international agreement worker, we can advise on compliance obligations and sponsor licence requirements.

Ready to discuss your situation? Contact ICS & Partners for a confidential, no‑obligation consultation and ensure your application is handled with expert care.