International Agreement Temporary Work Visa (Formerly Tier 5)
The International Agreement Worker Visa allows individuals to come to the UK for specific work covered under international law or treaties, such as working with overseas governments or international organizations. This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – International Agreement Worker visa (T5), providing a streamlined route for those engaged in these specialized roles.
With this visa, overseas government workers and international organisation workers can stay in the UK for up to 2 years, while private servants in diplomatic households can stay for up to 5 years, subject to the relevant requirements. Applicants must be sponsored by a licensed employer, and there are provisions for bringing dependents along. If you’re looking to apply for this visa or need expert guidance, Sunrise Solicitors can help. We offer free immigration advice and can assist you with your application process. Book an appointment today for professional support!
Sponsorship Routes for Temporary Workers
The following are the sponsorship routes for temporary workers:
- Charity Worker
- Creative Worker
- Secondment Worker
- Government Authorised Exchange
- International Agreement
- Religious Worker
- Seasonal Worker
Who can apply for International Agreement Worker Visa?
To be eligible for the International Agreement Worker Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
Sponsorship: You must have a certificate of sponsorship from an approved sponsor, which includes a reference number.
Financial Requirements: You need to show that you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days, with day 28 falling within 31 days of your application. You may not need to provide this evidence if you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months or if your employer certifies on your Certificate of Sponsorship that it will cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270.
Age: You must be 18 years or older when applying.
Work Eligibility: Your job must be covered by international law, such as working for an overseas government, recognized international organizations, or as a private servant in a diplomatic household.
Minimum Wage: Your employer must ensure that your job pays at least the minimum wage and follows UK rules for work hours.
English Language Requirement for Private Servants: If you are applying from outside the UK as a private servant, you must also meet the English language requirement.
How to Apply for the International Agreement Worker Visa?
Follow these steps to apply for the International Agreement Worker Visa:
- Complete the Online Application: Start by applying online on the official UK government website.
- Provide Biometric Information: As part of your application, you will need to prove your identity. This can be done in one of two ways. First, you can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your identity document. Alternatively, you may need to visit a visa application center to provide your biometric information, including your fingerprints and photograph.
- Schedule an Appointment (If Necessary): If required, make an appointment at a visa application centre. Bring your passport with you, and you may have to travel to a nearby location if there isn’t a centre in your area.
- Pay for a Faster Decision (Optional): If you need your decision sooner, you may have the option to pay for a faster decision.
- Submit Supporting Documents: You will need to provide the required supporting documents, including your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number and evidence that you meet the financial requirement, where applicable.
- Apply at the Correct Time: You can apply for the visa up to 3 months before the date you are due to start work in the UK, as stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Is knowledge of English language required for International Agreement Visa?
For the International Agreement Worker Visa, knowledge of the English language is required only for private servants applying from outside the UK. If you are a private servant applying from outside the UK, you will need to prove your knowledge of English when applying. You can do this in one of several ways: by having a UK school qualification, a degree from a UK institution, or a degree from an overseas institution taught in English. Alternatively, you can pass an approved English language test to demonstrate your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at the required level of B1.
However, nationals from certain countries, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and several Caribbean nations, do not need to prove their knowledge of English. Additionally, if you are extending your visa, you are not required to demonstrate English proficiency.
How much does it cost?
The International Agreement Worker Visa application fee is £340 per person. This fee applies whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK. Additionally, you will need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £1,035 per year. If you are applying with dependents, they will also need to pay the same application fee and healthcare surcharge.
Services For T5 International Agreement Workers
As specialist T5 International Agreement Worker visa solicitors, we can provide fast, friendly and reliable fixed fee immigration advice and representations for the following applications for T5 International Agreement Worker:
