A1.44 International Agreement Visa
This visa applies to applicants who will carry out specific work in the UK in accordance with international law or treaties, mainly including:
This visa has replaced the former Temporary Worker – International Agreement Worker visa (T5).
Important Note: If you are a contracted supplier providing services to a UK company, you should apply for the Service Supplier visa (Global Business Mobility route) instead.
You must obtain a certificate of sponsorship issued by a licensed sponsor.
The work you undertake in the UK must be related to the activities of your sponsoring organisation.
You can submit your application up to 3 months before the start date of your UK employment as stated on your certificate of sponsorship.
You may be able to pay an additional fee to get a faster decision on your application.
£319 per person (regardless of whether applying from inside or outside the UK).
Generally £1,035 per person per year of stay.
The main applicant usually needs to demonstrate that they have at least £1,270 in personal savings, with the following conditions:
You have been living in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months.
Your employer confirms on the certificate of sponsorship that they will cover your living expenses for the first month (up to £1,270).
Overseas government or international organisation workers: Up to 2 years, or the duration stated on your certificate of sponsorship plus up to 14 days (whichever is shorter).
Private servants in diplomatic households: Up to 5 years in total. You can apply for a maximum of 2 years at a time, or the duration stated on your certificate of sponsorship plus up to 14 days (whichever is shorter).
You can only enter the UK on the start date of your visa.
If your job ends early, you may be required to leave the UK within 60 days (this requirement does not apply if less than 60 days remain on your visa).
Work for your sponsor in the role described on your certificate of sponsorship.
Study as long as it does not interfere with your sponsored job (an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate is required for some courses).
Undertake a second job (excluding private servants): You can work up to 20 hours per week in a role on the Skilled Worker immigration salary list or in the same sector as your main job.
Travel abroad and re-enter the UK freely.
Bring your eligible partner and children to the UK as your dependants.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Hold a valid certificate of sponsorship reference number provided by your sponsor.
Sufficient Funds: Have at least £1,270 in personal savings (unless exempt).
Age Requirement: Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Specific Requirement for Private Servants: Private servants applying from outside the UK must prove their English language proficiency (CEFR Level B1).
Nature of Work: The work must fall under the scope of international law (i.e., working for an overseas government/international organisation, or as a private servant in a diplomatic household).
Employer’s Responsibilities: Your work remuneration must meet at least the UK National Minimum Wage, and working time regulations must be complied with.
Validity of Certificate of Sponsorship: The certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it is issued to you.
You must prove that your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills reach CEFR Level B1.
Pass an approved secure English language test.
Hold a UK GCSE/A Level or equivalent qualification in English from a UK secondary school.
Hold a degree that was taught in English (overseas degrees must be accredited by Ecctis).
Nationals from designated English-speaking countries (such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.).
You do not need to re-prove your English language ability when extending your visa.
Certificate of sponsorship reference number.
Valid passport.
Proof of personal savings (e.g., bank statements, unless supported by your employer).
(For private servants) Proof of English language proficiency.
Proof of relationship with your accompanying partner/children (if applicable).
(If applicable) Tuberculosis (TB) test result.
(If applicable) ATAS certificate (for research involving sensitive subjects).
You need to provide payslips and bank statements from the 3 months prior to your application to prove that your income has been paid on time.
All documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Applications must be submitted online.
Your dependants include your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner (with proof of cohabitation for at least 2 years, etc.), and children under the age of 18.
Dependants must submit a separate application and pay the corresponding fees.
Dependants can work in the UK (excluding roles as professional sportspersons or coaches), study, and travel in and out of the UK freely. They cannot claim public funds.
Children born in the UK to visa holders do not automatically acquire British nationality and must apply for a dependant visa separately.
You must continue to meet all eligibility criteria and submit your application inside the UK before your current visa expires.
You do not need to re-prove your English language ability, but you must provide proof of your salary for the past 3 months.
Usually within 8 weeks.
Narrow and Specific Scope: This visa is primarily targeted at government and international organisation officials, as well as private employees of diplomatic households, and is largely irrelevant to ordinary job seekers.
English Language Requirement: The requirement only applies to private servants applying from outside the UK; other categories are exempt.
Significant Variation in Stay Duration: Maximum permitted stays range from 2 years to 5 years depending on the applicant’s work status.
Employment Security and Departure Risks: If your job ends early, you may face the risk of being required to leave the UK within 60 days.
Strict Vetting for Private Servants: Detailed salary records must be provided when renewing the visa to ensure the employment relationship is genuine and compliant.
Restrictions on Second Jobs: Private servants are not allowed to take any second jobs, while other categories are permitted to do limited part-time work