The International Agreement Visa UK (formerly T5 International Agreement) allows overseas nationals to work in the UK under international law or treaty obligations. This guide covers the three distinct categories—private servants in diplomatic households, employees of overseas governments and international organisations, and contractual service suppliers—with 2026 requirements, the £319 application fee, and step-by-step application guidance.
International Agreement Visa UK Overview 2026
The International Agreement Visa is part of the UK's Temporary Worker visa framework, designed for individuals whose work in the UK is governed by international treaties, conventions, or trade agreements. Unlike other temporary work routes, this visa specifically facilitates diplomatic, governmental, and treaty-based employment arrangements.
The visa replaced the former Tier 5 (International Agreement) visa in December 2020 under the points-based immigration system. All applicants require a Certificate of Sponsorship from a Home Office-licensed sponsor before applying.
Who Can Apply for an International Agreement Visa?
Three categories of applicants can apply: private servants in diplomatic households, employees of overseas governments or international organisations (such as the UN, NATO, or embassies), and contractual service suppliers working under trade agreements like GATS. Each category has distinct requirements and conditions.
Private Servants in Diplomatic Households
This category covers domestic workers employed in the private household of a diplomat or senior official with diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. To qualify, you must:
- Be employed by a named diplomat or official with privileges and immunity under the Vienna Convention
- Not be a relative of your employer or their spouse (by blood or marriage)
- Work full-time in the specified household only
- Be paid at least the UK National Minimum Wage throughout your stay
- Meet the English language requirement (CEFR B1 level when applying from outside the UK)
Employees of Overseas Governments and International Organisations
This category applies to workers employed by foreign governments (through embassies, consulates, or diplomatic missions) or recognised international organisations such as the United Nations, NATO, World Bank, or similar bodies. Unlike private servants, these workers:
- Do NOT need to meet an English language requirement
- CAN bring dependants (partner and children under 18)
- CAN take secondary employment up to 20 hours per week in the same sector or on the Skilled Worker Immigration Salary List
Contractual Service Suppliers (GATS)
The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and other bilateral trade agreements allow professionals to enter the UK to fulfil specific contractual obligations. This category typically covers specialists providing services under trade agreements between the UK and their home country. Duration is limited to 6 months for private sector GATS work or 12 months under other covered agreements.
International Agreement Visa Requirements 2026
All applicants need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor, must be aged 18 or over, and must meet the financial requirement (£1,270 held for 28 consecutive days unless exempt). Private servants must also prove English language ability at CEFR B1 level. TB certificates are required from applicants in listed countries.
Requirements by Category
For criminal record certificate requirements, your sponsor will indicate on the Certificate of Sponsorship whether this is needed for your specific role.
International Agreement Visa Fees and Costs 2026
The International Agreement Visa costs £319 per applicant, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year for adults, £776 for under 18s). Priority processing is available for an additional £500 (5 working days) or £1,000 for Super Priority (next working day) where offered.
The Immigration Health Surcharge gives you access to NHS services during your stay. For complete fee information, see the official UK visa fees guide.
How Long Can You Stay on an International Agreement Visa?
Duration depends on your category: employees of overseas governments or international organisations can stay up to 24 months (2 years), while private servants in diplomatic households can stay up to 5 years total (with 24-month renewals). Contractual service suppliers are typically limited to 6-12 months depending on the agreement.
Your visa grant includes 14 days before the start date on your Certificate of Sponsorship (or the date of issue for entry clearance) and 14 days after the end date, up to the maximum allowed for your category. If your job ends early, you may be required to leave within 60 days (unless your visa has less than 60 days remaining).
How to Apply for an International Agreement Visa
The application process requires your sponsor to first assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship. You must then complete the UK visa application form online, pay fees, and attend a biometrics appointment.
- Step 1: Receive Certificate of Sponsorship from your licensed sponsor
- Step 2: Complete online application on gov.uk
- Step 3: Pay application fee (£319) and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Step 4: Book and attend biometrics appointment at visa application centre
- Step 5: Submit supporting documents (passport, TB certificate if required, English test if private servant)
- Step 6: Wait for decision (~3 weeks from outside UK)
You can apply up to 3 months before your intended start date. The visa processing time is typically 3 weeks for applications from outside the UK. Extensions from inside the UK take approximately 8 weeks for a decision.
- Application fee is £319 (2026) plus IHS at £1,035/year
- Private servants must meet English B1 requirement and cannot bring dependants
- Government/organisation employees can stay 24 months; private servants up to 5 years
- This visa does NOT lead to settlement in the UK
- Must apply from outside UK (extensions allowed from inside)
For official guidance, visit the gov.uk International Agreement Visa page or review the Immigration Rules Appendix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Agreement Visa UK?
The International Agreement Visa (formerly T5 International Agreement) is a UK temporary work visa for people employed under international law or treaty obligations. It covers three categories: private servants in diplomatic households, employees of overseas governments or international organisations (like the UN or embassies), and contractual service suppliers under trade agreements such as GATS.
How much does the International Agreement Visa cost in 2026?
The International Agreement Visa application fee is £319 per person in 2026. You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at £1,035 per year for adults (£776 for under 18s). Priority processing costs an additional £500 for a decision within 5 working days, or £1,000 for Super Priority (next working day) where available.
How long can I stay on an International Agreement Visa?
Duration depends on your category. Private servants in diplomatic households can stay up to 5 years total (with 24-month renewals). Employees of overseas governments or international organisations can stay up to 24 months. Contractual service suppliers under GATS are limited to 6 months for private sector work or 12 months under other agreements.
Do I need to speak English for an International Agreement Visa?
Only private servants in diplomatic households applying from outside the UK must meet the English language requirement at CEFR B1 level. This can be proven by citizenship of a majority English-speaking country, passing an approved English test, or holding a degree taught in English and recognised by Ecctis. Employees of overseas governments, international organisations, and contractual service suppliers do NOT need to meet an English language requirement.
Can I bring my family on an International Agreement Visa?
This depends on your category. Employees of overseas governments or international organisations CAN bring dependants (partner and children under 18). However, private servants in diplomatic households CANNOT bring dependants under any circumstances. Dependants must apply separately and pay their own fees including the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Can I work a second job on an International Agreement Visa?
Only employees of overseas governments or international organisations may take secondary employment—up to 20 hours per week in a job on the Skilled Worker Immigration Salary List or in the same sector as their main role. Private servants in diplomatic households are NOT permitted to take any secondary employment. You cannot use secondary work to replace your sponsored role.
Can I switch to an International Agreement Visa from inside the UK?
No, you cannot switch to an International Agreement Visa from inside the UK. All initial applications must be made from outside the UK. However, if you already hold this visa, you can apply to extend your stay from within the UK. If you're inside the UK on another visa and want to work under an international agreement, you must leave the UK and apply from abroad.
Can the International Agreement Visa lead to settlement in the UK?
No, the International Agreement Visa does NOT lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) regardless of how long you stay. Time spent on this visa does not count towards the 5-year settlement qualifying period. If you wish to settle permanently in the UK, you would need to switch to a visa category that offers a settlement pathway, such as the Skilled Worker visa, before your permission expires.