International Agreement Visa

The International Agreement Visa allows overseas nationals to come to the UK to work in a role that is covered by an international agreement or treaty between the UK and another country, or between the UK and an international organisation.

Common categories under this route include private servants in diplomatic households, employees of international organisations such as the United Nations or World Bank, and workers covered by agreements under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).

If you are coming to the UK as a private servant employed in the household of a diplomat or senior official, you must be employed by that person — not by the UK — and your role must be genuine. There are important protections for domestic workers in this category, including access to legal rights under UK employment law.

International organisation employees are typically sponsored directly by the organisation rather than by a private employer, and specific rules govern their tax and legal status in the UK.

The documentation required varies depending on the specific category. For diplomatic household workers, a letter from the employing diplomat and confirmation of their diplomatic status is required.

Terence Ray Solicitors advises international organisations, diplomats, and their household staff on the requirements of this route.

Contact us on 020 3367 1430 or email info@trsolicitors.co.uk.