Are you looking for information about the UK’s Temporary Work Visa? If so, you’ve come to the right place! This blog post will provide a comprehensive overview of the Temporary Work Visa, or International Agreement visa, which allows non-UK citizens to work temporarily in the UK. We’ll cover eligibility requirements, the application process, and other important details related to the Temporary Work Visa UK. Read on to learn all you need to know about this essential visa.

What is an International Agreement visa?

An International Agreement visa, also known as a Temporary Work visa, is a type of UK visa which allows non-EU citizens to work in the UK under an international agreement such as the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) or a bilateral agreement. This visa is designed to enable the UK to comply with the obligations it has made under international agreements.

The purpose of the International Agreement visa is to allow employers in the UK to recruit skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) for jobs that cannot be filled by citizens of the EEA. The visa can also be used for seasonal workers and trainees. It also allows overseas nationals to work in the UK for employers who are eligible under an international agreement. This visa is ideal for people who want to come to the UK to gain experience in a specific sector or industry, or to take up a short-term role.

Who can apply for this temporary visa?

The UK’s International Agreement visa (also known as a Temporary Work visa) is available to those who are coming to the UK to work in certain sectors such as health care, education, research and development or culture and sport. This visa can be used for temporary work for up to 2 years, although it can be extended if necessary. This visa is only available to certain nationalities, so please check with your local British embassy to find out if you are eligible to apply.

Requirements for the applicant

In order to be eligible for an International Agreement visa, applicants must meet certain requirements. These requirements can vary based on the individual’s specific circumstances and situation. Generally, the requirements for this visa include:

• Having a valid International Agreement Worker Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved sponsor.

• Genuine job requirement : Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they are qualified and experienced to do the job they are being sponsored to do.

• Financial requirement : Depending on the type of job, applicants may have to show they have enough funds to support themselves while in the UK.

• Passport and travel documents : Applicants will need to show a valid passport and other travel documents.

• English language requirement : For certain jobs, applicants may have to demonstrate their ability in English.

• No criminal record : Applicants must not have any convictions or pending prosecutions in any country.

• Health requirements : Applicants may be required to show they are in good health and don’t have any contagious diseases.

• Dependants : If an applicant has dependants (spouse/children) who wish to join them in the UK, they will also need to meet the eligibility criteria for entry into the UK.

Requirements for the sponsor

The sponsor for an International Agreement visa must meet the requirements set out by the Home Office.

The sponsor must:

1. 1. Be a UK employer or an organisation established outside the UK that has a contract to provide services in the UK

1. 1. Be willing and able to pay the salary and comply with any other terms and conditions of employment

1. 1. Provide a valid International Agreement Worker Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

1. 1. Meet the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) requirement

1. 1. Have a valid skilled worker or Tier 5 sponsors licence

1. 1. Meet certain requirements relating to employee rights, wages, working hours and holidays

1. 1. Meet the duties under the Statement of Intent

The Statement of Intent is a document issued by the Home Office which sets out the duties and responsibilities of employers sponsoring foreign workers. The Statement of Intent must be read carefully before submitting an application. Failure to comply with the terms of the Statement of Intent could lead to a refusal. Other foreign workers who may be eligible for an International Agreement visa include Private servants in a diplomatic household, Employees of an overseas government or other international organization, Seconded workers employed by a public international organization, or Researchers sponsored by a foreign government or international organization.

International Agreement Worker Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

The International Agreement Worker Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is the first step to applying for an International Agreement visa. It is an electronic record which is held by the Home Office and links the worker to their sponsor.

The sponsor must have been approved as an official sponsor of migrant workers under skilled worker of the Points-Based System before they can issue a CoS. If the sponsor has not yet been approved, they must apply for a sponsor license before being able to issue a CoS.

The worker must provide evidence of their identity when applying for a CoS. This includes providing proof of nationality, immigration status and other supporting documents. The sponsor will also need to provide information about the job, including its salary and working hours. The worker must also provide details of qualifications or experience that meet the requirements of the job.

Once the application for a CoS has been successful, the worker must use this to apply for their International Agreement visa. The CoS will be valid for up to three months, during which time the worker must complete their visa application.

Genuine job requirement

For an International Agreement visa, the job must be genuine and the applicant must be suitably qualified for the role. The Home Office will look at factors such as the type of job being offered, whether the salary is comparable to similar jobs in the UK, the qualifications and experience required for the role, the working hours, the duration of the employment, and the duties involved.

In addition to these criteria, the applicant must also demonstrate that they are capable of performing the role. The employer must provide evidence of this through either a work contract or an offer letter. This document should detail the job title, pay rate, working hours and duties, and any other relevant information about the job.

The employer must also provide proof that they have not been able to fill the position from within the UK or EEA labour market. They will need to show that they have conducted an extensive recruitment process for the vacancy and that no suitable candidates have been found.

The Home Office may ask for additional evidence such as a business plan or marketing strategy if the role is in a new business or venture. The employer may also need to provide information about any visa restrictions in their sector.

Financial requirement

In order to be eligible for an International Agreement visa, you must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependents (if any). The amount of money required will depend on the length of the stay and how many people you are responsible for.

You must show that you have £630 for each month you are staying in the UK, up to a maximum of nine months. If you are bringing family members with you, they must have an additional £630 per person per month.

You can provide evidence of your financial resources by providing one or more of the following:

1. 1. Letter from employer confirming salary

1. 1. Letter from a financial institution confirming funds

1. 1. Proof of investment

1. 1. Proof of pension income

You may also be asked to provide evidence that you have paid your visa application fees, travel costs and health insurance.

How to apply for an International Agreement visa

Applying for an International Agreement visa is a straightforward process. All applicants will need to provide certain documents and information in order to apply, so it is important to be well-prepared before submitting an application.

The first step to applying for an International Agreement visa is to make sure you meet all the necessary eligibility requirements. This includes having a valid passport or travel document, meeting the financial requirements, and is sponsored by a valid sponsor. You will also need to provide evidence of your qualifications, depending on the type of job you are applying for.

Once you have checked that you meet all the eligibility requirements, you can begin your application process. To do this, you will need to fill out and submit the online application form. This form requires you to provide detailed personal information, such as your address and contact details, as well as information about your sponsors and any other dependents who may be travelling with you. You will also need to upload copies of your passport and travel document, as well as documents that prove your identity and other relevant documents.

Application fees and processing time

The fee for an International Agreement visa application is currently £244. It is important to note that the fee may be higher if you are applying from outside the UK or if you are applying to switch or extend your existing visa.

The processing time for the International Agreement visa can vary depending on the individual circumstances of each case, but it usually takes around 8 weeks. Once the application has been submitted, applicants will receive an email confirmation of receipt and will then be contacted when a decision is made regarding their application. It is also possible to track the progress of the application online.

It is important to note that any delays in processing can be caused by mistakes made in the application form, incomplete supporting documents or missing information. If this occurs, applicants may need to submit additional documents and attend an interview at the nearest UK embassy or consulate.

It is important to be aware that some applicants may not be able to enter the UK until the visa has been granted. This includes those who are applying from outside the UK and those who are switching from another visa category.

Conditions of the International Agreement visa

The conditions of the International Agreement visa will depend on the agreement signed between the UK and the country that the applicant is from. These conditions can include the following:

1. 1.  The applicant must work in the job stated on the certificate of sponsorship.

1. 1.  The applicant must comply with the terms and conditions of the relevant agreement, including those related to pay, hours worked and any other working conditions.

1. 1.  The applicant must not undertake any other employment without prior approval from the Home Office.

1. 1.  The applicant must not take up self-employment or set up a business in the UK.

1. 1.  The applicant must have access to medical treatment on the same terms as a UK national or permanent resident.

1. 1.  The applicant must be able to speak English and show evidence of this when asked to do so by the Home Office.

1. 1.  The applicant must register with the police if required to do so by law.

1. 1.  The applicant must comply with all visa conditions and not breach UK immigration laws.

1. 1.  The applicant must report any change of circumstances to the Home Office, such as a change in address or job role.

1. 1.  The applicant must leave the UK at the end of the period for which their visa has been granted or if their leave has been curtailed by the Home Office earlier.

In addition to these requirements, If the applicant has dependents who are also applying for a visa, they must meet the same criteria as the applicant. Dependents must be able to demonstrate that they have adequate funds to support themselves without needing access to public funds. Additionally, if they are over 18 years of age, they must have comprehensive sickness insurance for the duration of their stay in the UK. All family members must also show evidence of having no criminal convictions in the country where they are currently living. Upon arrival to the UK, the dependents must register with the police within 7 days.  Applicants should make sure that their passport is valid for at least 6 months upon arriving in the UK. They should also obtain an appropriate health certificate prior to entering the UK. Finally, applicants should check the eligibility criteria carefully before submitting their application. Failure to meet these criteria may result in refusal of entry or application rejection.

Renewal and Extension of International Agreement visa

Eligibility for Renewal

In order to renew an International Agreement visa, applicants must demonstrate they continue to meet the same requirements as when they were initially granted the visa. This includes that they are still working in accordance with the terms and conditions of their employment and International Agreement Worker Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and that they still meet the financial requirement.

How to Renew the Visa

Applicants who wish to extend their stay can submit a renewal application up to 28 days before their current visa expires. The application should be made online, or by post, if the applicant is unable to make an online application. The UKVI will review the application and make a decision on whether the visa should be extended.

Extension of Stay

Once an International Agreement visa has been renewed, applicants will be allowed to remain in the UK for another period of up to three years, depending on their circumstances. During this period, applicants can continue to work in accordance with the terms and conditions of their employment and the International Agreement Worker Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). If there are any changes to the individual’s circumstances, such as changing employers, taking up new roles or gaining additional qualifications, they must contact the UKVI before making any changes. Failure to do so could result in a breach of immigration rules and lead to removal from the UK. After the period of three years is completed, those wishing to remain in the UK may be able to switch to another visa category such as a skilled worker  visa or Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa. For further advice and assistance on extending an International Agreement visa, it is advisable to seek legal assistance from a qualified immigration solicitor.

Switching into the International Agreement route

If you are currently in the UK on another visa, and you would like to switch into the International Agreement route, you must first make sure that you meet all of the eligibility requirements for the International Agreement visa. Depending on your current visa, you may need to provide evidence that you are still eligible for it when applying for the International Agreement visa.

To apply for a switch into the International Agreement route, you must complete the online application form, pay the applicable fee and submit any required documents. You must also obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer and meet the financial and job requirements mentioned earlier.

You must make sure that you apply before your current visa expires. If your application is successful, you will be granted leave to remain under the International Agreement visa. This leave will be valid for up to five years, depending on your situation.

It is important to note that if your application is refused, you will not be able to appeal the decision. However, you can request an Administrative Review if you think the Home Office has made a mistake.

The settlement as an International Agreement worker

For those who have been issued with an International Agreement visa, the option of settlement in the UK is also possible. To be eligible for settlement, a person must have held a valid International Agreement visa for at least five years, and must also meet the following criteria:

1. 1. Be free of immigration time restrictions.

1. 1. Have not broken any UK immigration laws in the past 5 years.

1. 1. Have sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic.

1. 1. Be able to pass the Life in the UK test.

1. 1. Have sufficient knowledge of Life in the UK.

1. 1. Be of good character.

Earn a minimum income of £18,600 per year (or £22,400 if applying as a partner or parent).

Once these criteria are met, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants you permanent residency in the UK. You should also note that you will no longer be able to work under the International Agreement visa once you have been granted ILR.

If you wish to become a British citizen after having held your International Agreement visa for at least 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship. In order to do so, you must meet the following criteria:

1. 1. Have held a valid ILR status for at least 12 months.

1. 1. Have sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic.

1. 1. Have sufficient knowledge of Life in the UK.

1. 1. Be of good character.

1. 1. Intend to continue living in the UK.

1. 1. Not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the last 5 years.

1. 1. Not have had any periods of imprisonment in the last 5 years.

Once these criteria are met, you can apply for British citizenship. Please note that if you fail any of the requirements set out by the Home Office during your application process, your application may be refused and you may need to re-apply after making necessary changes to your application.

Reasons for refusal

When it comes to applying for an International Agreement visa, there are several reasons why an application can be refused. The following are some of the common reasons for refusal:

• You do not meet the eligibility criteria;

• You did not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate your identity and/or nationality;

• You failed to demonstrate that you have a valid passport or equivalent travel document;

• You failed to show that you meet the requirements for a genuine job requirement or financial requirement;

• You failed to provide adequate proof of your sponsor’s employment;

• You failed to submit a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS);

• You provided false or misleading information in your application;

• Your sponsor has breached their duties under the Immigration Rules;

• Your sponsor has not met their obligations under the Immigration Rules;

• Your sponsor is in breach of any other immigration law;

• You are deemed to pose a threat to national security.

It is important to ensure that your application meets all the requirements of the Immigration Rules before submitting it. If you have any doubts, it is advisable to seek professional advice from an experienced immigration solicitor.

Appeal process

If your application for an International Agreement visa is refused, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can do this by sending a letter of appeal to the Home Office. In your letter, you must explain why you believe the decision is wrong and provide any evidence to support your case.

In some cases, you may be eligible for a fee waiver which will waive the cost of filing an appeal. This will depend on your financial circumstances and other factors.

Once your appeal has been filed, it will be reviewed by an independent tribunal. The tribunal will consider all relevant evidence before making a final decision on your appeal. If the tribunal finds in your favour, then your application will be approved and you will be granted an International Agreement visa.

It’s important to note that appealing a visa refusal can be a long and complicated process. You should always consult a qualified immigration lawyer or solicitor before submitting an appeal to ensure that you have the best chance of success.

Conclusion

The International Agreement visa is a great opportunity for non-EU citizens to work in the UK. However, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary documents and meet the requirements of this visa before applying. Additionally, you should ensure you’re aware of the conditions of your visa and the reasons for refusal. If your application is successful, you can work in the UK for a limited period of time and even potentially settle in the UK as an International Agreement worker.

If your application is unsuccessful, it’s important to know your rights and be aware of the appeal process. If you think your decision was wrong or unfair, it’s best to seek advice from a legal professional.

Overall, the International Agreement visa is a valuable route for those looking to work in the UK, and can provide you with the opportunity to make the most of the experience.