Eligibility Criteria for Private Domestic Workers in Diplomatic Residences

To secure a UK Temporary Work – International Agreement Visa as a private domestic worker in a diplomatic household, specific role-based conditions must be met. You must be employed within the private residence of:

• A designated diplomatic or consular staff member who enjoys privileges and immunity under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, or

• A recognised official serving in an international organisation acknowledged by the UK government and afforded diplomatic status under UK or international law.

Importantly, you must not be related to the employer or their spouse by blood or marriage.

Your employment must be full-time, and your duties restricted exclusively to the private domestic role for which you are sponsored—no other employment is permitted.

You must receive no less than the UK National Minimum Wage during your entire period of stay.

Supporting documentation is required, including:

• A signed declaration from your sponsor affirming that your role does not fall within the definition of ‘family work’ under Regulation 57 of the National Minimum Wage Regulations 2015.

• Proof of employment terms and conditions.

Additionally, you must convincingly demonstrate your intent to leave the United Kingdom upon the conclusion of your authorized stay.

International Agreement Visa: Requirements for Overseas Government or International Organisation Employees

If you are employed by a foreign government or international body and intend to apply for the International Agreement Visa, you must:

• Be under a formal employment contract with the overseas government or international organisation.

• Be assigned exclusively to the role specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship, without undertaking any alternative employment under this route.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Requirement for International Agreement Visa

To obtain a UK International Agreement Visa, you must possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by an employer who holds a Temporary Work – International Agreement sponsor licence.

Eligible sponsors include:

• Foreign governments or diplomatic missions;

• International organisations recognized under a treaty ratified by the UK, including those listed on the UK government’s exempt organisations list.

For a Certificate of Sponsorship to be valid, it must:

• Be issued within three months prior to your visa application;

• Contain mandatory information including job title, salary, and a start date no more than three months from the application date;

• Confirm it has not been previously used, refused, withdrawn, or cancelled.

Your sponsor must also hold an A-rated licence unless you are continuing with the same sponsor under an existing grant of permission within the same route.

Authenticity of Employment Role

Applicants must convince the Home Office that they are being sponsored for a legitimate and verifiable job role.

You must:

• Genuinely intend to perform the job duties specified in the sponsorship;

• Be capable of fulfilling the obligations of the role;

• Not engage in any other form of employment unless expressly allowed.

Financial Requirements for International Agreement Workers

Unless you have legally resided in the UK for at least 12 consecutive months under a valid visa or your sponsor commits to covering your first month’s expenses (as reflected in the Certificate of Sponsorship), you must show:

• A minimum of £1,270 in personal savings;

• The funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before your visa application date.

Language Proficiency Standards

The Temporary Work  International Agreement Visa does not require applicants to meet an English language criterion, which simplifies the application process compared to other visa routes.

Duration and Validity of the International Agreement Visa

Upon successful application, you may stay in the UK for:

• Up to 24 months, or

• The length of your sponsored role as detailed in the CoS, plus an additional 14 days before and after the specified period whichever is shorter.

If extending your stay, the new permission granted will be:

• For the remainder of the 24-month cap not already used, or

• The period of your role plus 14 days before and after whichever is shorter.

Extensions for International Agreement Workers

Visa holders may extend their permission to stay for up to a cumulative total of 24 months.

For those employed as private domestic workers in diplomatic households, eligibility for an extension is conditional on continued employment with the same sponsoring household.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (Settlement)

The International Agreement route does not lead directly to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). However, individuals may be able to switch into alternative visa categories within the UK that do offer a route to settlement.

Switching Rules for the International Agreement Route

Applications under this visa category must be submitted from outside the United Kingdom. Switching from within the UK into the International Agreement route is not permitted under immigration regulations.

Conditions of Visa Stay

If your visa is approved, you are allowed to work exclusively for your sponsor in the designated job role.

• Employees of foreign governments or international organisations (excluding private servants) may take on a second job, provided they continue to perform their main sponsored role.

Processing Times for Visa Applications

Most applications for a Temporary Work International Agreement Visa are processed within three weeks.

Applicants seeking extensions can typically expect decisions within eight weeks, with expedited options available:

• Priority Service: decision within five working days.

• Super Priority Service: decision by the end of the next working day.

Family Members and Dependants

Successful applicants may be accompanied or joined by:

• A dependent partner;

• Dependent children under 18 years of age.

Eligibility and documentary requirements must be met for each dependant.

Visa Refusals and Reapplication Options

In the event of a refusal, you may either:

• Reapply with a fresh application addressing the reasons for refusal, or
  
  
• Request an Administrative Review of the decision, if eligible.

How Link And Day Lawyers Can Support You

At Link And Day Lawyers, we specialize exclusively in immigration law, offering expert legal guidance to private domestic staff employed in diplomatic households, as well as personnel working for foreign governments and international organizations seeking to live and work in the UK.

Our skilled immigration barristers possess in-depth experience navigating complex immigration pathways, ensuring that you meet critical start dates and align your professional trajectory with your long-term immigration objectives.

We distinguish ourselves through a proactive, client-focused approach. Our team is committed to delivering precise, trustworthy, and timely legal advice within a supportive and accessible framework. Whether you’re a private servant in a diplomatic residence or an employee of a foreign mission, Link And Day Lawyers provides tailored immigration strategies designed to safeguard your status and support your career ambitions in the UK.