Overseas Government Employee

You can qualify to come to the UK as an overseas government employee if you will be employed by an overseas government, a UN organisation or another international organisation of which the UK is a member.

You will have to show that:

• you have a valid UK entry clearance or evidence of your status as an overseas government employee;
• you intend to work full time for the government or organisation concerned;
• you have enough money to live in the UK without working or help from public funds;
• you do not intend to take any other employment.

You will need to apply for entry clearance at your local British Embassy or Consulate if you are a visa national.

You cannot switch status into this category if you area already in the UK. You will obtain authorisation to remain in the UK initially for 12 months, which can be extended if you continue to work as an overseas government employee. Leave to remain can be granted for a further four years.

You may be able to apply for permanent residence in the UK if you meet the following requirements:

• you have spent 5 years continuously as an overseas government employee;
• you still work full time as an overseas government employee and plan to continue;
• you have lived in the UK without help from public funds.