Overview

The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) visa allows overseas professionals with a formal invitation from a UK-based organisation to come to the UK to undertake a short, specific paid engagement that relates to their expertise, without needing a sponsoring employer.
Although visitor permission can be granted for up to six months, the paid engagement itself must be completed within the first 30 days of arrival.

Visa Duration and Extension

• Applicants may be granted entry as visitors for up to six months.

• The paid engagement must be completed within the first 30 days of arrival.

• After the engagement is complete, you may remain in the UK for the remainder of your visitor stay but cannot undertake further paid work.

• This visa cannot be extended, nor can you switch into another visa category while in the UK.
  

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must:

• Be aged 18 or over at the time of travel.

• Have a formal invitation from a UK-based organisation, authority, or host outlining the engagement and how it relates to your expertise.

• Be invited to undertake a specific paid engagement directly linked to your recognised area of expertise, qualifications, or full-time occupation abroad.

• Have arranged the paid engagement before travelling to the UK.

• Intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit and not make the UK your main home.

• Have sufficient funds to maintain and accommodate yourself without relying on public funds and be able to pay for your return or onward journey.
  

Documents Required

You should include the following documents with your application:

• A valid passport or travel document covering your stay.

• A formal invitation letter from the UK host stating the nature, dates, and purpose of the paid engagement.

• Evidence that the engagement relates to your home-country occupation or expertise (e.g. employer letter, CV, or qualifications).

• Proof you can cover accommodation and living costs (e.g. bank statements or payslips).

• Details of travel and accommodation plans — you should not pay for these until your visa is approved.

• Certified translations of any documents not in English or Welsh.
  

What You Can and Cannot Do

You can:

• Undertake the specific paid engagement for which you were invited (e.g. examining, lecturing, legal advocacy, arts or sports events, modelling, or other professional activities aligned with your overseas role).

• Stay in the UK for up to six months as a visitor after completing your engagement, provided you do not take on further paid work.
  

You cannot:

• Undertake general employment or work outside the scope of your engagement.

• Extend your visa or switch to another visa category.

• Bring dependants on the same application — they must apply separately.

• Study (beyond incidental short courses) or claim public funds.

• Use the UK as your main home or stay through repeated visits.
  

Processing Times and Eligibility for Priority Service

• Standard processing time is usually up to three weeks from the date biometrics are submitted.

• Priority and Super Priority services may be available in some countries for an additional fee, offering faster decisions (within five working days or the next working day).

• You can apply up to three months before your intended travel date.

• Even with a visa, you must satisfy the border officer upon arrival that you meet the conditions of entry.
  

Home Office Fees

• The standard visitor visa (which covers Permitted Paid Engagements) costs £127 for applications made outside the UK.

• The fee is non-refundable if your application is refused.

• Non-visa nationals may require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead, which costs £16.

Permitted Paid Engagement Visa