Permitted Paid Engagement Visa

About the visa

The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) visa allows established experts to enter the UK for a specific, pre-arranged, paid professional engagement in their field of expertise, without needing sponsorship under a work route. The engagement must be completed within 30 days of arrival, though the visitor may stay for up to 6 months total.

Eligibility & key rules

To qualify under V 13.1–13.2, the applicant must:

• Be aged 18 or over when entering the UK
• Intend to do one or more of the 7 permitted paid engagements listed below
• The engagement must be arranged before travel
• The engagement must be declared on the application
• Provide a formal invitation from the UK host
• The engagement must relate to the applicant’s area of expertise and occupation overseas

The 7 permitted paid engagements

1. Academic examiner or panel member: Highly qualified academics examining students or chairing selection panels, invited by a UK higher education institution or research/arts organisation
2. Expert lecturer: Giving lectures in their subject area, invited by a higher education institution or research/arts organisation—must not fill a teaching post
3. Pilot examiner: Overseas designated pilot examiners assessing UK-based pilots, invited by a UK Civil Aviation Authority-approved training organisation
4. Qualified lawyer: Providing advocacy for court or tribunal hearings, arbitration, or dispute resolution, invited by a client
5. Professional artist, entertainer, or musician: Carrying out an activity directly relating to their profession, invited by a UK creative organisation, agent, or broadcaster
6. Professional sportsperson: Carrying out an activity directly relating to their profession, invited by a UK sports organisation, agent, or broadcaster
7. Conference speaker: Giving a one-off or short series of talks and speeches, invited to a conference or other event

What you can / cannot do

Fees, documents & process

Costs

• Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months): £127
• No healthcare surcharge for visits under 6 months

Key documents

• Valid passport or travel document
• Formal invitation from the UK host organisation
• Evidence of expertise and overseas employment
• Details of the specific engagement (dates, location, nature)
• Evidence of funds and accommodation

Application process

1. Apply online via GOV.UK and pay the fee
2. Attend a biometric appointment
3. Upload the formal invitation and evidence of expertise
4. Decision typically within 3 weeks