I-Migrator
For Individuals

Permitted Paid Engagement Visa

For established professionals to carry out a specific, pre-arranged, paid engagement in the UK in their area of expertise. Must be invited by a UK organisation. Up to 30 days for the engagement, within a 6-month visit.

Validity

  • Up to 6 months as a visitor
  • Engagement must be completed within 30 days

Who it’s for

  • Expert lecturers, examiners, conference speakers
  • Professional artists, entertainers, sportspersons
  • Qualified lawyers; pilot examiners
  • £127 fee; no sponsorship needed

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

Permitted

  • Deliver the specific invited paid engagement
  • Receive payment for the engagement
  • Tourism and other visitor activities

Not permitted

  • General employment
  • Repeated or ongoing engagements beyond 30 days
  • Switching to other routes from within the UK
  • Extending beyond 6 months
  • Accessing public funds

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