Visa

You will have to obtain a visa ‘exempt’ stamp from the British High Commission nearest to you. The Human Resources Section will send you a letter addressed to the British High Commission or Embassy in the country where you are located, to assist you with the visa application. This visa gives you “exemption from immigration control whilst you are employed by the Commonwealth Secretariat".

The letter from Human Resources Section will confirm that you have been offered employment at the Commonwealth Secretariat and identify members of your family who should be provided with visas. It should be presented with your visa application with the letter of appointment from the Secretariat, birth and marriage certificates and valid passports. Please ensure that you submit your visa application to the British High Commission at least six weeks before you travel as this visa cannot be issued in the UK.

For the purposes of UK immigration, children over 18 years are considered to be adults and depending on the British High Commission, a separate application may be required. Please ensure that you provide adequate supporting documentation, e.g. letter of acceptance from the educational institution in support of your application. The British High Commission will use its discretion in approving ther application based on the information provided.

If your child is studying outside the UK, he/she will not be entitled to the visa “exempt” stamp.