• The UK Secondment Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa is a valuable option for overseas workers who are looking to be seconded to the UK on a temporary basis. The visa is designed to be easy to apply for and to provide overseas workers with the flexibility to work in the UK for up to 2 years.

To qualify for the Secondment Worker Visa, applicants must typically meet the following criteria:

• Be employed by an overseas organisation that has a high-value contract or investment with a UK sponsor
• Have worked for the overseas employer for at least 12 months outside the UK
• Hold a position that is on the UK’s list of eligible occupations
• Be sponsored by a UK-based company
• Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from their sponsor with information about the work they will do in the UK
• Show proof of English language proficiency
• Provide evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK
• Be able to support yourself and any dependents while in the UK
• Demonstrate the intended nature and duration of their secondment
• Be aged 18 or over.

Requirements to apply for the UK Secondment Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa:

• When applying for the UK Secondment Worker Visa, applicants are required to prepare and provide essential documents, including the Certificate of Sponsorship, proof of funds, a valid passport, and evidence of English language proficiency. The sponsoring UK company must also fulfil specific obligations, ensuring a smooth secondment process.
• With the help of professional immigration visa expert either from your organization or firm like ours, application needs to be completed online. Application process could slightly vary depending on whether you’re applying from outside the UK or applying for extension or renewal while you’re already in the UK on the same visa category.
• Pay the visa application fee
• Provide evidence that you meet the eligibility requirements, including:
  • A valid certificate of sponsorship from your UK sponsor
  • Proof of employment with your overseas employer for at least 12 months outside the UK
  • Evidence that your position is on the UK’s list of eligible occupations
  • Proof of financial support
  • You may also need to provide additional documentation, such as a medical certificate or a police clearance certificate.

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a document that your employer will provide to you. It confirms that your employer has a job offer for you and that they can sponsor you for a visa.
• You must meet the English language requirements. To meet the English language requirements for the Graduate Trainee Visa, you must either be a national of a country where English is the official language, have a degree or higher taught in English, have a school level qualification gained by studying at a UK school that you began when you were under 18, or pass an approved English test at CEFR level B1 or higher. If you do not meet any of these criteria, you may still be able to apply for the Graduate Trainee Visa if you can pass an English language test at CEFR level B1 or higher within 6 months of arriving in the UK.

Please note that above are most common and generic requirements. If you are considering applying for the UK Secondment Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa, it’s important to note that specific requirements can vary based on individual circumstances. If you wish to obtain your case specific professional advice and expert guidance tailored to your situation from our qualified team of immigration advisors, then do not hesitate to Contact us

To obtain professional, most up-to-date, and accurate advice on your ‘Innovator Founder’ visa requirement you can contact our experienced, and accredited team of immigration consultants on 020 3911 1115 or send us your query using this form or email us on ukvisa@agclservices.com or request a call back by providing your contact details here and we will get back to you asap.

Mandatory documents required for Secondment Worker Visa

• When applying for the UK Secondment Worker Visa, it is essential to provide a set of mandatory documents to support your application. These documents are pivotal in determining your eligibility for the visa. To start with, a valid passport is a fundamental requirement, ensuring that it remains valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the UK. Additionally, your sponsoring UK company must furnish you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), a crucial document containing vital information about your employment and secondment including providing evidence that your position is on the UK’s list of eligible occupations.
• Moreover, you may be required to furnish evidence of your proficiency in the English language, depending on your specific circumstances. This can be achieved through recognized tests like IELTS or by presenting an English language qualification. Financial stability is another key aspect, and you’ll need to demonstrate that you possess sufficient financial resources to support yourself throughout your stay in the UK, typically through bank statements or proof of financial sponsorship. Furthermore, if your application originates from a country where TB testing is mandatory, it’s imperative to include the results of your TB test to ensure public health safety.

Additional Documents (Based on Individual Circumstances):

• The aforementioned documents encompass both generic and mandatory requirements. In addition to these mandatory documents, individual circumstances may necessitate the submission of additional paperwork. For instance, you might be asked to provide a Criminal Record Certificate, depending on your background and the nature of your secondment. If you plan to bring family members with you, you should include marriage or civil partnership certificates, if applicable, along with valid passports and any other required documents for your dependents. You may also need to provide accommodation arrangement as well as relevant educational qualification and experience documents. Lastly, it’s essential to be transparent about your previous immigration history, especially if you’ve had prior immigration applications or visa refusals. Including relevant documents detailing your immigration history is crucial for the assessment of your current visa application.
• It is paramount to ensure that all submitted documents, whether mandatory or supplementary, adhere to the requisite standards, furnish the necessary evidence, and provide comprehensive information. This meticulous attention to documentation ensures that Visa Officers can make timely, informed, and accurate decisions regarding your application.
• At AGCL Services, we are committed to assisting you in the preparation and submission of these documents, ensuring that your application is comprehensive and well-prepared, increasing your chances of securing the necessary visa for your secondment.

Importance of Accurate Documentation and How We Can Help You as an Immigration Firm:

• Accurate documentation is paramount in securing a successful UK Secondment Worker Visa application. The UK Home Office will carefully scrutinize all of the documents you submit, and even a small mistake, any inaccuracies, missing documents, or incomplete information could lead to significant delays in processing or even visa rejection . This is where our immigration firm can be of immense assistance.
• At AGCL Services, we understand the significance of precise documentation as we have a wealth of experience in helping clients to apply for the UK Secondment Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa. Our team of experienced immigration experts will meticulously review and guide you in preparing all the required documents, ensuring they meet the UKVI’s stringent criteria. We can assist in obtaining the Certificate of Sponsorship, verifying COS details, and preparing a comprehensive visa application package.
• Our goal is to simplify the application process, minimize the risk of errors, and maximize your chances of securing the UK Secondment Worker Visa. We provide personalized assistance tailored to your unique circumstances, ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and submitted in a timely manner. By entrusting us with your immigration journey, you can navigate the complexities of visa applications with confidence, knowing that every detail is handled professionally and accurately.

Managing Your Secondment Worker Visa Application on Your Own

The Secondment Worker Visa is designed for individuals being seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment by their overseas employer. If you choose to apply on your own, you’ll need to gather important documents such as a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, proof of your role in the project, and evidence of the partnership or contract between your employer and the UK entity. While this is possible to handle independently, the process can be complex, particularly with the specific documentation required.

Make the Secondment Worker Visa Process Easier with AGCL Services

Alternatively, AGCL Services can guide you through every stage of your Secondment Worker Visa application. Our experienced consultants will help you prepare the necessary documentation and ensure that your visa application is compliant with UK immigration laws. We take care of the finer details, allowing you to focus on your professional secondment while we manage the complex visa process on your behalf.

Contact Us for Secondment Worker Visa Assistance

To obtain professional, most up-to-date, and accurate advice on your visa requirement you can contact our experienced, and accredited team of immigration consultants on 020 3911 1115 or send us your query using this Contact Us Form or email us on ukvisa@agclservices.com or request a call back by providing your contact details here and one of our experts will reach out to you to discuss your visa needs.

How long does it take to complete visa application process for ‘Secondment Worker Visa’?

• The overall visa processing time for the UK Secondment Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa category varies depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the application and the time of year. However, as a general rule, applications from outside the UK are processed more quickly than applications from within the UK.

Visa Processing Duration When Applied from Outside the UK:

• The average processing time for Secondment Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa applications from outside the UK is 15 working days or 3 weeks.

Visa Processing Duration When Applied from Within the UK:

• If you are already in the UK under a different visa category and wish to switch to the Secondment Worker Visa, processing times can vary. Typically, it is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance of the expiration of your current visa to avoid any gaps in your legal status. The average processing time for Secondment Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa applications from within the UK is 8 weeks.

Please note that these processing times are indicative and may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Initial Visa Duration for Secondment Worker Visa:

• The initial visa duration issued for the UK Secondment Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa typically aligns with the duration of your employment contract or the length of your secondment assignment in the UK. This visa allows you to work in the UK temporarily, and the validity period depends on the specific terms and conditions of your secondment, which can vary.
• The initial visa duration issued for the UK Secondment Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa category is for whichever is shorter of:
  • 12 months after the start date of the job detailed in your certificate of sponsorship or
  • the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days
• This visa category does not directly lead to settlement in the UK, but applicants can switch to another immigration route that does.

Visa Duration after Extension / Renewal of Initial Visa

• When it comes to renewing your Secondment Worker Visa, you may apply for an extension as long as your employment or secondment assignment in the UK continues and provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria and your job is still on the list of eligible occupations. Extensions are typically granted in line with the terms of your employment contract, and you can apply before your current visa expires. The UK Home Office will review your case, considering your continued employment and sponsorship by your UK-based company.
• The renewal visa for the UK Secondment Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa category is also issued for whichever is shorter of:
  • 12 months after the start date of the job detailed in your certificate of sponsorship or
  • the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days
• After the maximum period of stay on this visa category, the visa holder must leave the UK.
• Please note that this is just a general overview of the visa validity and extension options for the Secondment Worker (Global Business Mobility) Visa. Please discuss your case with one of our experienced consultants for more information and obtain specific guidance around your case.

Visa Fees for UK Secondment Worker Visa

• The visa fees for a UK Secondment Worker Visa depend on the duration of the visa and the location from where the application is made. As of October 2023, the visa fee for a 12-month visa is £298 if the application is made from outside the UK and £298 if the application is made from within the UK.

IHS – Immigration Health Surcharge

• Healthcare Surcharge: You are required to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is typically £624 per year for each year of your stay in the UK. The IHS is a mandatory fee that provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) It’s important to check the exact amount you need to pay before submitting your application. You must pay the healthcare surcharge for each year that you are in the UK.

Other Charges Applicable for UK Secondment Worker Visa

• The Biometric Enrolment fee: It’s a fee for providing biometric information, such as fingerprints and photographs, and is currently £19.20.
• Translation fees: If you need to have any documents translated into English, you will need to pay for the translation service
• Courier fees: If you need to have your passport or documents couriered to you, you will need to pay for the courier service
• Priority visa service: This service costs an additional £500 and guarantees a decision on your application within 5 working days
• Super priority visa service: This service costs an additional £1,000 and guarantees a decision on your application by the end of the next working day

Please note that these fees are in addition to the standard visa application fee. The Priority and Super Priority services are designed to speed up the visa application process. However, it is important to note that there is no guarantee that your application will be processed within the specified timeframe.

In addition to the above fees, you may also need to pay for additional services, such as:

• English language test fees
• Tuberculosis test fees
• Medical certificate fees
• Police clearance certificate fees

Q.1  Can I apply for this visa category if I am self-employed?

Nope, you can’t apply for the ‘Secondment Worker’ Visa category as this visa is typically designed for individuals who are seconded by their overseas employer to work in the UK.

Q.2  Can my family members join me on this visa?

Yes, family members, such as your spouse or dependent children, may be eligible to join you in the UK under certain conditions.

Q.3  Can I switch from other visa categories to Secondment Worker Visa category if I am already in the UK?

If you’re currently residing in the UK under a different visa category, you may have the opportunity to switch to a UK Secondment Worker Visa, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. It’s important to note that if you decide to switch your visa, the visas of your partner or child will not automatically transition along with yours. Their visas will remain valid until their original expiration dates. However, they have the option to apply for this visa either concurrently with you or before the expiry of their current visas. During the application process, it’s crucial not to travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until a decision on your application is reached. Leaving the country prematurely could result in the withdrawal of your application.

For example, you are allowed to switch from your current Student Visa to Secondment Worker Visa subject to meeting the eligibility requirements. Additionally, one of the following conditions must apply:

1. You have successfully completed the course you were sponsored to study.
2. Your job’s start date falls after the conclusion of your course.
3. You have engaged in PhD studies for a minimum of 24 months.

• You will not be able to switch from within the UK if you are on the certain visa categories e.g., Domestic worker in a private household visa, Seasonal Worker Visa, Short-term Student Visa, Visit Visa, Parent of a Child Student Visa, Immigration bail, special permission to stay outside the immigration rules, such as compassionate grounds. If you’re in UK on one of these visa categories, you must leave the UK and apply for a UK Expansion Worker Visa from abroad / your home country.

Q.4  Can I extend my Secondment Worker Visa?

• Yes, you can often apply for an extension if your employment or secondment continues in the UK. Make sure to apply before your current visa expires.

Q.5  How long is the UK Secondment Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa valid for?

• The UK Secondment Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa is valid for whichever is shorter of:
• 12 months after the start date of the job detailed in your certificate of sponsorship or
• the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days.

Q.6  Can I apply for settlement or ILR after certain number of years staying in the UK on a Secondment Worker Visa?

• No, the UK Secondment Worker Visa does not directly lead to settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. However, applicants can switch to another immigration route that does lead to settlement or ILR after completing the required period of stay in the UK.

Q.7  What are the advantages of being in the UK under the UK Secondment Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa category?

• Gaining valuable international work experience
• Contributing to your career development
• You can bring your spouse or partner and children under the age of 18 to the UK.
• Exploring the vibrant UK culture and business environment
• Networking with professionals in your field
• Accessing healthcare services through the NHS

Q.8  Which activities are ‘Allowed’ and ‘Not Allowed’ when you are on UK Secondment Worker Visa?

Under a UK Secondment Worker Visa, the visa holder is allowed to work for the UK sponsor in the job detailed in the Certificate of Sponsorship, study, travel in and out of the UK, and bring family members to the UK. However, the visa holder is not allowed to access public funds, work for a different employer, or engage in business activities outside of the job detailed in the Certificate of Sponsorship.

 Q.9  What is the minimum salary requirement for the Secondment Worker Visa?

• There is no minimum salary requirement for the UK Secondment Worker Visa. This is in contrast to other UK work visas, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, which has a minimum salary requirement. The Secondment Worker Visa is designed to attract talented overseas workers to the UK, and the lack of a salary requirement makes it more accessible to a wider range of workers.
• However, it is important to note that employers must still pay their secondment workers a fair salary, in line with the market rate for the job role and location and should be comparable to the industry standard or an existing employee in the same role. The income provided by the UK sponsor can be used to prove that the visa holder is financially independent while staying in the country. The UK Home Office will review the salary offer as part of the visa application process and will not grant a visa if the salary is considered to be too low.
• The only financial requirement is that applicants must have savings of at least £1,270 in their bank account to support themselves when they arrive in the UK.

It’s essential to understand and adhere to the conditions and limitations of your ‘Secondment Worker’ Visa to maintain your legal status in the UK. Violating the terms of your visa can have serious consequences, including visa cancellation and potential removal from the country. If you have questions or need further clarification, it’s advisable to consult with one of our expert immigration advisors.

Navigating the UK immigration system can be complex, and it’s essential to have expert guidance throughout the process. At AGCL Services, we are committed to helping you achieve your immigration goals and ensuring a smooth and successful application for the Secondment Worker Visa.