• The UK Service Supplier Visa – understanding the eligibility criteria for a Service Supplier Visa is essential for a successful application. Here are the key requirements:
• 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. Your sponsor, which is your employer, will provide you with an electronic certificate of sponsorship that contains details about your intended role in the UK. This certificate is digital, not a physical document. To apply for your visa, you’ll require the reference number found on the certificate of sponsorship, and it’s essential to submit your visa application within three months of receiving this certificate.
• Employment Status: To qualify for a Service Supplier Visa, you must fall into one of the following categories:
  • You are an employee of an overseas business.
  • You are a self-employed service provider based overseas
• Service Provision under Valid International Trade Agreement: Your service provision must be covered by a valid international trade agreement between your home country and the UK. This means that your contract for service should fall within the scope of the international trade agreement. Verify with your UK sponsor the specific trade agreement that covers your work and its validity. This ensures that your employment aligns with the requirements for a Service Supplier Visa.
• Eligible Job: Your job must be eligible for this visa category. If your occupation does not initially appear on the list of eligible jobs, there may still be a path to qualification if you possess relevant qualifications and professional experience
• Financial Strength and able to support yourself: Be able to support yourself and any dependents while you stay in the UK during your stay within UK
• Professional Experience or Employment Duration: Depending on your employment status, you should meet one of the following requirements:
  • If you are an employee of an overseas business, you must have worked for your employer for a minimum of 12 months outside the UK.
  • If you are a self-employed service provider, you should have at least 12 months of professional experience relevant to your field of service provision.
• Identify Your Occupation Code: To begin, you need to ascertain your job’s 4-digit occupation code. You can obtain this code from your employer or your certificate of sponsorship.
• Check the Eligible Jobs Table: Once you have your occupation code, consult the table of eligible jobs to determine if your occupation is eligible for the specific visa type you are applying for.
• If Your Job Is Not Eligible: In cases where your occupation code is not initially listed as eligible, don’t be discouraged. You may still have a pathway to apply for a Service Supplier visa if you possess relevant qualifications and experience.
• Qualifications and Experience Requirements: You will typically need one of the following qualifications:
• A bachelor’s degree or higher in any subject.
• A technical qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.

Additionally, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• If you are an overseas employee, you should have 3 years of professional experience relevant to the service you provide.
• If you are self-employed, you must demonstrate 6 years of professional experience.
• Some Specialized Services: may require different experience and qualification requirements. E.g.,
• Management consulting services typically require a bachelor’s degree.
• Entertainment services (excluding audio-visual services under the CARIFORUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement) have no specific qualification requirements.
• For services like advertising or translation, relevant qualifications are essential.
• Fashion and modelling roles do not necessitate specific qualifications.
• For the role of Chef de Cuisine, an advanced technical qualification and 6 years of experience are required.
• Technical testing and analysis roles mandate a bachelor’s degree or relevant technical qualifications.
• For Non-Specialized Services Providers: For those not providing services in these specialized areas, eligibility may still be possible if you hold at least a bachelor’s degree (in any subject) or equivalent technical qualifications. It is advisable to consult with your UK sponsor if you have doubts about the eligibility of your qualifications.
• You may also need to provide additional documentation, such as a medical certificate or a police clearance certificate.

Please note that above are most common and generic requirements. If you are considering applying for the Service Supplier – 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 ‘Service Supplier 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.

Essential Documentation for the Service Supplier Visa:

• When applying for the UK Service Supplier Visa, there are certain mandatory documents that hold immense significance in establishing your eligibility for this visa category. To begin with, a valid passport is an absolute necessity. It’s crucial that your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the UK.
• Moreover, your sponsoring UK company plays a pivotal role in this process. They are responsible for providing you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), which is a digital document containing vital information about your employment and secondment. This document must demonstrate that your job position aligns with the UK’s list of eligible occupations, including your job title, occupation code, and an annual salary for your role. Additionally, it provides essential details about your employer, such as their name, address, contact information, and, most importantly, their UK sponsor license number.
• Financial sufficiency is another crucial aspect of your application. You need to prove that you have the necessary financial resources to support yourself during your UK stay, including any family members or dependents accompanying you. Typically, this is done through bank statements or proof of financial sponsorship.
• If you’re applying from a country where tuberculosis (TB) testing is mandatory, including the results of your TB test is imperative to ensure public health safety.
• If you’re an Overseas Employee: It’s also possible that you may need to provide evidence of your employment with your employer for the past 12 months, which can include printed or online payslips, supported by a letter from your sponsor and bank statements.
• If you’re Self-Employed: you will need to provide evidences for your self-employment history i.e.,
• Accountant’s Confirmation: An official letter from your accountant can serve as confirmation of your business’s operations and its financial performance, such as profits and revenue.
• Bank Statements: Provide business or personal bank statements that illustrate the financial transactions and income related to your self-employment activities. These statements can offer concrete proof of your business’s financial stability.
• Invoices: Include invoices for the work you’ve completed as part of your self-employment. These invoices should highlight the services provided and payments received.
• Business Accounts: Supply copies of your business accounts, which can provide a comprehensive overview of your business’s financial activities, including income and expenses.
• Leases or Rental Agreements: If your self-employment involves the use of specific business premises or offices, include copies of leases or rental agreements to demonstrate your business’s physical presence.
• Marketing Materials: Advertisements or marketing materials related to your self-employed services can serve as additional evidence, showcasing your business’s promotional efforts.

Additional Documents Based on Individual Circumstances:

• In addition to the mandatory documents, specific situations may require the submission of additional paperwork. For instance, you may be asked to provide a Criminal Record Certificate, depending on your background and the nature of your secondment.
• If you intend to bring your family members with you, marriage or civil partnership certificates, valid passports, and any other necessary documents for your dependents will be necessary.
• Depending on your unique circumstances, you might also need to provide additional documents, such as evidence of prior employment with your employer outside the UK, a valid ATAS certificate (if applicable), and accommodations arrangements.
• If your documents are not in English or Welsh, certified translations will be required.
• Lastly, it’s crucial to be transparent about your previous immigration history, especially if you have a history of previous immigration applications or visa refusals. Including relevant documents detailing your immigration history is essential for the assessment of your current visa application.

Ensuring Document Precision:

• The careful and accurate preparation of all submitted documents, whether mandatory or supplementary, is paramount. Adhering to the required standards, providing the necessary evidence, and furnishing comprehensive information are vital. This meticulous attention to documentation ensures that Visa Officers can make timely, informed, and accurate decisions regarding your application.

At AGCL Services, we are dedicated to assisting you in the preparation and submission of these documents, ensuring that your application is comprehensive and well-prepared. This significantly increases your chances of securing the necessary visa for you to work as a Service Supplier Visa in the UK. Your success is our priority, and we are here to guide you through every step of the process.

Applying for the Service Supplier Visa on Your Own

If you are providing a service to a UK business under a contract and are applying for a Service Supplier Visa, you can do so independently. This visa allows overseas workers to come to the UK to deliver services under an international agreement. You will need to provide evidence of the contract, your role within the supplying company, and a Certificate of Sponsorship from the UK business. Managing this process yourself requires careful attention to the specific rules governing international service agreements.

Let AGCL Services Handle Your Service Supplier Visa Application

Alternatively, AGCL Services is here to help you with the entire Service Supplier Visa application process. We are well-versed in the details of Global Business Mobility visas and will ensure that all your documents are in order, your application is complete, and your service agreement is properly represented. With our professional assistance, you can avoid common mistakes and delays, allowing you to focus on delivering your services in the UK.

Get in Touch for Service Supplier Visa Support

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.

Visa processing time taken to complete the visa application process:

• The overall visa processing time for the UK Service Supplier – 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.

When Applied from Outside the UK:

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

When Applied from Within the UK:

• If you are already in the UK under a different visa category and wish to switch to the Service Supplier 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 Service Supplier Visa applications from within the UK is up to 8 weeks.
• Please note that these processing times are indicative, and it could be varied or take longer than standard applicable time depending on individual circumstances or due to some reasons i.e., missing documents, you may be asked to appear for interview, your criminal conviction, or they need more time to verify your documents.

Initial Visa Validity duration for Service Supplier Visa

• The duration of your stay in the UK under a Service Supplier Visa is contingent on the specific trade agreement under which you’re providing services. Here’s an overview of the allowable durations:
• 6 Months or 12 Months: Depending on the particular trade agreement you are engaged in; your initial stay can be either 6 months or 12 months. This period may vary based on the trade agreement’s terms

Or

• Certificate of Sponsorship Plus 14 Days: Alternatively, you can stay for the duration specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship, along with an additional 14 days.
• Prior Visa History: If you’ve previously held a Service Supplier Visa or another type of visa in the UK, there are specific limitations on your total stay. It’s important to note that any time spent in the UK under certain other visas, such as the Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa, Intra-company Transfer visa, Graduate Trainee visa (Global Business Mobility), Secondment Worker visa (Global Business Mobility), Service Supplier visa (Global Business Mobility), or Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) or UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility), will count towards your maximum total stay calculation. Overall, you can stay in the UK for a maximum of 5 years within any 6-year period if you have previously held any of these visas:
• This visa category does not directly lead to settlement in the UK, but applicants can switch to another immigration route that does
• Understanding the duration of your stay is essential for planning your immigration status in the UK, ensuring that you comply with the visa conditions and make timely applications for extensions or new visas when needed.

Visa Duration after Extending Your Service Supplier Visa

• You can apply for an extension of your Service Supplier Visa from within the UK if the below conditions are met:
• You are still contracted and employed by the same sponsoring employer who provided you with your current CoS.
• You are continuing the same job for which you were initially granted permission to enter or stay in the UK.
• Your current job falls within the same occupation code as when you were initially granted your visa.
• You have not exceeded the maximum total stay allowed for your visa category.
• Family Member Visas:It’s important to note that if you extend your visa, the visas of your partner or child will not be automatically extended. Their visas will remain valid until their original expiry dates. They have the option to apply for an extension either simultaneously with you or at any time before their current visas expire.
• Travel Restrictions:While your extension application is pending, you must refrain from traveling outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. Leaving the specified area before receiving a decision on your application could result in the withdrawal of your application.
• Special Considerations for Previous Visa Holders:
• If you previously held an Intra-company Transfer visa or a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa, there are specific rules and considerations that apply when seeking an extension of your visa.

Understanding the specific requirements and conditions for extending your Service Supplier Visa is crucial to ensure a smooth and compliant application process.

Please note that this is just a general overview of the visa validity and extension options for the Service Supplier (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 Service Supplier Visa

• The visa fees for a UK Service Supplier 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 main applicant and dependants 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 Service Supplier 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?

• Yes, even if you are a self-employed person, you can apply for a Service Supplier Visa. To qualify for this visa, you will need to provide evidence for your self-employment history i.e.,
• Accountant’s Confirmation: An official letter from your accountant can serve as confirmation of your business’s operations and its financial performance, such as profits and revenue.
• Bank Statements: Provide business or personal bank statements that illustrate the financial transactions and income related to your self-employment activities. These statements can offer concrete proof of your business’s financial stability.
• Invoices: Include invoices for the work you’ve completed as part of your self-employment. These invoices should highlight the services provided and payments received.
• Business Accounts: Supply copies of your business accounts, which can provide a comprehensive overview of your business’s financial activities, including income and expenses.
• Leases or Rental Agreements: If your self-employment involves the use of specific business premises or offices, include copies of leases or rental agreements to demonstrate your business’s physical presence.
• Marketing Materials: Advertisements or marketing materials related to your self-employed services can serve as additional evidence, showcasing your business’s promotional efforts.

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 Service Supplier 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 Service Supplier 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 Service Supplier 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., Visit visas, Short-term student visas, Parent of a Child Student visas, Seasonal worker visas, Domestic worker in a private household 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 Service Supplier Visa from abroad / your home country.

Q.4  Can I extend my Service Supplier Visa?

You can apply for an extension of your Service Supplier Visa from within the UK if the below conditions are met:You are continuing the same job for which you were initially granted permission to enter or stay in the UK.

• Your current job falls within the same occupation code as when you were initially granted your visa.
• You are still employed by the same sponsoring employer who provided you with your current CoS.
• You have not exceeded the maximum total stay allowed for your visa category.

Q.5  How long is the Service Supplier – Global Business Mobility Visa valid for?

• The duration of your stay in the UK under a Service Supplier Visa is contingent on the specific trade agreement under which you’re providing services. Here’s an overview of the allowable durations:
• 6 Months or 12 Months: Depending on the particular trade agreement you are engaged in; your initial stay can be either 6 months or 12 months. This period may vary based on the trade agreement’s terms

Or

• Certificate of Sponsorship Plus 14 Days: Alternatively, you can stay for the duration specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship, along with an additional 14 days.

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

• No, the UK Service Supplier 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 Service Supplier Visa Category?

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

Q.8  Which activities are ‘Allowed’ and ‘Not Allowed’ when you are on Service Supplier Visa?

• Under a UK Service Supplier 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 and engage in the volunteering work. 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 or do a second job. You are also not allowed to apply to settle permanently in the UK while you are in UK on this visa.

It’s essential to understand and adhere to the conditions and limitations of your ‘Service Supplier’ 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, our immigration experts are here to guide you through the process, ensuring that you understand visa fees, additional charges, priority services, FAQs, what you’re allowed and not allowed to do, and the advantages of holding this visa and are committed to helping you achieve your immigration goals and ensuring a smooth and successful application for the Service Supplier Visa.