WH Solicitors
Global Mobility
The Secondment Worker visa is intended for overseas workers who are taking up a temporary work position in the UK as part of a high-value contract, investment, or project. This is a brand-new visa scheme that was launched by the Government alongside reforms to other types of Global Mobility Visa.
There are strict entry requirements for anyone who wishes to apply for a Secondment Worker visa. This makes it even more important to put forward the strongest possible application with supporting evidence to demonstrate exactly why you qualify and how you’ll be an asset to your employer and the organisation you’ll be on secondment to.
This guide explains more about the Global Business Mobility: Secondment Worker visa. Read on to learn more about how the experienced WH Solicitors team could help you to file a successful visa application.
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H2: What is the Global Business Mobility Visa Scheme?
On 15 March 2022, the UK Government launched a new set of visa schemes under the revised points-based immigration system. The Global Mobility visa scheme was established at this time, and provides skilled workers with a variety of routes to enter and work in the UK for a temporary period.
H2: Global Business Mobility Visa –Requirements for Secondment Workers
To qualify for a Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker Visa, you will need to show that you meet the relevant requirements. You must:
- Get a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer with a sponsor licence from the Home Office.
- Have been approved for a secondment to a UK business or organisation that has a contract with your overseas employer for the work that you will do.
- Have worked for your overseas employer, or a member of the same business group, for at least 12 months before making an application.
- Have been sponsored for a job that is on the government’s list of eligible occupations.
- Be paid at least the minimum eligible salary for the role you are taking.
- Be able to show that you have sufficient funds to maintain yourself when you come to the UK.
H2: Getting a Certificate of Sponsorship
To get approved for a Secondment Worker visa, you will need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK business that has received a sponsorship licence from the Home Office. The sponsorship certificate will provide details of the work that you will do whilst in the UK, and show that your overseas employer is connected to the secondment business by common ownership or control.
In some cases, the Home Office may consider whether there is a genuine need for the job described in the Certificate of Sponsorship. They may also wish to investigate the sponsor’s history with the immigration system to determine whether they are likely to comply with the relevant rules including those relating to pay and working conditions for migrant workers.
H2: Visa Conditions
Once you have been approved for a Secondment Worker visa, you will be able to stay in the UK for the shorter of either a period of 12 months, or for a maximum of 14 days longer than the date shown on your sponsorship certificate.
Whilst in the UK, you will be permitted to work for your sponsor in the job that is described on your certificate of sponsorship, start an educational course and study, bring your dependant partner, spouse or children to the UK if they are eligible, undertake voluntary or charity work, and travel overseas and return to the UK.
Secondment Worker visa holders are not permitted to do the following:
- apply for public funds, most benefits, or the State Pension;
- change to another job without updating their visa;
- take on a second job;
- apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain to stay in the UK permanently.
H2: How We Can Help
WH Solicitors is a specialist immigration law practice that offers expert advice and practical help that allows businesses and individual migrants to navigate the UK legal system. We make it easy for clients to apply for a visa and assist companies as they apply for a sponsorship licence.
For a personal, professional approach to immigration law, contact our expert team today by calling (+44) 01483 608 786 or by emailing contact@whsolicitors.co.uk.
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Secondment Worker Visa
FAQs
Yes, all Global Business Mobility visa routes require sponsorship from an employer with a valid sponsorship licence. You will not be able to gain leave to remain as a secondment worker without a valid certificate of sponsorship.
When applying for a Secondment Worker visa, you will usually need to pay:
- the £259 application fee; and
- the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay in the UK.
You will also need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and any dependants when you come to the UK.
If you will not be coming to the UK on secondment for a project or major contract, you will need to apply for leave to remain under another visa category and will not be able to attain a valid certificate of sponsorship.
Applications for a Secondment Worker visa can be made up to 3 months before the day you intend to start work in the UK. This date should be listed on your certificate of sponsorship.
Once your application has been submitted, it could take up to three weeks for a decision to be made if you are applying from outside the UK, or 8 weeks if you’re already in the country.
The contents of this webpage are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute legal advice. All information is correct as of the date of publication, and any individual or organisation should be careful to seek qualified advice from a specialist immigration lawyer before acting on any of the topics referenced by this content.
WH Solicitors
International Agreement Visa (Temporary Work)
International Agreement Visas (Temporary Work): What are They and How to Apply
Are you coming to the UK and need an International Agreement Visa (Temporary Work)? The rules are complex, and you may need advice. Learn more here
There are various ways that people can work in the UK on a temporary basis. One of these is an International Agreement Visa (Temporary Work) if the work you will do in the UK is covered by international law or a treaty.
This visa covers a range of scenarios, including a domestic worker or private servant in a diplomatic household through to working for an overseas government or a ‘recognised international organisation.’
This new visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – International Agreement visa or T5.
Eligibility Requirements for an International Visa (Temporary Work)
These are the eligibility criteria for this visa.
- You must be a minimum of eighteen years old
- Your employment must fit within the specified criteria, so either your role is as a private servant in a diplomatic household or you are an employee of an overseas government or international organisation that falls under an international treaty with the UK
- You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, which has been issued by your sponsor, who in turn must hold a valid Temporary Work – International Agreement sponsor licence
- You have sufficient personal savings to support yourself when in the UK
- You can provide a clear TB certificate if asked
Some specific criteria relate to the work you are doing in the UK.
Employment Requirements for the Role of Private Servant in a Diplomatic Household
- You must be a named member of staff of a diplomatic or consular mission that has diplomatic status, privileges, and immunity as defined by the Vienna Convention
- You cannot be related to your employer or their spouse either by marriage or blood
- The work must be full time, and you should not intend to take on any other work other than for your sponsor
- You must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage whilst you are in the UK
- You will need to provide documentary evidence of your employment with specific reference to the employment terms and conditions
Requirements for Employment with an Overseas Government or within an International Organisation
- You must be a named employee of an overseas government or an official employed by an international organisation that the UK government recognises with diplomatic status, privileges, and immunity under International or UK law
- You must be under a contract of employment
- You must intend to work full time in the role for your sponsor and not undertake any other form of work
Applying for an International Visa (Temporary Work)?
The UK is governed by a complex set of immigration rules. Regulations are clearly defined, and genuine applications can only be accepted if they comply with the laws on eligibility and documentary evidence. This process is daunting, especially if English is not your first language.
Consulting an immigration specialist can make applying for a visa more accessible and less stressful, plus increase your chances of success. An experienced professional is familiar with all the requirements for an International Agreement Visa and will guide and support you through the application process.
WH Solicitors, the Immigration Specialists with a Friendly Face
WH Solicitors offers a professional service with specialist knowledge backed by years of experience in UK immigration law. Our team of experts is friendly and approachable and provides practical advice and information in language you can understand.
Why Use WH Solicitors?
WH Solicitors are experienced immigration professionals and offer expert service including International Agreement Visas (Temporary Work). We take the worry out of visa applications, making the whole process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. We can also provide advice about living and working in the UK and signpost you to other organisations who may be helpful. Our fees are reasonable and transparent and set out in full before we start work.
Here’s how we can help.
- Review your situation and check your eligibility
- Review the diplomatic status of your employer and the nature of your proposed employment
- Advise on the format and content of the Certificate of Sponsorship
- Arrange for translation, legalisation, or notarisation services for foreign language documents
- Submit your online application
- Represent you throughout the process, including dealing with any requests for more information or queries from the Home Office
- Advise on and handle visa applications from family members who may wish to accompany you
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a decision on an International Agreement Visa (Temporary) application?
You’ll usually get a decision within three weeks if you are outside the UK and eight weeks if you are already in the UK. Sometimes, express services are available to speed up the process, but you will need to pay an additional fee.
How much does it cost to apply?
The application fee is £298 and is not dependent on where you are when you apply. You will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge, typically £624, for every year you stay in the UK.
What information must the Certificate of Sponsorship contain?
The Certificate of Sponsorship must include your name, job details, and salary. There should be a start date, which is no later than three months after the date of your application for the visa. The Certificate must also include a statement or other confirmation that the current Certificate has not been used in an earlier visa application, which was unsuccessful, or a previous visa application, which was successful and subsequently withdrawn by the sponsor or cancelled by the Home Office.
How long can you stay in the UK under an International Agreement Visa (Temporary Work)?
How long the visa is valid depends on the type of work. Workers employed by overseas governments or international organisations can stay up to two years, but a private servant in a diplomatic household can stay up to five years. If your job finishes early, you may be required to leave the UK within sixty days. However, this is unlikely if less than sixty days remain on your visa.
Contact WH Solicitors, the immigration experts, for practical and informative advice. Our friendly team will answer any questions or queries and make the whole application process straightforward and transparent. From start to finish, we act as your representative and specialise in complex and challenging cases.
The contents of this webpage are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute legal advice. All information is correct as of the date of publication, and any individual or organisation should be careful to seek qualified advice from a specialist immigration lawyer before acting on any of the topics referenced by this content.
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