The UK’s Secondment Worker visa offers overseas employees the opportunity to temporarily work for a UK-based organisation under a high-value contract. This visa is an essential route for those involved in international business dealings, allowing you to live and work in the UK for a specific period. Whether you’re being seconded by an overseas company to contribute your expertise or your organisation has a contract with a UK sponsor, this visa offers a streamlined pathway to working in the UK.
At The Nathanson Partnership, we specialise in providing expert advice and guidance for your Secondment Worker visa application. The UK immigration visa process can be challenging, and ensuring you have the correct documentation and meet all Home Office requirements is essential. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, making the application process as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you need assistance with your Secondment Worker visa, we’re here to help.
For a personalised consultation and expert guidance, contact us today. You can reach us at 020 3476 9523 or [email protected].
Who Can Apply for a Secondment Worker Visa?
To qualify for the Secondment Worker visa, you must be an existing employee of an overseas company that has a high-value contract with a UK sponsor. The contract must be worth at least £10 million annually or £50 million in total. You also need to have worked for your employer for at least 12 months before applying.
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK sponsor is essential. This document includes your job role, salary, and other employment details. Your job must be on the UK’s eligible occupation list, meaning it requires specific skills that match your qualifications. While there is no minimum salary requirement, you must have at least £1,270 in savings, held for at least 28 days, to prove you can support yourself.
If you have previously held an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa, an Intra-company Transfer visa, or any Global Business Mobility visa, your total stay in the UK across these categories cannot exceed five years within a six-year period.
What is the Secondment Worker Visa Application Process?
Applying for the Secondment Worker visa involves several steps. First, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, including working for an overseas employer with a high-value contract with a UK sponsor, having at least 12 months of employment with that company, and securing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK sponsor. Your job must be on the eligible occupations list, and you must provide proof of financial support.
Once eligibility is confirmed, your UK sponsor must issue a CoS, which details your role, salary, and job duration. This reference number is essential for your visa application and must be issued no more than three months before applying. Next, complete the online visa application, submitting personal details, employment information, and supporting documents. If applying from outside the UK, you can do so up to three months before your job start date. If within the UK, you may extend or switch your visa type.
As part of the application, you must verify your identity by providing biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph. Depending on your location, you may need to visit a visa application centre. Supporting documents include your CoS reference number, proof of financial savings (£1,270), employment history, and evidence that your job is on the eligible occupations list. Additional documents, such as proof of qualifications or a tuberculosis test, may be required.
The application fee is £298, and you must also pay a healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year for each applicant, granting access to the NHS. Processing times vary: applications from outside the UK typically take three weeks, while those from within the UK may take up to eight weeks. If successful, you will receive your visa, allowing you to travel to the UK and commence employment as outlined in your CoS. Ensure you arrive before your visa start date to comply with immigration requirements.
How We Can Help At The Nathanson Partnership
At The Nathanson Partnership, we specialise in guiding international workers through the complex UK immigration process. From verifying the eligibility of your employer’s contract to ensuring all your documentation is in order, our team is here to make your visa application as smooth as possible.
Let our team of regulated immigration professionals provide you with the expertise and confidence you need to make a successful application.
For a personalised consultation and expert guidance, contact us today. You can reach us at 020 3476 9523 or [email protected].