UK Secondment Worker Visa - Global Business Mobility Visa
UK Global Business Mobility Visa - UK Secondment Worker Visa
The UK Secondment Worker Visa is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) route. It allows overseas workers to be temporarily transferred to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment agreement between an overseas business and a UK company. This visa is not a route to settlement but enables skilled employees to work in the UK for a set period.
Who Can Apply for a UK Secondment Worker Visa?
To be eligible for a UK Secondment Worker visa, you should:
- Be an existing employee of an overseas business.
- Have worked for your employer for at least 12 months outside the UK.
- Be transferring to the UK as part of a contract worth £50 million or more between your employer and a UK company.
- Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK sponsor-licensed organisation.
- Be doing an eligible job at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or above.
This visa is not for general transfers between companies and only applies where there is a formal secondment agreement linked to a major contract or investment.
How Long Can You Stay on a UK Secondment Worker Visa?
- The visa is granted for up to 12 months initially.
- You can apply to extend it for another 12 months, up to a maximum stay of 2 years.
- After this, you must leave the UK or apply under another visa category (if eligible).
This visa does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), but you may be able to switch to a visa that does, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, if you meet the requirements.
What You Can and Cannot Do on a UK Secondment Worker Visa
You can:
- Work in the UK for your secondment sponsor under the terms of your contract.
- Take on voluntary work.
- Study (some restrictions apply).
- Travel in and out of the UK during your visa period.
You cannot:
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
- Take on a permanent job in the UK.
- Work for a UK company other than your sponsor.
- Access public funds or benefits.
UK Secondment Worker Visa Sponsor Requirements
Your UK employer must:
- Hold a valid Sponsor Licence under the Secondment Worker route.
- Have a contract registered with the Home Office for at least £50 million.
- Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to each seconded worker.
- Ensure that workers only perform the job described in their CoS.
The UK employer is responsible for compliance with sponsorship duties, including reporting changes in employment and ensuring the seconded worker meets visa conditions.
Required Documents for a UK Secondment Worker Visa
To apply, you must provide:
- A valid passport (with at least one blank page).
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your UK employer.
- Evidence of your employment outside the UK for at least 12 months.
- Proof of contract between your overseas employer and the UK company (provided by your sponsor).
- Bank statements or financial proof, if required.
If you are from a country where tuberculosis (TB) testing is required, you must also provide a TB test certificate.
UK Secondment Worker Visa Fees and Costs
Visa Application Fee:
- £319
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
- £1,035 per year
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee:
- Paid by the UK employer (£525 per worker)
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) does not apply to this visa.
How to Apply for a UK Secondment Worker Visa
Step 1: Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your UK sponsor must issue a CoS before you apply.
Step 2: Apply Online
- Complete your application through the official UK government website.
- Pay the visa application fee and IHS surcharge.
Step 3: Attend a Biometric Appointment
- Provide fingerprints and a photograph at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents
- Upload required documents through the online portal.
Step 5: Await a Decision
- Standard processing time: 3 weeks.
- Priority processing (optional): 5 working days for an extra £500.
Once approved, you will receive a visa vignette in your passport, allowing you to travel to the UK.
Can You Switch to Another Visa?
The UK Secondment Worker Visa does not lead to settlement, but you may be able to switch to a different visa, such as the:
- Skilled Worker Visa, if you receive a qualifying job offer.
- Global Talent Visa, if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Innovator Founder Visa, if you plan to start a business in the UK.
How Immtell Can Help
Applying for a UK Secondment Worker Visa requires careful preparation to ensure compliance with Home Office requirements. Immtell provides expert support to help:
- UK businesses secure a Secondment Worker Sponsor Licence.
- Seconded workers complete their visa application accurately.
- Ensure contracts meet Home Office eligibility requirements.
- Assist with visa extensions and compliance advice.
Start Your UK Secondment with Expert Visa Support
Ensure a successful secondment process with expert visa guidance.
Ensure a successful secondment process with expert visa guidance.
Further Reading
Guide to Successfully Obtaining a UK Work Visa in 2025
How to Obtain a Work Visa for the UK in 2025
What is the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?
Your Guide to the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK: Meeting Eligibility and Navigating Compliance
The UK Immigration Process: A Guide for Newcomers
Your Essential Guide to Navigating the UK Immigration Process with Confidence
How to Get a Skilled Worker Visa UK
Updated Guide to Getting a Skilled Worker Visa for the UK (2025)
UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa - Global Business Mobility Visa
UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa - Previosully the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa
