A new route has opened which allows temporary work assignments to be undertaken in the UK by overseas workers on secondment. This should be part of a high value investment or contract.

To qualify, the applicant must:

• Have been employed by the overseas business for at least 12 months.
• Hold a certificate of sponsorship issued within 3 months before applying, from an A-rated, Home Office-registered sponsor.
• Work for an overseas employer with a contract with the UK sponsor.
• Undertake a job in an eligible occupation code at RQF Level 6 or higher.
• Show sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK.

Visa Duration and Conditions:

If granted, the visa will be valid for the shortest of the following:

• Job end date plus 14 days (as per the certificate of sponsorship),
• Continuous permission as a secondment worker,
• 1 year from the job start date, or
• A total of 5 years’ permission in any 6-year period across Global Business Mobility routes.

Applicants cannot exceed 5 years of leave in any 6-year period. Those with certain permissions (e.g., visitor, short-term student) cannot switch to this route, though switching to another route may be possible if requirements are met.

Dependents can apply, but this route does not lead to settlement.

There are further requirements, some of which may apply depending on your circumstances.

Please get in touch for our advice in obtaining a Secondment Worker Visa, we will be happy to help.