Service Supplier Route

What is the Service Supplier route?

On 11 April 2022, the Service Supplier route replaced the Temporary Work – International Agreement route. This route is for overseas workers who enter the UK to take on temporary work placements, where the worker is either a contractual service supplier employed by an overseas service provider, or is an independent professional established outside the UK, and the work is part of a contract covered by one of the UK’s international trade commitments. The new route is like its predecessor but there are a few amendments.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible under this route:

• You need to be aged 18 or over on the date of application
• You need to be an employee of an overseas business, or a self-employed service provider based overseas
• You need to ensure that the service you provide to a UK business is under a contract that is covered by a valid international trade agreement
• You need to have an ‘eligible’ job (you may still be eligible if you have relevant qualifications and experience even if your job is not covered)
• Your UK sponsor needs to assign you a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ with information about the work you’ll be doing in the UK
• You need to have at least 12 months of work experience with your employer outside the UK, or have at least 12 months of professional experience if you’re a self-employed service provider
• You need to be able to prove that you have enough personal savings to maintain yourself

How long can you stay in the UK under this route?

The length of time that you can stay in the UK under this route depends on the type of trade agreement that you are providing services under. The trade agreement that you are providing services under may stipulate a time period of either 6 months or 12 months. You can stay for whichever is the shorter of: