What is the UK Secondment Worker Visa?

The UK Secondment Worker Visa is a popular option for companies that temporarily transfer employees to the UK for a specific project or assignment. This visa is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) route and is intended for highly skilled workers and senior managers who need to work in the UK for a short period of time. In this blog post, we will explain the critical aspects of the UK Secondment Worker Visa, including the sponsorship requirements, eligibility requirements, costs, and processing time.

Sponsorship Requirements

To apply for a UK Secondment Worker Visa, individuals must be sponsored by a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor. The sponsor must be able to demonstrate that the individual is an essential member of their organisation and that their skills and experience are required for the specific project or assignment in the UK. Additionally, the sponsor must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which serves as proof that the individual will be working for the sponsor in the UK.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a UK Secondment Worker Visa, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• They must have worked for the sponsoring company outside of the UK for at least 12 months before the application is made.
• They must have the required qualifications and experience for the specific project or assignment in the UK.
• They must have enough money to support themselves without needing public funds.

It’s also worth noting that while the UK Secondment Worker Visa is part of the GBM route, it’s not an EU Settlement Scheme route, meaning that it’s open to applicants from any country.

Costs

The cost of a UK Secondment Worker Visa is £259 and the applicant may also need to pay for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Processing Time

The processing time is approximately 8 weeks if applying from outside the UK and 3 weeks if applying from inside the UK. Once the application is submitted, it is reviewed by the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) and a decision is made within 8 weeks. If the application is successful, the individual will receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which serves as proof of their right to work in the UK.

Overall, the UK Secondment Worker Visa is a valuable option for companies that want to temporarily transfer employees to the UK for a specific project or assignment. It allows highly skilled workers and senior managers to work in the UK for up to 24 months without needing to apply for permanent residence. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the visa holder is not allowed to bring family members and cannot take other employment while on this visa. It’s also important to consider the costs and processing time before applying for the visa.

How can NA Law Solicitors help?

The immigration solicitors at NA Law Solicitors are experienced in helping individuals looking to apply under the GBM route. The application process can be tedious. If mistakes are made in the application process, long delays can follow, and the application is highly likely to be refused. We have a proven track record for preparing successful visa and sponsorship licence applications and will provide expert guidance for you and your organisation throughout the entire process.

If you require any further information on the above or are looking to make an application, please do not hesitate to get in touch for a consultation.