Secondment Worker Visa – Application & Guidance UK
The UK’s global workforce landscape is evolving, and for many companies, secondments are now a vital tool for securing high-value contracts, expanding operations, and sharing expertise across borders. The Secondment Worker Visa, part of the UK’s Global Business Mobility (GBM) route, is designed precisely for this purpose.
Everything You Need to Know About Secondment Worker Visa
What Is the Secondment Worker Visa?
The Secondment Worker Visa is one of five sub-routes under the UK’s Global Business Mobility framework. It is specifically aimed at overseas workers seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment between two businesses.
Unlike other work visas, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, this route is not tied to a permanent job offer or long-term employment in the UK. Instead, it facilitates short-term, project-based assignments where expertise, knowledge transfer, or contract fulfilment is required.
Key features of the Secondment Worker Visa include:
- It is a temporary work visa, typically granted for up to 12 months and extendable to a maximum of 24 months.
- It enables companies to deploy overseas employees to the UK without the need to hire them locally.
- The visa does not lead directly to settlement, but it can form part of a broader workforce mobility strategy.
- Applicants are permitted to bring their partners and dependent children with them, provided they meet the financial and visa requirements.
This route is frequently utilised by multinational corporations, engineering and construction companies, technology providers, and other businesses engaged in major contracts, joint ventures, or service delivery partnerships within the UK.
Creative Worker Visa requirements
Who Can Apply for a Secondment Worker Visa?
The Secondment Worker Visa allows staff from overseas companies to undertake temporary work assignments in the UK under a qualifying contract or agreement between their employer and a UK-based business. To obtain this visa, both the applicant and the sponsoring organisation must satisfy specific eligibility requirements.
Eligibility for Applicants
To qualify, you must:
- Be employed by an overseas company that has a qualifying contract or investment agreement with a UK-based business.
- Have worked for your employer outside the UK for at least 12 months before the application date.
- Intend to work in a role that is part of the secondment covered by the contract or investment.
- Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK sponsor licensed under the Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker route.
- Be able to support yourself financially during your stay in the UK (or have your sponsor certify maintenance).
Eligibility for UK Sponsors
The UK-based organisation must:
Maintain compliance with all sponsor duties, including record-keeping and reporting obligations.
Hold an A-rated, valid sponsor licence under the Secondment Worker route.
Have a qualifying contract or investment agreement with the overseas employer worth £50 million or more.
Assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship that includes accurate details of the secondment and role.
Requirements
Key Requirements for a Secondment Worker Visa
While the basic concept of the visa is straightforward, the Home Office imposes several detailed requirements that must be satisfied before an application is approved. These cover employment history, contract value, sponsorship obligations, and financial maintenance.
Employment and Overseas Work History
Applicants must prove they have been employed by the overseas business for at least 12 months before applying. This rule is designed to ensure that secondments involve experienced, established staff and are not used as a back-door route for hiring new employees into the UK.
Acceptable evidence may include:
- Payslips and employment contracts.
- Letters from the overseas employer confirming employment duration and role.
- Tax records or social security contributions demonstrating continuous employment.
Valid Contract or Investment
The secondment must be part of a qualifying high-value contract or investment between the overseas and UK organisations. The Home Office typically requires:
- A contract value of £10 million per year and at least £50 million in total, or
- An investment agreement that meets specific criteria set out in the immigration rules.
The contract must be genuine, ongoing, and relevant to the work being performed. It should clearly outline the services to be delivered, the duration of the agreement, and the relationship between the overseas and UK companies.
Sponsorship and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
A valid Certificate of Sponsorship is a mandatory part of the application. This is issued by the UK sponsor and acts as official confirmation of the secondment arrangement.
The CoS must include details such as:
- The applicant’s name, role, and responsibilities.
- Information about the contract or investment under which the secondment is taking place.
- The start and end dates of the secondment.
Applicants must apply for their visa within three months of the CoS being assigned.
Financial and Maintenance Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to cover their living costs while in the UK, typically a minimum of £1,270 maintained in their account for 28 consecutive days. Alternatively, the UK sponsor can confirm financial support for the applicant’s first month by certifying maintenance on the CoSother relevant visas you’ve held.
Processing
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for a Secondment Worker Visa involves several stages. Each step must be completed correctly and within strict deadlines to avoid delays or refusal.
Step 1: Secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
The process begins with the UK-based organisation assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship through the Sponsor Management System (SMS). The CoS confirms the details of the secondment and the applicant’s role.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
The applicant must complete the Secondment Worker Visa application online through the official UK government website. This involves submitting personal information, employment details, and the CoS reference number.
Step 3: Pay Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The next step is to pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS grants access to NHS healthcare during the stay in the UK. Payment is required for each applicant and any dependants applying with them.
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents
Applicants must upload all required documents online or provide them at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) if biometrics are needed. Any documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by certified translations.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Once all documents and biometrics are submitted, UKVI will begin processing the application. Standard processing typically takes three weeks for applications submitted outside the UK; however, priority services may be available for an additional fee.
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Documents Required for the Application
Preparing the correct documentation is essential to avoid delays or refusals. Applicants will typically need to provide:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- A Certificate of Sponsorship issued by a licensed UK sponsor.
- Proof of 12 months’ overseas employment with the current employer.
- Evidence of the contract or investment agreement between the overseas and UK businesses.
- Bank statements or sponsor certification to show maintenance funds.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results if required by UK immigration rules.
In some cases, UKVI may request additional evidence, such as company financial records or details of project milestones, during the decision-making process.
Visa Fees and Processing Times
Applying for a Secondment Worker Visa involves two key costs: the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Understanding these costs in advance helps applicants plan their budget and avoid delays in submission.
Application Fees
- Application fee: £319 per applicant, regardless of whether the application is made inside or outside the UK.
- Dependants: Each partner or child applying as a dependant must pay the same fee.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
All applicants, including dependants, must pay the IHS as part of the application. This is currently £1,035 per year and must be paid upfront for the full length of the visa. The IHS grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) during the stay in the UK.
Processing Times
Most Secondment Worker Visa applications submitted from outside the UK are processed within three weeks after biometric enrolment. Those applying from within the UK (switching from another visa category) usually receive a decision within eight weeks.
Faster decision-making services are available in some locations:
- Priority service: Decision within 5 working days for an additional £500.
- Super priority service: Decision by the next working day for an additional £1,000.
These timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the volume of cases being processed by UKVI.
Important Conditions
- No settlement route: The visa does not lead directly to indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
- No access to public funds: Visa holders cannot claim public benefits.
- Restricted employment: Work is limited to the role and contract specified in the Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Travel flexibility: Holders can travel in and out of the UK freely while the visa remains valid.
If an applicant wishes to continue working in the UK after their visa expires, they must either apply for a new visa under a different route or return home and reapply under a new contract if eligible.
Bringing Dependants to the UK
One of the key advantages of the Secondment Worker Visa is the ability to bring eligible family members to the UK. This includes:
- A spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner.
- Children under 18.
- Children over 18, if they are financially dependent and living with the applicant.
Financial Requirements for Dependants
Dependants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves unless maintenance is certified by the sponsor. The current financial thresholds are:
- £285 for a partner.
- £315 for the first child.
- £200 for each additional child.
Dependants are free to work and study in the UK while on this visa, but, like the main applicant, they cannot access public funds.
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
Despite being a straightforward route in principle, many Secondment Worker Visa applications are delayed or refused due to common errors. Understanding these pitfalls in advance can significantly improve the chances of success.
1. Inadequate Proof of Overseas Employment
One of the most frequent reasons for refusal is failing to provide sufficient evidence of 12 months of overseas employment. Applicants should submit payslips, contracts, tax records, or official employment confirmation letters covering the full 12-month period.
2. Errors in the Certificate of Sponsorship
Any mistake in the Certificate of Sponsorship, such as incorrect job details, contract information, or dates, can lead to refusal. Both the sponsor and applicant should carefully review the CoS before submission.
3. Insufficient Evidence of Contract Value
The secondment must be tied to a contract worth at least £50 million. UKVI may request evidence such as signed agreements, invoices, or financial documents. Failing to provide this can lead to delays or rejection.
4. Financial Maintenance Issues
If the applicant cannot show sufficient funds or the sponsor fails to certify maintenance correctly, the application will not be approved. Double-check financial documents to ensure they meet the Home Office’s requirements.
5. Non-Compliance by the UK Sponsor
If the UK business does not have an active sponsor licence, or if its licence has been suspended or revoked, the visa cannot be granted. It is essential to confirm the sponsor’s compliance status before proceeding.
Practical Tips for a Stronger Application
Start early: Begin preparing documents at least two to three months before the intended start date.
Double-check all details: Errors on the application form or CoS are a leading cause of refusals.
Provide clear evidence: Ensure all employment, contract, and financial documentation is comprehensive and well-organised.
Use certified translations: Any non-English documents must be professionally translated and certified.
Seek legal advice: Expert guidance can help you avoid pitfalls, particularly for complex or high-value contracts
Why Work with Sponsor Licence Lawyers
Applying for a Secondment Worker Visa can be complex, especially when it involves high-value contracts, cross-border arrangements, and strict Home Office requirements. At Sponsor Licence Lawyers, we support both employers and applicants at every stage of the process, ensuring your application is comprehensive, compliant, and completed correctly the first time.
Our services include:
- Pre-application eligibility assessments.
- Drafting and reviewing secondment contracts.
- Preparing supporting documentation.
- Managing Certificate of Sponsorship assignments.
- Liaising with UKVI and responding to compliance queries.
Whether you’re a multinational corporation sending employees to the UK or a UK business hosting overseas staff, our legal team ensures your application runs smoothly from start to finish.
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Speak to an Immigration Specialist Today
Applying for a Secondment Worker Visa requires careful preparation and a deep understanding of Home Office rules. Small mistakes, such as missing documents or inaccurate contract details, can lead to costly delays or refusals.
At Sponsor Licence Lawyers, we assist businesses and applicants in managing the entire process, from initial eligibility checks to final submission. Our tailored legal support ensures your application meets every requirement and is processed as efficiently as possible.
Contact us today to speak to one of our specialists and begin your Secondment Worker Visa application with confidence.
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