UK Secondment Worker Visa

UK Staff Secondment High-Value Contracts

The UK Secondment Worker Visa is a Global Business Mobility route for overseas employees being temporarily seconded to a UK business as part of a high-value contract or investment between their overseas employer and the UK sponsor.

Book Consultation
What is a UK Secondment Worker Visa?
The Secondment Worker Visa is a sub-route under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) framework, introduced in April 2022. It allows an overseas employer to temporarily second an employee to a UK business that is not part of the same corporate group, where the two organisations are connected by a qualifying high-value contract or investment.
Temporary Secondments Under High-Value Contracts

This route is specifically for secondments to a different UK organisation — the sponsor — under the approved high-value contract. It is not available for intra-group transfers between linked entities of the same business, which are covered by the Senior or Specialist Worker route instead.

The key requirement is a genuine commercial contract or investment arrangement between the overseas employer and the UK sponsor, worth at least £50 million.

The UK sponsor must hold a valid GBM sponsor licence and register the contract on the Sponsor Management System before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.

There is no minimum salary threshold for this route, and no English language requirement. The route does not lead to settlement and is intended solely for the duration of the secondment assignment.

UK Immigration · Global Business Mobility route information

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you're applying for a visa, seeking settlement, or expanding your business to the UK — our certified advisors are here to help.

Book Consultation
UK visa and passport documentation

Why Choose Our UK Secondment Worker Visa Services?

Our expert corporate immigration team offers comprehensive guidance through the UK Global Business Mobility Secondment Worker visa path. We ensure seamless execution by validating eligible high-value corporate contracts, processing Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) requirements, and verifying candidate work histories flawlessly. We simplify complex Home Office regulations, handle meticulous document review, and guide your temporary transfers smoothly, keeping your business expansions efficient and completely stress-free.
/ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Things You Need To Know
And We Know Your’s
✓

Trusted UK Immigration Advisors

Our experienced immigration advisors assist clients with a wide range of UK immigration matters, delivering practical solutions tailored to individual and business needs.

✓

Professional Case Management

We provide clear legal guidance, thorough document reviews and dedicated support to maximise the prospects of a successful outcome.

What is a Secondment Worker Visa? ⌃

A Global Business Mobility route for overseas employees being temporarily seconded to a UK business that is not part of the same corporate group, where the arrangement is underpinned by a qualifying high-value contract or investment worth at least £50 million.

Who can apply under this route? ⌃

Existing employees of an overseas business who have worked for their employer for at least six months outside the UK, whose employer has a qualifying high-value contract with a licensed UK sponsor, and who will be carrying out an eligible role during the secondment.

What is considered a high-value contract? ⌃

A genuine contract for goods or services, or an investment arrangement, between the overseas employer and the UK sponsor worth at least £50 million in total. For contracts of more than five years, the value must be at least £10 million per year. The contract must be registered on the Sponsor Management System before a CoS is assigned.

Does the UK business need a sponsor licence? ⌃

Yes. The UK business receiving the seconded worker must hold a valid GBM sponsor licence, be A-rated, and register the qualifying contract on the SMS before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship.

How long can I stay in the UK? ⌃

Permission is granted for whichever is shorter of: (a) 12 months after the CoS start date, or (b) the time stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days. You can extend by 12 months, giving a maximum total stay of two years on this route. In addition, applicants may be subject to a maximum of five years' permission in any six-year period across certain Global Business Mobility and Intra-Company routes.

Study, Work, or Settle Abroad with 100% Legal Support

UK Secondment Worker Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, both the UK sponsor and the individual applicant must meet the Home Office requirements set out below.

01

Contract & Sponsorship

The framework of the secondment requires a significant verified commercial relationship and official registration steps.

  • High-Value Contract: Genuine contract or investment worth at least £50 million total (£50m for first 5 years if uncapped; £10m/year if exceeding 5 years).
  • Contract Registered on SMS: The UK sponsor must register the eligible contract or investment on the Sponsor Management System before assigning a CoS.
  • Valid Sponsor Licence: The UK business must hold a valid GBM sponsor licence and be A-rated at the time the CoS is assigned.
  • Certificate of Sponsorship: A valid CoS must be assigned to the applicant before submitting the visa application (apply within 3 months).
  • No Corporate Group Link: The UK sponsor and overseas employer must not be part of the same corporate group (commercial contract only).
02

Role & Skill Level

The proposed position within the UK enterprise must cross predefined professional thresholds to justify entry.

  • Eligible Occupation: The role must be listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations of the Immigration Rules and be at or above RQF Level 6.
  • Graduate Equivalent: The applicant does not need to hold a degree, but the role itself must be equivalent to a graduate-level position.
  • Genuine Role: The Home Office must be completely satisfied that the role is genuine and not created solely to facilitate UK entry.
  • No Salary Threshold: Unlike other GBM routes, there is no minimum salary requirement, though you must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage.
  • 40-Point Requirement: Requires only 40 points total — strictly awarded for sponsorship and an eligible occupation framework.
03

Employment History

Applicants must substantiate their ongoing alignment and track record with the overseas sending employer.

  • Minimum Employment Period: The applicant must have worked for their overseas employer outside the UK for at least six months prior to applying.
  • Extension Exemption: Applicants who are actively extending their stay with the exact same sponsor do not need to meet the 6-month overseas rule.
  • Required Evidence: Employment history is verified directly through payslips, an employment contract, and an official verification letter from the employer.
04

Financial & Other

Core maintenance stipulations, medical clearings, and exemptions that dictate personal admissibility.

  • Maintenance Funds: Must hold at least £1,270 for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of the visa application date.
  • Funds Exemption: Not required if you held valid UK leave for 12+ months, or if the sponsor explicitly certifies maintenance on your CoS.
  • No English Requirement: There is absolutely no English language proficiency requirement for the Secondment Worker Visa route.
  • Tuberculosis Test: Applicants from specific Home Office listed countries must provide a valid certificate from an approved medical clinic.
  • No Immigration Skills Charge: Sponsoring employers are fully exempt from this charge on this route, providing a distinct financial advantage.
05

Stay & Conditions

Understanding the parameters of your stay length, legal boundaries, and downstream settlement realities.

  • Grant Period: Granted for whichever is shorter: 12 months after the CoS job start date, or the stated CoS duration plus 14 days.
  • Extensions: The visa can be extended by an additional 12 months from within the UK, up to a maximum total stay of two years.
  • GBM Cumulative Limit: Subject to a maximum cap of 5 years' total permission in any 6-year period across standard GBM/Intra-Company routes.
  • Permitted Work: May only work for the designated UK sponsor in the specific CoS role and contract. Supplementary employment is forbidden.
  • No Settlement Pathway: This route does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). You must switch to a Skilled Worker route to pursue long-term settlement.
Final Note: Meeting all these requirements and submitting proper evidence will significantly increase your chances of a successful UK Secondment Worker Visa application.
how we help

Expert Guidance For Your secondment worker
Journey, Simplified.

Our experienced professionals provide end-to-end guidance, ensuring a smooth, compliant, and successful application journey.

01 — assessment
eligibility and contract assessment

Eligibility and Contract Assessment

We review the commercial contract or investment arrangement, the applicant's employment history, and the role to confirm eligibility for the Secondment Worker route before any CoS is assigned or application made.

02 — verification
sponsor and document review

Sponsor and Document Review

We advise the UK sponsor on their obligations, assist with registering the contract on the SMS, guide the CoS assignment process, and review all contractual and personal documentation for compliance before submission.

03 — filing
application preparation and submission

Application Preparation and Submission

We prepare and submit the visa application, ensuring the CoS details are accurate and that all supporting evidence clearly demonstrates how the secondment arrangement meets the applicable Home Office requirements.

04 — success path
approval assistance

Approval Assistance

Following a grant of leave, we advise on the conditions of the visa, the sponsor's ongoing compliance obligations, extension applications within the two-year maximum, and options for switching to an alternative route where relevant.