Secondment Worker Visa – Global Business Mobility

The Secondment Worker Visa is a new category – part of the UK’s Global Business Mobility routes (GBM). It permits overseas workers to take up temporary work assignments in the UK where the employee is being seconded to the country as part of a high-value contract or investment by their overseas employer.

If you are looking to apply for a Secondment Worker Visa, our solicitors will help you to put forward a strong application. We have been advising and representing overseas businesses and individuals since 2007, ensuring that their immigration needs are fulfilled to meet their business goals.

To speak to a solicitor about the Secondment Worker Visa route, including the requirements to make an application, contact Latitude Law today by calling either 0044 161 234 6800 or 0044 207 046 7185 now. Alternatively, fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back.


What is the Global Business Mobility Secondment Worker Visa?

The Global Business Mobility Visa (GBM) for secondment workers is one of five business immigration routes for overseas companies to establish presence in or transfer employees to the UK. The new routes were open to applicants on 11th April 2022.

This route allows overseas companies to second workers to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment – broadly, an investment or contract for goods or services worth at least £10 million per year, and no less than £50 million overall.

Requirements for secondment workers

To be eligible to apply under the Secondment Worker Route, applicants must:

  • Be 18 years old or older
  • Be working for an overseas business that has a contract with their UK sponsor
  • Have worked for an overseas business for at least 12 months
  • Provide evidence of the value of the investment or contract – either £10 million per year for at least five years, or an overall value of £50 million
  • Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned by a UK-licensed sponsor
  • Have a genuine role eligible for GBM sponsorship listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations of the immigration rules
  • Provide evidence of sufficient funds to support leave in the UK unless the sponsor is certifying maintenance
  • Provide a valid tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if required

If an application is successful, the secondment worker will be able to enter the UK initially for one year, with the option to extend their stay by a further year. However, two years is the maximum continuous period a seconded holder can stay in the UK under this visa.

How to apply for a Secondment Worker Visa

An application for a Secondment Worker Visa is made online supported by a CoS reference number. As part of the application, proof of identity will need to be provided, as well as the supporting documents mentioned above. An appointment to enrol biometrics may be required.

Applicants must have:

  • a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK-licensed sponsor;
  • a passport or other travel document to prove their identity and nationality;
  • evidence that they have worked outside the UK for the business for at least 12 months;
  • proof of funds; and
  • a valid TB test certificate, if applicable.

Why choose Latitude Law?

Our solicitors have years of experience in assisting employers and workers from companies of all sizes across a variety of industries. We can help both overseas and UK businesses ensure that their overseas workers are able to be temporarily seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment.

The service we offer for Secondment Worker Visas includes:

  • Advising on the appropriate type of sponsor licence application
  • Helping to gather the appropriate supporting documents
  • Making sure you are meeting the relevant sponsor compliance duties
  • Advising on assigning Certificates of Sponsorship
  • Handling visa applications once sponsorship is confirmed
  • Applying for sponsor licence renewals

We are specialist immigration lawyers – it is all we do – so we understand what is required to make a strong application for a Secondment Worker Visa.

FAQs about Secondment Worker Visas

How much does it cost to apply for a Secondment Worker Visa?

The costs involved in applying for a Secondment Worker Visa include:

  • The need to prove at least £1,270 of funds to support your stay in the UK
  • An application fee of £259
  • An annual immigration health surcharge of £624

How long does it take to process a Secondment Worker Visa application?

Once an application has been submitted and the fee has been paid, a decision will usually be made within three weeks for those applying outside of the UK and around eight weeks for in-country applications.

Can settlement be achieved via the Secondment Worker Visa route?

The Secondment Worker Visa does not provide the visa holder with a path to settlement in the UK. To obtain indefinite leave to remain, a visa holder must apply under a different immigration route, provided they are eligible to make an application.

Can dependants come to the UK on the Secondment Worker Visa?

A secondment worker can be joined by their spouse/partner and any dependent children under the age of 18 if they meet the relationship and financial requirements.

A spouse or partner needs to show proof of funds of £285 to be eligible for application, while dependent children under the age of 18 need £315, with any additional children needing £200 each.

Applications can be made at the same time as the primary visa holder, and visas will end on the same date as the holder of the Secondment Worker Visa.

Contact us

For advice on Secondment Worker Visas, including which Global Business Mobility route to take and how to make a successful application, contact Latitude Law today by calling 0044 161 234 6800 or 0044 207 046 7185. Alternatively, fill in our online enquiry form and we will call you back.

Our experts

What our clients say…

Successful human rights appeal on family grounds

"Dear Gemma & Victoria,
Thank you for all your hard work and encouragement."
Mr Hanif
July 2023

New Biometric Residence Permit

"Dear Gemma & Victoria,
Thank you for helping me to get my new Biometric Residence Permit"
Brother Koso
July 2023

Exceptional Professionalism

"Natasha & the Latitude Law team showed exceptional professionalism and efficiency throughout the process of my family's permanent residency application. I'm incredibly thankful for their expertise and dedication."
Ms Zheng
June 2023

All content on this page was reviewed by Latitude Law and is accurate as of 20/05/2022