How much does it cost to make a Service Supplier Visa application?
In addition to being able to show proof of funds, applicants will need to pay an application fee of £259 and an immigration health surcharge of £624 per year.
Service Supplier Visa – Global Business Mobility
The Service Supplier Visa replaces the Contractual Service Suppliers and Independent Professionals routes under the temporary worker – international agreement category. The visa permits overseas workers to undertake temporary work assignments in the UK under a qualifying service contract.
If you need overseas service providers or independent professionals to carry out a service for a business in the UK, Latitude Law’s expert immigration solicitors are here to help you make a successful Service Supplier Visa application. Since 2007, we have been providing advice and representation to individuals and businesses to help them reach their business goals.
To speak to a solicitor about the Service Supplier 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 Service Supplier Visa?
The Global Business Mobility Visa (GBM) for service suppliers is one of five business immigration routes for overseas companies to establish presence, in or transfer employees to the UK. The new Global Business Mobility routes were opened to applicants on 11th April 2022.
This route allows UK businesses to employ overseas service providers and self-employed independent professionals to come to the UK to complete temporary work assignments as part of a qualifying service contract.
Requirements for service suppliers
To be eligible to apply under the Service Supplier route, applicants must:
- Have a contract to provide service to a UK company that is covered by a valid international trade agreement
- Be an employee of an overseas business or self-employed independent service provider
- Meet the relevant nationality/residence requirements applicable to the international trade agreement
- Be providing a service to a Home Office-approved sponsor
- Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK sponsor, including information on the work the applicant will be carrying out
- Have worked for at least 12 months for either an overseas business or self-employed in the same sector as the service they will provide to the sponsor
- Be able to financially support themselves, unless they are exempt
In addition to the above requirements, jobs that qualify for a Service Supplier Visa must be skilled at a minimum of RQF Level 6 and that are identified as eligible for global business mobility. If a job is not featured, the worker must hold a relevant qualification, and must have at least three years’ experience. Some contracts may require six years’ experience.
Under the Service Supplier Visa, visa holders will not be permitted to take a second job in the UK. They can undertake voluntary work or a course of study, and are able to travel to and from the UK during their granted leave.
If an application is successful, the contractual service supplier will be able to enter the UK initially for six months to a year, with the option to extend their stay by a further year. However, two years is the maximum continuous period a visa holder can stay in the UK under this visa.
How to apply for a Service Supplier Visa
Like most Global Business Mobility routes, an online application will need to be submitted for a Service Supplier Visa using the reference number found on the CoS. As part of the application, applicants will need to prove their identity and provide a number of supporting documents. This will usually require attendance to an appointment to provide these as well as fingerprints and a photo in order to obtain a biometric residence permit.
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 or for themselves for at least 12 months;
- proof of funds; and
- a valid TB test certificate, if applicable.
An application can be made for a service supplier up to three months before the date the applicant is due to start work in the UK. Applications must also be made within three months of receiving their CoS.
Why choose Latitude Law?
Our immigration solicitors can assist and manage the visa and immigration process for overseas service suppliers to ensure they are able to undertake a temporary assignment in the UK. We can also help UK employers to obtain the right sponsor licence, maintain their licence and comply with their sponsor duties.
We are a highly driven team that is dedicated to providing clear and reliable advice in relation to immigration. Our approach is to understand your business needs and ensure you have the right immigration procedures in place.
Our team has helped thought leaders, innovators and businesspeople to work and establish their businesses in the UK. We have a deep understanding of the law, immigration rules, and Home Office policies and guidance, which informs decisions related to this area of law.
FAQs about Service Supplier Visas
How long does it take to process a Service Supplier Visa application?
Once an application has been submitted, a decision will usually be made within three weeks if they are applying outside of the UK and within eight weeks if they are already in the UK. In some instances, an applicant may be able to pay for a faster decision.
Can dependants come to the UK under a Service Supplier Visa?
A spouse or partner and any children under the age of 18 are able to join a service supplier under this route if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Dependant applicants will need to pay a separate application fee and the annual healthcare surcharge. Proof of personal savings will also need to be provided – for spouses/partners the amount to prove is £285, while for the first child, £315 will need to be proven and £200 for each additional child.
Visas for dependants will end on the same date as the primary visa holder.
Can settlement be achieved via the Service Supplier Visa route?
The Service Supplier Visa does not provide the visa holder with a path to settlement in the UK. To obtain settlement, a visa holder must apply under a different immigration route, provided they are eligible to make an application.
Contact us
For advice on Service Supplier Visas, including which 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.
Entrepreneur Visa Extension
If you need help extending your Entrepreneur visa, Latitude Law's immigration solicitors can guide you through the strict eligibility and specified evidence requirements.
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All content on this page was reviewed by Latitude Law and is accurate as of 20/05/2022