Service Supplier Visa – Global Business Mobility

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.

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.