The Global Business Mobility Secondment Worker visa allows workers on temporary assignments in the UK. Designed for individuals sent by their employers as part of contracts or investments, this visa has specific requirements. If you or your team are considering applying, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria, application process, costs, and other key details. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Global Business Mobility Secondment Worker visa.
Why Choose the Global Business Mobility Seconded Worker Visa?
Before delving into the specifics of requirements and application procedures it’s crucial to recognize the benefits of the Global Business Mobility Seconded Worker visa for both sponsors and applicants.
For Sponsors
One advantage in this visa category for sponsors is the exemption from the Immigration Skills Charge offering financial relief. Moreover, there are no salary requirements or specific pay rates; however, workers must be compensated in accordance, with UK National Minimum Wage laws.
For the Applicant
From the perspective of the applicant, there is no English language requirement, which can be quite advantageous. However to qualify for this visa certain other conditions need to be fulfilled, such as a period of employment, with an international company and meeting a certain skill level.
Requirements for a Global Business Mobility Seconded Worker Visa
To be eligible for the Global Business Mobility; Secondment Worker visa applicants need to score 40 points based on the breakdown;
Points Requirements
- Relevant Criteria: Sponsorship
- Points: 20
- Relevant Criteria: Job Matching Required Skill Level
- Points: 20
Criteria for the UK Sponsor
Possession of a License
The UK sponsor should possess an A-rated license as a sponsor for the Global Business Mobility; Secondment Worker visa. Obtaining this license involves a process not covered in this article; however comprehensive guidance is accessible on the Home Office website.
- Having a Valid Link with an Overseas Business and an Approved Contract by the Home Office
- The sponsor must have a contract with a business involving goods or investments valued at least £10 million annually (with a total worth not less, than £50 million).
Sponsors must adhere to specific guidelines when submitting agreements. For contracts lasting less than five years, the minimum value must be £50 million. For contracts over five years, the value should be at least £10 million annually. If the contract has no end date, the total value must be £50 million within five years.
Applying For a Sponsor License
When applying for a sponsor license, sponsors must provide a contract as proof. Once the license is granted, only Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) linked to the approved contract can be issued to workers. If a sponsor wishes to assign CoS to employees from another company, they must submit an additional contract for approval by the Home Office. All contracts must receive Home Office approval before CoS can be issued, and compliance is closely monitored.
Correctly assigning a Valid Certificate of Sponsorship is crucial to prevent rejections. There are distinctions compared to two types of certificates Skilled Worker and Senior or Specialist Worker certificates.
- An explicit certificate of sponsorship is required for entry clearance applications.
- The job description must specify that the employee is sponsored through the Secondment Worker pathway.
- Select the appropriate SOC Code.
- If the UK sponsor is not providing a salary, indicate £0.01 and include payment details in the text box below the salary section.
- Provide specific contract information, including the employee’s name and contract duration.
- Confirm maintenance, typically included on the certificate of sponsorship.
These criteria ensure that the sponsorship process is carried out accurately and by Home Office regulations.
Requirements for Seconded Workers
Requirement of Validity
Similar to points-based immigration routes within the immigration system applicants must meet validity requirements. Submit the visa application, pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (if applicable), complete biometric enrollment, provide the necessary documents, and obtain a certificate of sponsorship issued within three months before applying. Eligible individuals can utilize the UK Immigration; ID check app for their application. Moreover switching to this pathway is feasible as long as the applicant was not last in the UK on a short-term visa.
Requirement of Suitability
Applicants must not fall into categories, for refusal outlined in Part 9 of Immigration Rules.
When applying for permission to stay individuals must ensure they are not violating any immigration laws with exceptions, for overstayers. Additionally, immigration bail should not be a factor.
Requirement for Overseas Work Experience
For those seeking entry clearance, it is necessary to have worked for the company of the UK for a total of at least 12 months. However, this condition does not apply to individuals extending their visa while continuing to work for the sponsor as in their permission.
While applicants are not mandated to provide evidence with their application the Home Office reserves the right to request it at any time. To prevent delays in processing these applications due to time constraints submitting supporting documents like payslips is advisable.
Qualification Level Requirement
Sponsorship is required for candidates applying for roles at the graduate level (RQF Level 6) as listed in the Appendix Skilled Occupations, and they must meet the eligibility criteria for Global Business Mobility routes. Adhering to this requirement is vital because selecting a code merely because it fits into the route could trigger scrutiny from decision-makers. Factors taken into account include the necessity of the role and the applicant’s skills, qualifications, and experience. The sponsor’s track record of compliance may also come under review.
To be eligible applicants must genuinely have the intention to fulfill the role they are sponsored for. It’s important to note that the Home Office can review the application subjectively ask for documents and raise queries that might cause delays.
Preparing in advance and carefully gathering all evidence is advisable, due to the significance of this visa route in ensuring a labor supply.
What is the Cost of a Global Business Mobility Secondment Worker Visa?
The application process for the Global Business Mobility; Secondment Worker visa incurs fees that can vary based on circumstances. Here are the current fees for entry clearance applications lasting than six months;
- Application fee; £259
- Certificate of Sponsorship; £21
- Any priority processing fees; Around £250
Please be aware that immigration fees are subject to change so it’s recommended to stay informed about any updates.
Benefits for Successful Global Business Mobility Secondment Worker Visa Applicants;
Upon approval applicants who apply for entry clearance will receive an approval email along, with a 90-day visa sticker.
Traveling to the UK during the indicated period, which usually coincides with the start date, on the Certificate of Sponsorship and the UK sponsor work schedule is essential.
For individuals intending to stay in the UK for more than six months, they will receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival. Those who use the UK Immigration app will get an immigration status of a physical permit. The specific documents provided to applicants seeking permission to stay may vary depending on their nationality. Whether they already possess a BRP.
Before an employee’s day of work, the UK sponsor must carry out a right-to-work check as outlined in the Certificate of Sponsorship.
How Long Is a Global Business Mobility Secondment Worker Visa Valid?
Successful candidates will be granted a visa for either one year. If the secondment is shorter than a year for the duration specified in their certificate of sponsorship plus an extra 14 days. Extensions are feasible. Restricted to a period of two years. The total duration permitted under the Global Business Mobility visa categories should not exceed five years within any six-year timeframe.
Check the worker’s authorization under any of the Global Business Mobility visa routes to determine the duration of their approval.
The Global Business Mobility Secondment Worker visa supports temporary work assignments in the UK. Both sponsors and applicants need to grasp the criteria and details of this visa option for an application process. While it may not be widely chosen it plays a role in situations by providing flexibility and easing some standard immigration requirements. Like with any immigration procedure staying updated on regulations and criteria is crucial, for an application journey.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your Global Mobility Visa process straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Graduate Trainee Visa or a Specialist Worker Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas have a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the UK . You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
