借调工人签证申请

What is the Secondment Worker visa?

The UK Secondment Worker visa allows overseas employers to temporarily assign employees to a UK business under a qualifying high-value contract or investment arrangement. Part of the Global Business Mobility framework, the route requires an appropriately licensed UK sponsor, an eligible role and a contract registered with the Home Office.

Who can apply for a Secondment Worker visa?

Applicants must generally be existing employees of the overseas business whose qualifying contract with the UK sponsor has been registered with the Home Office.

The principal requirements include:

• Being aged 18 or over.
• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a sponsor licensed for this route.
• At least six months’ qualifying work outside the UK for the overseas business.
• A UK role in an occupation eligible for the Secondment Worker route.
• Meeting the applicable financial, suitability and other application requirements.

The six months can be cumulative, subject to employment continuity rules and permitted absences. An exception applies to qualifying applications for permission to stay where the applicant has, or last had, Secondment Worker permission and will continue working for the same sponsor.

Additional requirements, such as tuberculosis screening or an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate, may apply.

There is no route-specific minimum salary threshold. However, the employment must comply with applicable minimum wage and working time requirements. 

What are the requirements for the UK business?

The UK business must hold the appropriate sponsor licence and have a qualifying contract for goods or investment with the overseas business.

The Home Office’s contract-value requirements are:

• Less than five years: at least £50 million overall.
• Five years or longer: at least £10 million per year.
• No specified end date: at least £50 million over the first five years.

The contract must be registered with the Home Office. Sponsorship under a new contract cannot begin until the Home Office has confirmed that it meets the requirements.

How long can a Secondment Worker stay in the UK?

Permission is normally granted until the earlier of:

• 12 months after the job’s start date on the Certificate of Sponsorship; or
• 14 days after the job’s stated end date.

An extension may be available, subject to a maximum continuous period of two years on this route. A separate limit of five years in any six-year period applies across the Global Business Mobility and relevant Intra-Company routes. Previous permission can therefore reduce the period available.

The Secondment Worker route does not itself lead to settlement. Switching to another immigration route may be possible where that route’s requirements are met.

Can Secondment Workers bring their families?

Eligible partners and dependent children can apply to accompany or join the worker, subject to the relevant requirements.

Dependant partners can generally work, including in self-employment, but cannot work as professional sportspersons or sports coaches.

What should businesses consider before arranging a secondment?

Relevant considerations include the contract’s eligibility, the employee’s overseas employment history, the proposed duties and the assignment’s duration.

The sponsored role must be genuine and connected to the registered contract. The rules prohibit hiring the worker out to fill a position with a third party other than the sponsor, or to perform an ongoing routine role or service for such a third party. 

How can Angelov Solicitors assist?

Angelov Solicitors can advise on Secondment Worker visa applications, sponsor licensing and the immigration requirements associated with qualifying international contracts and investment arrangements.

Contact Angelov Solicitors to arrange a consultation about your UK business immigration and secondment requirements.