Introducing the Service Supplier visa, designed for overseas workers and service providers embarking on temporary work assignments in the UK. This revolutionary visa replaces the previous provisions for contractual service suppliers and independent professionals within the T5 International Agreement route.
With this innovative new route, providers and self-employed individuals can now come to the UK under a contract to supply services covered by one of the international trade agreements. This opens endless possibilities for international and overseas businesses looking to offer their services to UK businesses, by sending their talented employees on assignments within the UK. It is also a wonderful opportunity for self-employed individuals who aspire to enter the UK and highlight their exceptional skills in their respective trades.
By embracing this route, providers and self-employed individuals gain the freedom to undertake activities that go beyond the limitations outlined in the permitted activities for Business visitors.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
- Work either as an overseas service provider or for an overseas service provider that will offer services in the UK.
- Engage in a job that falls under the eligible occupations and codes.
- Have been consistently employed in the same position for the past 12 months.
- Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Demonstrate financial self-sufficiency by providing evidence of at least £1270 in available funds.
Eligibility criteria for the UK company
The UK company must obtain a temporary worker licence, as issued by the Home Office. The company has various duties, including appointing key personnel to manage the sponsor licence and ensuring that the appropriate management systems are in place to maintain reporting and record-keeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the visa valid for?
12 months.
Can you apply for settled status with this visa?
The Service Supplier route does not lead to settlement in the UK.
When should I apply?
You can apply for a Service Supplier visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK.
Where should I start as a UK company without a licence?
A UK company wishing to sponsor a worker on the Service Supplier Visa must first obtain a licence. Depending on the circumstances, different requirements will need to be satisfied. For instance, a start-up has different obligations to fulfil in obtaining this licence compared to a more well-established company.
Once you become a sponsor in the UK, you can issue certificates of sponsorship. At this point in the process, the temporary worker should apply for the Service Supplier visa.
How long can the Service Supplier employee work at a UK company?
The temporary worker can provide services for whichever is the shorter of:
- six months or twelve months – depending on the trade agreement, the worker is providing services under.
- the time as specified on their certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days.
Why Choose UK Visas?
UK Visas provide a comprehensive Skilled Worker Visa Service. Whether you are arranging sponsorship for the first time, or need ongoing support for your recruitment requirements, the rules and regulations can seem overwhelming.
As UK Visa experts, we steer thousands of companies through the licence process. We will support your application so you can rest assured your experience will be as stress-free as possible.
