To be eligible for a Secondment Worker visa, you must: be an existing employee of an overseas organisation that has a high-value contract with your UK sponsor have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your UK sponsor with information about the role you’ve been offered have worked for your overseas employer for 12 months do a job in the UK that’s on the list of eligible occupations Your overseas employer’s contract with your UK sponsor The UK organisation you’ll work for is also known as your sponsor, because they are sponsoring you to come to or stay in the UK. Your overseas employer must have an eligible contract with your UK sponsor that’s worth at least £50 million. View the list of approved UK sponsors . If your employer has a contract worth less than £50 million, you may be eligible for another type of visa to work in the UK . Getting a certificate of sponsorship Your UK sponsor will give you a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ with information about the work you will do in the UK. It’s an electronic record, not a paper document. You’ll need the reference number from the certificate of sponsorship for your visa application. You must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship. Check if your job is eligible Before you can find out if your job is eligible, you need to know its 4-digit occupation code. You can get this from your overseas employer or your certificate of sponsorship. When you know your occupation code, check the table of eligible jobs to see if it’s eligible for a Secondment Worker visa.

When you apply for a Secondment Worker visa, you’ll need to have enough money to: pay the £298 application fee pay the healthcare surcharge - this is usually £1,035 per year support yourself when you arrive in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt) You’ll be told how much you need to pay when you apply. Healthcare surcharge You’ll have to pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay - this is usually £1,035 per year. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply . Money to support yourself You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK. You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply. You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply , unless either: you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more your sponsor can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270 Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need . Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it. If your sponsor can support you instead Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your sponsor will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.

Documents you'll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need to provide: your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your UK sponsor will give you this a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality your job title and your job’s occupation code the name of your sponsor and their sponsor licence number - this will be on your certificate of sponsorship evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK , for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your sponsor can support you) proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country Ask your UK sponsor for a copy of your certificate of sponsorship if you do not have one. Other documents you might need Depending on your circumstances, you might be asked to provide: evidence you’ve worked for your employer outside the UK a valid ATAS certificate if your sponsor tells you that you need one because your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher You’ll need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre. You’ll be told if you need to do this when you apply. If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation . Evidence you’ve worked for your employer outside the UK After you apply you might be asked to show you’ve worked for your overseas employer outside the UK for 12 months. If you’re asked, you’ll need to show you’ve been paid by your employer over this time period. You can provide: printed payslips online payslips supported by a letter from your sponsor signed by a senior staff member bank or building society statements a building society pass book

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for a Secondment Worker Visa. Check which documents you’ll need to apply . Proving your identity As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have. You’ll either: have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre - this is to get a biometric residence permit use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account) You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. If you do need an appointment: the visa application centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application you may have to travel to get to your nearest centre (this could be in another country) Apply for a Secondment Worker visa Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now Continue your application You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it. Find out how to sign in to your account . How long it takes to get a decision Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks. You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) . You can ask to cancel your application . Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. You’ll get an email or a letter with the decision on your application . This will explain what you need to do next.

You can apply to extend your Secondment Worker visa from inside the UK if all of the following are true: you’re still working for the UK sponsor who gave you your current certificate of sponsorship you’re still working on the same contract that your employer has with your sponsor you have not reached the maximum total stay Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically extend if you extend yours. If they do not extend their visa, it will be valid until its original end date. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires. You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. You must be in the UK to extend your visa. If your job changes You’ll need to apply to update your visa instead. Fees Check how much it costs . Proving your identity and providing supporting documents As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport or resident permit you have. You’ll either: use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. Apply to extend your Secondment Worker visa You must apply online before your current visa expires. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Start now Continue your application You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it. Find out how to sign in to your account . How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date. You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) . You can ask to cancel your application . Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. You’ll get an email or a letter with the decision on your application . This will explain what you need to do next.

Update your visa if your job changes

You’ll need to apply to update your Secondment Worker visa if your job changes to a different occupation code . You must still have the same sponsor. Your partner or children will need to apply separately to update their visa. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires. Fees Check how much it costs . You’ll also need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. There’s no fee for this. Eligibility and documents you’ll need to apply Your new job must meet the eligibility requirements and you’ll need a new certificate of sponsorship. You’ll only need to provide other evidence again if you’ve been in the UK for less than one year. When to apply to update your visa You can apply to update your visa up to 3 months before the start date of your new job. You can continue working in your current job while your new application is being considered - as long as you apply before your current visa expires. You should not start your new job until you’ve got confirmation of your new permission. You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. Proving your identity and providing supporting documents As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have. You’ll either: give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you will also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account) You’ll be told how to do this when you apply. You’ll also be told how to provide your supporting documents if you need to. Apply to update your visa You must apply online. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now Continue your application You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it. Find out how to sign in to your account . How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date. You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) . You can ask to cancel your application . Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. You’ll get an email or a letter with the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

You might be able to apply to change (‘switch’) to a Secondment Worker visa if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa. You must meet the eligibility requirements . Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically switch to this visa if you switch yours. If they do not switch their visa, it will be valid until its original end date. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires. You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. Switching from a Student visa If you’re currently in the UK on a Student visa, you must meet the eligibility requirements and one of the following must apply: you have completed the course you were sponsored to study your job start date is after your course has finished you have studied for a PhD for at least 24 months Who cannot apply to switch You cannot apply to switch to this visa if you’re currently in the UK: on a visit visa on a short-term student visa on a Parent of a Child Student visa on a seasonal worker visa on a domestic worker in a private household visa on immigration bail because you were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules , for example - on compassionate grounds You must leave the UK and apply for a Secondment Worker visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories. Fees Check how much it costs . Proving your identity and providing supporting documents As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have. You’ll either: give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you will also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account) You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. Apply to switch to a Secondment Worker visa You must apply online before your current visa expires. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now Continue your application You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it. Find out how to sign in to your account . How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date. You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) . You can ask to cancel your application . Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. You’ll get an email or a letter with the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Secondment Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

Overview

Apply for this visa if your overseas employer is transferring you to the UK to do an eligible job for a different organisation.

Your overseas employer must have a high-value contract with the UK organisation.

Your employer will tell you if their contract makes you eligible for a Secondment Worker visa.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Secondment Worker visa, you must:

be an existing employee of an overseas organisation that has a high-value contract with your UK sponsor that has been approved by the Home Office
have worked for your overseas employer for at least 12 months outside the UK
have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your sponsor with information about the work you will do in the UK
do a job in the UK that’s on the list of eligible occupations

Check if you’re eligible.

How long you can stay

You can stay in the UK with a Secondment Worker visa for whichever is shorter of:

12 months after the start date of the job detailed in your certificate of sponsorship
the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days

If you want to stay longer in the UK, you can extend your visa by 12 months. The maximum time you can stay in the UK on a Secondment Worker visa is 2 years.

If you’ve spent time in the UK on a Secondment Worker visa or another visa before

You can only stay in the UK for a maximum of 5 years in any 6 year period if you’ve spent time on any of these visas:

Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa
Intra-company Transfer visa
Graduate Trainee visa (Global Business Mobility)
Secondment Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
Service Supplier visa (Global Business Mobility)
UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

How to apply

You must apply online.

How you apply depends on whether you’re:

outside the UK and are coming to the UK
inside the UK and extending your current visa
inside the UK and switching from a different visa

Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.

How much it costs

You, your partner or children will each need to:

pay the £298 application fee
pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £1,035 per year - you can check how much you’ll have to pay
prove you have enough personal savings

Check how much it costs.

How long it takes

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

What you can and cannot do

With a Secondment Worker visa you can:

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
study
bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible
do voluntary work
travel abroad and return to the UK

You cannot:

apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
change jobs unless you update your visa
apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’)
do a second job

If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Secondment Worker visa.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Secondment Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

Overview

Eligibility

How long you can stay

If you’ve spent time in the UK on a Secondment Worker visa or another visa before

How to apply

How much it costs

How long it takes

Getting a decision

What you can and cannot do

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Secondment Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

Overview

Eligibility

How long you can stay

If you’ve spent time in the UK on a Secondment Worker visa or another visa before

How to apply

How much it costs

How long it takes

Getting a decision

What you can and cannot do

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK