On 11 April 2022, the UK introduced the Global Business Mobility: Secondment Worker Visa as part of a new immigration route. This visa caters to overseas workers who are temporarily assigned to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment by their overseas employer. Despite its potential, the secondment worker visa has not seen high popularity. As of September 2026, out of approximately 636,000 sponsor licence holders, only six hold a licence under this specific route. The visa allows for dependent family members to join the worker in the UK but does not provide a path to settlement.
The secondment worker visa is advantageous for sponsors as it does not require an immigration skills charge or a set salary threshold, though national minimum wage laws must be observed. No English language requirement is currently needed for applicants, although this may change with future proposals. However, applicants must have worked for a linked overseas company for a certain period and the position must meet a graduate skill level.
Requirements and process for the secondment worker visa
To qualify for the secondment worker visa, applicants must accumulate 40 points. These are divided equally between sponsorship and the skill level of the job. The UK sponsor needs an A-rated sponsor licence and must have a qualifying overseas business link approved by the Home Office. The contract must have a substantial value, either £10 million annually or £50 million in total. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the revocation of the sponsor licence.
The seconded worker must meet several criteria including validity and suitability requirements. They must have a certificate of sponsorship issued no more than three months before the visa application and meet financial requirements. Importantly, from 8 April 2026, applicants must have worked for the overseas business for at least six months before applying. The applicant’s role must align with a graduate-level job as defined in the immigration rules, ensuring that the role is genuinely required.
What this means for newcomers
The introduction of the secondment worker visa offers a specific route for those seconded to the UK as part of high-value business contracts. While it does not lead to settlement, it provides a temporary opportunity to work in the UK without the burden of certain fees and requirements typical of other visa routes. As a newcomer, understanding the conditions and benefits of this visa is essential, especially since it bypasses the immigration skills charge and English language requirements.
This visa route is part of a broader set of options under the Global Business Mobility umbrella, which may be more suitable for certain business scenarios compared to traditional work visas. For more detailed information on different UK visa options, you can explore our UK visa guide for newcomers, which breaks down each route according to your needs.
What you should do
- Check your eligibility: Ensure you meet the requirements for the secondment worker visa, specifically regarding your employment duration with the overseas business and the skill level of your job. Review the Home Office guidelines to confirm your role qualifies.
- Sponsor licence verification: If you are a sponsor, verify that your licence is current and approved by the Home Office for the secondment worker route. This includes having a qualifying business link and contract.
- Prepare your documentation: Gather all necessary documents, including a valid certificate of sponsorship and proof of financial requirements. Early preparation can prevent delays, especially since the Home Office may request additional evidence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Global Business Mobility: Secondment Worker Visa?
This visa allows overseas workers to temporarily work in the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment by their employer. It is part of the Global Business Mobility routes introduced in April 2022.
Does the secondment worker visa lead to settlement in the UK?
No, the secondment worker visa does not lead to settlement. It is designed for temporary assignments and does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Are there any language requirements for this visa?
Currently, there is no English language requirement for the secondment worker visa, although this may change in the future under new proposals.
Can family members accompany the visa holder?
Yes, dependent family members can apply to join the visa holder in the UK under this route. However, like the primary visa holder, they will not have a pathway to settlement.
Source: Free Movement: read the original
