Service Supplier Visa

What is the Service Supplier Visa?

The UK Service Supplier Visa enables overseas workers to deliver services in the UK under a contract between an overseas service provider and a UK company. This route is designed for overseas service providers, self-employed independent professionals employed by an overseas business, or self-employed independent professionals based overseas.

Holders of the Service Supplier Visa can stay in the UK for up to 6 or 12 months, depending on the terms of the relevant international trade agreement. You can find the complete list of licensed companies eligible to sponsor service suppliers on the UK Register of Licensed Sponsors.

Global Business Mobility

Launched on 11 April 2022, the Global Business Mobility scheme includes five immigration routes, one of which is the Service Supplier Visa. This scheme aims to simplify and streamline the process for businesses to move staff between countries. To see the complete list of companies with a sponsor licence for service suppliers, QC Immigration provides a live dashboard for the Register of Licensed Sponsors.

Visa Pathway

The Service Supplier Visa does not directly lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK. However, while in the UK, visa holders may be able to switch to a different visa category that offers a pathway to ILR.

Bringing Family Members

Service Supplier Visa holders can bring their dependent family members to the UK, including their spouse or partner and children. Each dependent must submit an individual application and the required documents to prove their relationship with the primary visa holder.

Dependents' visas will not automatically extend when the primary visa holder extends theirs; dependents must apply for extensions separately.

Benefits

Company Sponsor

Companies can benefit by bringing in skilled overseas professionals to fulfil specific service contracts, enhancing their offerings and fostering international business relationships. Additional benefits include:

• No Immigration Skills Charge for sponsoring a Service Supplier Visa.
• No general salary or "going rate" requirement. However, workers must be paid at least the UK National Minimum Wage.

Worker

As a Service Supplier Visa holder, you can:

• Work to provide the contracted services in the UK.
• Study while in the UK.
• Bring your spouse, unmarried partner, or children as dependents.
• Do voluntary work.
• Travel abroad and return to the UK.

Eligibility & Requirements

The Service Supplier Visa operates under the points-based immigration system. Applicants must score 40 points, which are awarded based on sponsorship from a licensed company and having an eligible job at the appropriate skill level.

Key eligibility criteria:

• International Trade Agreement: The contract must be covered by a valid international trade agreement to which the UK is a party, such as the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) or UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
• Overseas Service Provider: You must be employed by an overseas service provider or a self-employed professional based overseas.
• Experience Requirement:
  • Employed Applicants: Must have worked for the overseas service provider for at least 12 months outside the UK.
  • Self-Employed Applicants: Must have at least 12 months of professional experience in the relevant services sector.
• Qualification Requirement: If required by the trade agreement, you must hold relevant professional qualifications.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): You must have a valid CoS from a UK sponsor for the job, which must be listed in the Appendix Skilled Occupations.
• Financial Requirements: You must have enough funds to support yourself without relying on public benefits.
• Age: You must be 18 years or older.
• TB Certificate: You must provide a valid tuberculosis (TB) certificate if required.

UK Sponsor Requirements

The sponsoring company must hold a valid A-rated Global Business Mobility: Service Supplier sponsor licence. The process of obtaining a sponsor licence can take several months, depending on the company's current status and specific requirements.

QC Immigration has a proven track record of helping companies successfully apply for sponsor licences and maintain their ongoing compliance responsibilities. Please get in touch with us if you require assistance with this.

As part of the application process, the sponsor must demonstrate that the contract complies with an eligible international trade agreement and provide details about the services to be supplied.

Financial Requirements

You must demonstrate that you and your dependents have sufficient funds to support yourselves upon arrival in the UK. Unless exempt, you must show evidence of maintenance funds amounting to at least £1,270.

These funds must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, with the last day of this period falling within 31 days of your visa application date.

You will typically need to provide proof of these funds when applying unless your sponsor agrees to certify your maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

Job at Appropriate Skill Level

The job you are coming to do must be skilled at or above RQF Level 6. The role must be listed in the Appendix Skilled Occupations and be eligible for the Global Business Mobility routes.

Genuine Contract Requirement

You must be able to demonstrate that the contract between the overseas service provider and the UK client is genuine and covered by an eligible international trade agreement. The Home Office must be satisfied that the contract is not a means to circumvent immigration rules.

Required Documentation

When applying for a Service Supplier Visa, you’ll need to submit the following:

• Sponsor Information: Your Certificate of Sponsorship will include your sponsor's name and licence number.
• Proof of Overseas Employment or Professional Experience:
  • Employed Applicants: Evidence that you’ve worked for your employer outside the UK for at least 12 months.
  • Self-Employed Applicants: Proof of at least 12 months of professional experience in the relevant sector.
• Certificate of Sponsorship Reference Number: Provided by your UK sponsor.
• Valid Passport or Other Identity Document: This is to confirm your identity and nationality.
• Job Details: Include your job title and occupation code.
• Financial Evidence: Bank statements or proof of savings to show you can support yourself in the UK (unless your sponsor certifies maintenance).
• Proof of English Language Proficiency: Test results or academic qualifications.
• Proof of Relationship: If your partner or children are applying with you, provide evidence of your relationship.
• ATAS Certificate: Required only if your role involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results: Required if you’re from a listed country.

Fees

• Application Fee: The standard application fee is £259.
• Immigration Healthcare Surcharge: Typically £624 per year.
• Additional Costs: If you opt for priority services or require certified translations, these will incur additional fees.

Processing Time

Processing usually takes around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks for those made inside the UK.

To avoid delays, it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your start date. A priority service is available for an additional fee if you need faster processing.

How to Apply for a Service Supplier Visa

You must submit the service supplier visa application online through the UK Government website. You can apply up to 3 months before your intended start date in the UK.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility & Gather Supporting Documents

Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements, including the experience and English language requirements, and gather all necessary supporting documents.

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

If eligible, you may need to verify your identity by providing biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application centre or using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Fill out the online application form, providing accurate information about your personal details, employment history, and the services you will supply in the UK.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

Upload all required documents as part of your application process. Ensure that all documents are in English or accompanied by certified translations.

Step 5: Pay the Fees

Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge online.

Step 6: Submit and Wait for a Decision

After submitting your application and biometrics, wait for the Home Office to process your application. You will be notified of the decision via email.

Post-Approval for Service Supplier Visa

Duration of Stay

With a Service Supplier Visa, you can stay in the UK for whichever is shorter of the following:

• 6 months or 12 months—this depends on the trade agreement under which you provide services.
• The duration stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days.

Restrictions

While holding a Service Supplier Visa, you are not allowed to:

• Access most public benefits or claim the State Pension.
• Take employment outside the scope of your visa.
• Apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK.
• Work for any employer or in any capacity other than as specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship.

Compliance Responsibilities

Employee Responsibilities

• Work Only in Specified Role: You can only work in the capacity specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Adhere to Visa Conditions: Comply with all visa conditions, including staying within your permitted duration.

Employer Responsibilities

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate employment records, including contact details and immigration status.
• Accurate Reporting: Report any changes in your employment status to the Home Office.
• Compliance with Immigration Laws: Ensure that all activities align with immigration laws and the terms of the international trade agreement.

Extending Your Visa

You may be able to extend your Service Supplier Visa if:

• You're still working for the same sponsor who provided your current Certificate of Sponsorship.
• You haven't reached the maximum time allowed on this visa.
• You continue to meet all the eligibility requirements for your job, qualifications, and experience.

Time Limits on Global Business Mobility Visas

If you have a Global Business Mobility visa, such as the Service Supplier Visa, there's a limit on how long you can stay in the UK.

You can stay for up to 5 years within any 6 years across all Global Business Mobility visas.

This means that the time you spend in the UK on any of these visas adds up, and you can stay within 5 years in total during a 6-year timeframe, even if you switch between different visas in this category.

• Graduate Trainee Visa
• Intra-Company Graduate Trainee Visa
• Intra-Company Transfer Visa
• Secondment Worker Visa
• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
• Service Supplier Visa
• UK Expansion Worker Visa

Switching to Other Visa Categories

Service Supplier Visa holders can switch to different visa routes in the UK, provided they apply before their visa expires. Each visa route has its own eligibility requirements.

Potential visa routes include:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Innovator Founder Visa
• Global Talent Visa
• Scale-up Worker Visa
• Family Visa (e.g., Spouse Visa)

For those seeking a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), most visa routes require applicants to have lived in the UK for at least 5 years before applying for settlement.

Get Help Applying for a Service Supplier Visa

The service supplier route offers overseas businesses and professionals a valuable opportunity to provide services in the UK under international trade agreements. However, the application process can be complex, involving strict eligibility criteria and extensive documentation.

Understanding the eligibility criteria, required documents, and application process takes time, as well as a good understanding of UK immigration law. Engaging a UK immigration lawyer can save time and improve your chances of success. If you need expert guidance, QC Immigration offers a trusted immigration advice service to help you navigate the complexities of the visa process and ensure a smooth application experience.