SECONDMENT WORKER VISA

Since December 31, 2020, the United Kingdom is no longer a part of the European Union. This has resulted in significant changes in the free movement of people from Europe that were previously in effect.

For stays shorter than 90 days and activities related to tourism and business (visiting clients or suppliers, attending fairs or conferences, etc.), no visa is required. For any other activity or stays longer than 90 days, you will need to obtain a visa.

What You Need to Know

✅ Apply for this visa if your employer abroad is transferring you to the UK to perform eligible work for a different organization.

✅ Your foreign employer must have a high-value contract with the UK organization.

✅ Your employer will inform you if your contract makes you eligible for a secondment worker visa.

Visa Duration

📅 The duration of the visa refers to the period during which the visa is valid and can be used for travel.

📅 The visa duration coincides with the length of your stay.

Maximum Stay and Number of Entries and Exits

•  You can stay in the UK with a Secondment Worker Visa for the shorter of the following:
  • 12 months after the start date of the work detailed in your Certificate of Sponsorship.
  • The time indicated on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days.

Can It Be Extended?

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

Processing Time

• You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK, as indicated on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
• As part of your application, you will need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
•  You may need to allow additional time if you need an appointment to do this. You will know if you need one when you start your application.
•  Once you have applied online, proved your identity, and provided your documents, you will usually receive a decision on your visa within:
  • 3 weeks, if you are outside the UK.
  • 8 weeks, if you are inside the UK.
•  If you need to attend an appointment, you may be able to pay for a faster decision. How to do this depends on whether you are inside or outside the UK.

Processing Fees

•  The official fee charged by the UK government’s Immigration Department for processing a Secondment Worker Visa is €340.