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GBM – Service Supplier Visa

You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK in an eligible job with an employer licenced as a sponsor by the UK government.

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Can I apply for the UK Skilled Worker visa?

We can help you. It’s what we do.

Overview

You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK in an eligible job with an employer licenced as a sponsor by the UK government. This UK work visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. This category is for all foreign nationals who have been offered a skilled job to fill a gap in the workforce which cannot be filled by an already settled worker in the UK. There are a number of complex scenarios which should be discussed and explored in detail before you can apply.

You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK in an eligible job with an employer licenced as a sponsor by the UK government. This UK work visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. This category is for all foreign nationals who have been offered a skilled job to fill a gap in the workforce which cannot be filled by an already settled worker in the UK. There are a number of complex scenarios which should be discussed and explored in detail before you can apply.

International Sportspersons visa

This category is for highly skilled sportspersons who must be recognised by a governing body as an elite sports person or a sports coach. The applicant must demonstrate that their employment in the UK will encourage the sport to become more elite and prominent in the UK.

To apply for ILR you must have spent continuous period of 5 years in the UK and must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months. You must also meet the English language requirement, pass the Life in the UK test and meet the salary threshold requirement of at least £35,800.

Indefinite leave to remain

The skilled worker visa lasts for up to five years. If you want to stay longer, you can apply to extend your, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements. After five years, you may also be entitled to apply for indefinite leave to remain, which gives you the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as you like. You must apply to extend or update your skilled work visa UK if you change jobs or employer.

To apply for ILR you must have spent continuous period of five years in the UK and must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months. You must also meet the English language requirement, pass the Life in the UK test and meet the salary threshold requirement of at least £25,600 per year.

What is the Service Supplier Visa?

The UK Service Supplier Visa is one of the 5 key Global Business Immigration routes – it essentially allows employees of an overseas provider, including contractual service suppliers, as well as self-employed people that already established overseas, to temporarily enter the UK for work. Specifically, if the work is under a contract to supply services covered by one of the UK’s international trade agreements. It is important to note that this route does not directly lead into settlement, however there are options available for the applicant to switch into another immigration route.  

Who can apply for the Service Supplier Visa?

The Service Supplier Visa route is eligible for applicants who intend to come to the UK to work under a contract to supply services – the visa-holder will be able to come to the UK to undertake this job, they are not permitted to take a second job in the UK.  

The individual in question would either need to be an employee for an overseas company or as a self-employed professional based overseas. Please see further below for detailed requirements, regarding the applicant’s eligibility.  

What are the requirements?

For the applicant to be eligible for this visa route, they must meet the following criteria: 

  • Be an employee of an overseas business or self-employed service provider based overseas and established in the territory of a party to an eligible trade agreement. 
  • They must be 18 or over. 
  • Be providing a service to a UK business under a contract that’s covered by that agreement. 
  • Meet the relevant nationality or residence requirements that are applicable to that agreement.  
  • Be able to provide a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK sponsor, who can demonstrate what the applicant will be doing in the UK for their sponsor. 
  •  Your job meets the genuine requirement. 
  • Your job meets the necessary skill level requirement – at least RQF Level 6 (graduate equivalent) or you have a degree and 3 to 6 years’ experience. 
  • You are self-sufficient and have enough money to support yourself. 
  • If applicable, you can provide a valid TB certificate. 

As part of their permission being granted, the applicant must work for their sponsor in the job described on their Certificate of Sponsorship. They may also undertake a course of study and voluntary work – access to public funds however is not permitted.  

What is the Service Supplier Visa processing time?

For this visa route, once the application has been submitted and the applicant has proved their identity along with the relevant documentation, they’ll get a decision within 3 weeks if they choose to apply from outside the UK. On the other hand, if they choose to apply from inside the UK then it will usually take about 8 weeks to process and receive a decision.  

Please note, that the applicant can pay for a faster decision – this is something that we can assist with. 

How to apply for the Service Supplier Visa?

To apply for the Service Supplier Visa, the applicant must submit their application online by using the reference number found on their CoS. The applicant will need to prove their identity, provide any supporting documentation and if applicable, they may need to attend an appointment to submit their biometric information – e.g., a scan of their fingerprints and a photograph of their face.  

Please note that the application can be made for a Service Supplier Visa up to 3 months before the day the applicant is due to start employment in the UK.  

How long does a Service Supplier Visa last?

Under this route, the applicant can remain in the UK for up to either 6 or 12 months per assignment, depending on the trade agreement that they’re providing services under. To reinforce, the applicant can also return to the UK for further assignments, however they will be subject to the maximum cumulative period that is typical of the GBM routes – consists of 5 years in any 6-year period. 

How much does it cost to get a Service Supplier Visa?

For this visa route, the costs can be approximately £298 for the application fee, along with the healthcare surcharge fee which is typically £624 per year. Please note also, under this route there is an expectation that you’ll be able to support yourself financially – usually you will need to demonstrate that you have at least £1,270 available.  

Can my dependants be included as part of my Service Supplier Visa?

Yes, under this route the main applicant can bring dependents with them if they meet the eligibility requirements – including relationship and financial requirements.  

If the application of a spouse, partner or dependant child of a Service Supplier is successful, their visa will end on the same date as the main visa-holder.  

How can I apply to include my dependants as part of my Service Supplier Visa?

For your dependants to apply as part of the Service Supplier Visa route, they will need to submit a separate application fee as well as the annual healthcare surcharge. As part of the process, they will need to show proof of funds if required, unless the applicant has remained in the UK under a valid visa for at least 12 months or the primary applicant’s sponsor is able to cover the family’s costs during their first month in the UK – as verified on the sponsorship certificate.  

How can Bridge Partners Immigration help?

At Bridge Partners, we understand how stressful the application process can be for yourself and potentially your dependants, which is why we are confident that we can provide guidance and advice on all aspects of your visa application and your sponsorship. If you would like to find out more about the Service Supplier Visa or discuss your eligibility for this route, please do not hesitate to contact us today.  

Frequently Asked Skilled Worker visa​ Application Questions

Someone can be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa if they have a job offer from a sponsoring company in the UK for a job that is on the list of skilled worker occupations. In addition, the skilled worker must have the required skills and experience to undergo the role in the company and have the required level of English language ability.   

The minimum salary for the Skilled Worker visa is either £25,600 per year, £10.10 per hour or the “going rate” for the particular occupation code, whichever is highest. For each job on the Home Office occupation list, there is a “going rate” which details the recommended annual and hourly salary that an individual must earn for the role. The rates are based on a 39-hour week of work. Those applying for the Skilled Worker visa need 50 points to do so. These are gained from sponsorship, skill level and English language requirements. However, 20 further tradable points can be given to those that meet the minimum salary requirement. 

You cannot move to the UK without a job offer from a company that has a UK sponsor licence, unless you apply for the Global Talent visa where this is not a requirement. When you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa you must provide a certificate of sponsorship reference number which proves that you have a job offer and therefore permission to work in the UK with a registered sponsor.  

The general Skilled Worker visa requirements are that you must have a job offer from a company that is a UK-registered sponsor and have a certificate of sponsorship that confirms that you have permission to work in the UK within a specific job role. You must be paid the required minimum salary for the occupation, have the required skill level and English language ability to do the job and have enough funds to support yourself in the UK.   

Once all the correct documentation has been submitted, it takes around 3 weeks for an application for a Skilled Worker visa to be processed by the Home Office when applying outside of the UK. For applications within the UK, the standard processing time is 8 weeks, although this can take around 9 weeks on average.  

For the Skilled Worker visa, you will need to provide a valid passport and proof that you have a job in the UK with details about your job role, salary, and employer information. You will also need the reference number for your certificate of sponsorship which proves that you have an approved job offer with a registered UK sponsor. In addition, you will need to provide bank statements that show you are able to support yourself in the UK and proof of the required qualifications needed for the role such as an English language test and degree certificate.

Yes, you can study whilst on a Skilled Worker visa. There is no restriction on the number of hours you can study as long as it does not interfere with your work. Another requirement is that workers who study must first get an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for their studies and present it to the education provider.  

Skilled Workers are not allowed to run their own businesses.