Section A: What is the UK Service Supplier Visa?
The UK Service Supplier visa is one of five Global Business Mobility (GBM) immigration work routes introduced in 2022. The Service Supplier route allows employees of an overseas service provider (or contractual service suppliers) and self-employed people established outside the UK (or independent professionals) to temporarily come to the UK if the work is under a contract to supply services covered by one of the UK’s international trade agreements.
The Service Supplier route replaces the provisions for contractual service suppliers and independent professionals on the former International Agreement route.
Under a Service Supplier visa, the visa-holder will be able to come to the UK to provide the relevant services for which the application was made. They’ll not be permitted to take a second job in the UK, but will be able to undertake voluntary work or a course of study, and travel abroad and return to the UK during the validity of their leave.
The process to obtain a Service Supplier visa is complicated. It begins with a UK-based company obtaining a sponsor licence from the Home Office by meeting stringent criteria and demonstrating its ability to fulfil sponsorship duties. For the applicant, the visa application process demands a thorough understanding of the eligibility requirements and extensive documentation. This includes proving employment with an overseas business or self-employment, establishing that the contract qualifies as valid under an international trade agreement, and meeting financial maintenance requirements. The applicant must also have relevant qualifications or professional experience and a Certificate of Sponsorship from the UK sponsor detailing the work to be undertaken.
To ensure the application is valid in practice, the UK sponsor must identify the specific international trade agreement that covers the services and register the underlying service contract on the Sponsor Management System before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship for this route. The services must fall within the scope of that agreement and the worker must meet either the eligible occupation code requirement or the alternative qualifications and experience requirement for the relevant service.
1. What does the UK Service Supplier Visa allow?
Visa holders can work in the UK to deliver the services set out on their Certificate of Sponsorship for the sponsoring UK business linked to the registered contract. They can study, undertake voluntary work and travel in and out of the UK while their permission remains valid. The length of permission for each assignment is either 6 or 12 months, depending on the governing trade agreement, and time spent on this route counts toward the Global Business Mobility cap of 5 years in any 6 year period across the specified GBM and predecessor ICT routes. The route does not lead to settlement. Second jobs are not permitted and public funds cannot be accessed. If the role changes to a different occupation code, the worker must apply to update their visa and must remain contracted to the same sponsor.
What you can and cannot do on a Service Supplier visa
| Activity | Allowed? | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Work for the sponsoring UK business on the registered contract | Yes | Work needs to match the Certificate of Sponsorship and be covered by the identified trade agreement. |
| Take a second job | No | Supplementary employment is not permitted on this route. |
| Change job within the same sponsor | Yes, with conditions | If the occupation code changes, the visa is required to be updated before new duties start. The contract with the same sponsor remains in place. |
| Change sponsor | No (new application needed) | A fresh application with a new Certificate of Sponsorship is required if changing sponsor or contract. |
| Study | Yes | Permitted alongside the sponsored role. ATAS clearance may be required for certain courses. |
| Voluntary work | Yes | Should not interfere with delivery of the sponsored services. |
| Travel abroad and re-enter the UK | Yes | Allowed while permission remains valid. |
| Access public funds | No | Public funds are not available to holders of this visa. |
| Bring dependants | Yes | Partner and children can apply if they meet relationship and financial rules. Dependants can work, other than as a professional sportsperson or coach. |
| Self-employment in the UK beyond the sponsored services | No | The route is for delivering the overseas contract to the sponsoring UK business only. |
2. Can Dependants Join Service Supplier Workers?
The spouse or partner of a UK Service Supplier visa-holder, together with any dependent children, can apply under this route, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. This includes a relationship requirement and a financial requirement.
They’ll need to pay a separate application fee and the annual healthcare surcharge. They’ll also need to provide, where applicable, proof of personal savings up to £285 for a spouse or partner, £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child. Proof of funds will be required, unless the applicant has been in the UK under a valid visa for at least 12 months or the primary applicant’s sponsor can cover the family’s costs during their first month in the UK, as confirmed on the sponsorship certificate. For example, if the sponsor is certifying maintenance for a family of 4, this will total £2,070 (£1,270 for the primary applicant, plus £285 for their spouse, £315 for their first child and £200 for their second child).
If the application of a spouse, partner or dependent child of a Service Supplier is successful, their visa will end on the same date as the primary visa-holder. Dependants can usually work, other than as a professional sportsperson or coach, and they can study subject to general conditions.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
The Service Supplier visa is limited to contract-tied deployment. It’s not for general recruitment pipelines or long-term workforce planning needs.
The service itself has to sit squarely within a live trade agreement. Don’t just assume the service qualifies or that any consultancy will count. Double check the agreement coverage and eligibility before you proceed.
Section B: UK Service Supplier Visa Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Service Supplier visa, the following eligibility criteria have to be met:
1. UK Service Supplier Visa Worker Requirement
An individual will be eligible for a UK Service Supplier visa if they have a contract to provide services to a UK company, either as an employee for an overseas company or as a self-employed professional based overseas, and that contract is covered by a valid international trade agreement.
To be eligible, the applicant must satisfy the following:
a. Employment and Self-Employment
To be eligible for the Service Supplier Visa, the applicant must be either an employee of an overseas business or a self-employed service provider based overseas and established in the territory of a party to an eligible trade agreement. The applicant must have a valid service contract with a UK business covered by that agreement. If self-employed, they must also be established outside the UK and able to demonstrate that they have been working in the same sector for at least 12 months immediately before applying.
b. Service under a Valid Contract Covered by a Valid International Trade Agreement
One of the key eligibility requirements for the UK Service Supplier Visa is that the applicant must be providing a service under a contract that is covered by a valid international trade agreement. This means that the service contract between the applicant and the UK business must fall within the scope of a trade agreement that the UK has with another country or region.
To comply with this requirement, applicants must verify that their service contract is indeed covered by an applicable international trade agreement. This often involves checking the specific terms of the trade agreement and confirming that the type of service they will provide is included. Employers and service providers should consult the relevant trade agreements and, if necessary, seek professional advice to ensure that their contracts meet this criterion.
c. Employment Requirement
Applicants must be providing a service to a UK business that has been approved as a sponsor by the Home Office. Applicants must have worked for their current employer for at least 12 months outside the UK. If the applicant is a self-employed service provider, they must have worked for at least 12 months immediately before applying and in the same sector as the service they will provide in the UK.
d. Certificate of Sponsorship and Eligible Occupations
The job must be eligible, as set out in the GBM table of eligible occupations and codes.
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK sponsor with information about the work the applicant will be doing in the UK for their sponsor is also required.
Read our full guide to Certificate of Sponsorship here >>
The visa holder will need to apply to update their Service Supplier visa if their job changes to a different occupation code, provided they remain contracted to work for the sponsor who issued the CoS. If the worker intends to change sponsor or contract, they must make a fresh visa application.
e. Work Experience
If the applicant doesn’t have an eligible occupation code, they may still be able to apply for a UK Service Supplier visa if they have relevant qualifications and experience. They’ll normally need either a bachelor’s degree or higher in any subject, or a technical qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. They’ll also need 3 years’ professional experience relevant to the service they provide as an overseas employee and 6 years’ professional experience if self-employed. However, some services have different experience and qualifications requirements:
| Services | Qualifications and experience |
|---|---|
| Advertising or translation | Relevant qualifications |
| Chef de cuisine | Advanced technical qualification and 6 years experience |
| Entertainment services (excluding audio-visual services under the CARIFORUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement) | No qualifications required |
| Fashion and modelling | No qualifications required |
| Management consulting services | Bachelor’s degree |
| Technical testing and analysis | Bachelor’s degree or relevant technical qualification |
f. Financial Maintenance
In addition to these requirements, the applicant must also be able to support themselves on their arrival in the UK. This is known as a financial requirement, where the applicant must show proof of funds of at least £1,270, unless they’re exempt. They’ll need to have had the money available in their bank account for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 day period must be within 31 days of the date that they apply for their visa.
The applicant will need to show proof of funds when they apply, unless either they’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more or their UK Service Supplier sponsor can cover their costs during their first month in the UK up to £1,270. An individual can switch to the Service Supplier route if they’re in the UK, unless they’re on a visit visa, a short-term student visa, a Parent of a Child Student visa, a seasonal worker visa, a domestic worker in a private household visa, on immigration bail or were given permission to stay in the UK outside the immigration rules, for example, on compassionate grounds. They must leave the UK and apply for a Service Supplier visa from abroad if they fall into any one of these categories.
| UK Service Supplier Visa Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Requirement | Description |
| Employee or Self-Employed Provider | Must be an employee of an overseas business or a self-employed service provider based overseas. |
| Valid International Trade Agreement | Must provide a service under a contract covered by a valid international trade agreement. |
| UK Sponsor Approval | Must provide a service to a UK business that has been approved as a sponsor by the Home Office. |
| Eligible Job or Qualifications | Must do an eligible job or prove you have relevant qualifications and professional experience. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | Must have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your UK sponsor with information about the work you will be doing in the UK. |
| Employment Duration Outside the UK | Must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months outside the UK, or have at least 12 months’ professional experience if you are a self-employed service provider. |
| Specific Work Experience | Must also have worked for at least 12 months either: for your current employer outside the UK immediately before you apply and in the same sector as the service you will provide, if you’re self-employed. |
| Financial Maintenance | Must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK, usually by providing bank statements or other financial documentation showing the required maintenance funds. |
2. UK Service Supplier Visa Sponsorship Requirement
To obtain a UK Service Supplier visa, the applicant will need to be sponsored by a Home Office-licensed UK business authorised to sponsor this category of worker. This may require the business to apply for a sponsor licence if they do not already have one in place. This licence gives the organisation the necessary permission to sponsor either a contractual service supplier or independent professional, where there is an eligible contract with an overseas service provider for the supply of a service which is covered by a relevant UK trade commitment.
An overseas service provider refers to a business, including the business of a self-employed independent professional, that’s based outside the UK, has no commercial presence in the UK, and has a contract to provide services to the sponsoring UK business.
The sponsor must register any contract they have with the overseas business through which they intend to sponsor Service Suppliers. This must be done when they apply for a licence via their SMS account. If the application for a sponsor licence is approved, the sponsor can only assign a CoS to a worker who is coming to the UK to fulfil that specific contract and no others.
In some cases, if they’re covered by the transitional arrangements for existing licence holders under the predecessor route, the UK sponsor may not need to apply for a licence to sponsor workers under the Service Supplier route. Under these provisions, if the UK sponsor held a valid sponsor licence for the International Agreement route, and has used that licence since 11 April 2018 to sponsor a contractual service supplier or an independent professional, the UK Service Supplier route should be automatically added to their existing licence. Any existing International Agreement licence will not be updated if this hasn’t been used to sponsor contractual service suppliers or independent professionals at any time since 11 April 2018. In these circumstances, the sponsor would need to either apply to have the Service Supplier route added to their licence or apply for a new licence if their previous licence has expired.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Among the eligibility criteria, three are common sources of refusals: the trade agreement, the 12-month overseas track record and skills evidence. Test against each of these against the requirements and build the evidence to support eligibility and avoid any gaps.
Remember also – the underlying contract has to be registered on the Sponsor Management System or the application will be refused.
Section C: How to Apply for a UK Service Supplier Visa
To apply for a UK Service Supplier visa, an application must be made online by the individual using the reference number found on their CoS. As part of that application, the applicant will need to prove their identity and provide a number of supporting documents, where they may need to attend an appointment to do this. They may also need to provide their biometric information, comprising a scan of their fingerprints and a photograph of their face.
| Service Supplier Visa Application Process Steps | |
|---|---|
| Step | Description |
| Step 1: Prepare Documents | Gather all necessary documentation including passport, contract, qualifications, and evidence of 12 months’ overseas work history. |
| Step 2: Online Application | Complete the online visa application form on the GOV.UK website. |
| Step 3: Pay Fees | Pay the visa application fee and the immigration health surcharge. |
| Step 4: Submit Application | Submit the application along with all required documents. |
| Step 5: Biometric Appointment | Schedule and attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a facial image, unless using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. |
| Step 6: Await Decision | Wait for the application to be processed and a decision to be made. |
| Step 7: Receive Visa | If approved, receive the visa and prepare for travel to the UK. |
An application can be made for a Service Supplier visa up to 3 months before the day the applicant is due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on the Certificate of Sponsorship. The applicant must also apply for their visa within 3 months of getting their CoS. This is an electronic record containing various details, including information about the work the applicant will be doing in the UK and their start date, and if the sponsor certifies maintenance.
1. Supporting Documents
The documentation needed will depend on the nature of the application, but will include a valid passport or other travel document to prove the applicant’s identity and nationality, with a blank page if a vignette is required. It could also include proof of personal savings, evidence that the applicant has worked for their employer outside the UK for 12 months or has been doing relevant work for the 12 months immediately before they apply if they’re self-employed, as well as proof of their degree or qualifications. They may also need tuberculosis test results if from a listed country.
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Current passport or travel document proving identity and nationality, with a blank page if a visa vignette is required. |
| Service Contract | Official contract outlining the service agreement with a UK-based company, confirming it is covered by a trade agreement. |
| Qualifications | Certificates or diplomas proving relevant professional qualifications where required. |
| Work Experience Records | Evidence of professional experience, such as employer letters or self-employment records, covering the 12 months prior to application. |
| Financial Statements | Bank statements or other documents proving maintenance funds, unless exempt. |
| TB Test Certificate | Required if the applicant is from a country on the UKVI tuberculosis testing list. |
2. UK Service Supplier Visa Application Costs
When applying for a UK Service Supplier visa, in addition to being able to show proof of funds, there will also be an application fee of £319 and an immigration health surcharge for each year of stay in the UK. The health surcharge is generally £1,035 per year for each applicant, including dependants.
Read about the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge here >>
| Cost | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | £319 | Main applicant and each dependant |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per person per year | Main applicant and each dependant, payable for the full duration of the visa |
| Maintenance funds | £1,270 for main applicant £285 for partner £315 for first child £200 for each additional child | Applicants unless exempt, shown through bank statements or sponsor certifying maintenance on the CoS |
| Priority service (optional) | £500 | Applicant choosing a 5-working-day decision timeframe |
| Super priority service (optional) | £1,000 | Applicant choosing a next-working-day decision timeframe, subject to availability |
3. Processing Times
Once an application for a UK Service Supplier visa has been made, and the applicant has proved their identity and provided their documentation, they’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks if they’re outside the UK and 8 weeks if they’re inside the UK. In some cases, the applicant may be able to pay for a faster decision under the priority service – an additional £500 for a decision within 5 working days – or the super priority service, where a decision is given by the end of the next working day for an additional £1,000. Availability of these faster services depends on location and demand.
Read more about UK visa application processing here >>
4. Application Tips
Applicants for the UK Service Supplier Visa often encounter several challenges during the application process, which can complicate their efforts to secure the visa. Understanding and addressing these issues is crucial for a successful application.
a. Documentation Errors
A frequent issue is related to documentation errors. Many applicants submit incomplete or incorrect paperwork, leading to delays or even rejections. Thoroughly checking all documents for accuracy and completeness before submission is vital. Ensuring that all forms are correctly filled out and that all required supporting documents are included can significantly reduce the risk of errors.
b. Understanding Eligibility Requirements
Another common challenge involves understanding the eligibility requirements. The criteria for the Service Supplier Visa can be complex, and applicants might struggle to determine whether they meet all the necessary conditions. Our specialists can provide expert guidance on the rules and how they apply to your circumstances.
c. Meeting Financial Criteria
Meeting financial criteria is also a frequent hurdle. Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in the UK, which can be challenging for those without substantial savings or a steady income. Proper financial planning is essential, and gathering all relevant financial documentation, such as bank statements and payslips, to prove financial stability is crucial. Seeking advice from financial advisors can also be beneficial in presenting a solid financial case.
d. Application Delays
Application delays can be another significant challenge. Processing times for visa applications can vary, and unexpected delays can disrupt travel and work plans. Applying well in advance of the intended travel date and keeping track of the application status through official channels is recommended. Staying informed about the progress of the application can help manage expectations and allow for contingency planning if delays occur.
e. Biometric Appointment Issues
Issues with biometric appointments can also pose difficulties. Applicants are required to attend biometric appointments to provide fingerprints and photos, and promptly scheduling these appointments is essential. Ensuring that all required documents are brought to the appointment can avoid any rescheduling or further delays. Being well-prepared for the biometric appointment can streamline the process and prevent unnecessary complications.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Keep the evidence specific and focused on proving eligibility, contract coverage and funds. State exactly which trade agreement applies and cross-reference the SoW. Generic documents and inconsistent information are red flags to the Home Office and are likely to see a refusal.
Section D: Staying in the UK on a Service Supplier Visa
Service Suppliers can come to the UK for up to either 6 or 12 months per assignment, depending on the trade agreement that they’re providing services under. They can also return to the UK for further assignments, although they’ll be subject to the maximum cumulative period for the GBM routes of 5 years in any 6 year period, which also includes time spent on predecessor Intra-Company Transfer visas.
A visa-holder can apply to extend leave under the Service Supplier route if they’re still contracted to work for the sponsor who assigned their current CoS, provided they’ve not yet reached the maximum total stay and continue to meet the eligibility requirements. If the job changes to a different occupation code, the visa must be updated but the worker must remain with the same sponsor. A change of sponsor requires a new application.
However, the UK Service Supplier visa is not a path to settlement, where the applicant would need to change to a different immigration route to be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Read our detailed guide to UK work visas here >>
1. Extending a UK Service Supplier Visa
An extension can be granted if the applicant remains contracted to provide services to the same UK sponsor under the same registered contract, and they still meet all eligibility requirements. The application must be made before the current visa expires, and the applicant must remain in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Ireland while the extension application is pending. Travelling outside these areas during consideration will result in the application being withdrawn.
2. Switching from a UK Service Supplier Visa
It is possible to switch from the Service Supplier route to another visa category from within the UK, provided the applicant is not in one of the barred categories such as visitor, short-term student, seasonal worker or domestic worker in a private household. Switching is most commonly into the Skilled Worker visa for those who secure sponsorship with a UK employer in a qualifying role. The new visa application must be approved before the current Service Supplier permission expires. Where switching is not permitted, the applicant must leave the UK and apply for a new visa from overseas.
3. UK Service Supplier Visa and ILR
The Service Supplier route does not lead to settlement. Time spent in the UK under this visa does not count towards qualifying residence for indefinite leave to remain. Applicants wishing to stay in the UK on a long-term basis will need to switch into a different route that leads to settlement, such as Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder or a family visa, depending on their circumstances. Strategic planning is therefore necessary for those who anticipate longer-term stays in the UK to avoid disruption when the Service Supplier visa limit is reached.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
This route should always be treated as temporary, so you’ll always need one eye on what happens at the end of the contract. An extension will only be possible if it’s for the same sponsor and the same registered contract, and there is evidence of continuing eligibility.
Any change during the visa will usually create an immigration event: a change of occupation code requires an update application, while a change of sponsor will mean making an entirely new visa application. Get this wrong and penalties can include a curtailed visa and enforcement action against the employer.
Section E: Summary
The UK Service Supplier visa is a specialist route that provides valuable opportunities for service suppliers wishing to enter and work in the UK. However, it involves strict eligibility and procedural requirements that must be satisfied. The application process demands extensive documentation, accurate evidence of employment or self-employment overseas, proof that the service contract falls within a covered trade agreement, and confirmation that the UK sponsor has registered the contract on the Sponsor Management System. Applicants must also meet financial maintenance rules and, where applicable, demonstrate relevant qualifications or professional experience.
Visa holders are limited to short-term assignments of up to 6 or 12 months, depending on the trade agreement, and cannot exceed the Global Business Mobility cap of 5 years in any 6 year period across relevant routes. The visa does not lead to settlement and second jobs are prohibited. Dependants can join but are subject to their own eligibility and financial requirements. Given the tight rules, common pitfalls include incorrect documentation, unregistered contracts, and misinterpretation of the trade agreement provisions.
Due to the complexity and specificity of these requirements, seeking specialist advice is highly valuable. Professional guidance can help avoid common issues and significantly improve the chances of a successful application, ensuring that all necessary steps are correctly followed and that the application is thoroughly prepared.
Section F: Need Assistance?
DavidsonMorris’ business immigration specialists provide guidance on the Home Office requirements to deploy personnel under the Service Supplier visa route, including advice on the sponsorship obligations for employers and the visa application process for your employees. We can work in support of your in-house HR team, or manage all aspects of your sponsor licence and visa applications. Contact us for specialist support and advice.
Section G: UK Service Supplier Visa FAQs
What is the UK Service Supplier visa?
The UK Service Supplier visa is for contractual service suppliers employed by an overseas service provider or self-employed overseas independent professionals, needing to temporarily provide services in the UK covered by one of the UK’s international trade agreements. It replaced the provisions for contractual service suppliers and independent professionals under the former International Agreement route in April 2022.
Do you need to be sponsored for the UK Service Supplier visa?
Yes. To be eligible for a UK Service Supplier visa, the applicant must be providing a service to a UK business under a contract that’s covered by a valid international trade agreement, and that business must be a Home Office approved sponsor. The UK sponsor is required to register the underlying contract on the Sponsor Management System before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.
How much is the UK Service Supplier visa?
The fee to apply for a UK Service Supplier visa is £319. Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is generally £1,035 per year, unless a reduced rate applies. Each dependant pays the same fees and surcharge. Proof of maintenance funds is also required unless exempt.
How long does the application process take?
Processing usually takes 3 weeks if the application is made outside the UK and 8 weeks if made from inside the UK. Priority (£500) and super priority (£1,000) services may be available depending on location and demand, providing faster decisions.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants will need to provide a valid passport or travel document, the Certificate of Sponsorship reference, proof of the underlying service contract, evidence of relevant qualifications or professional experience, 12 months’ employment or self-employment records, proof of funds, and a tuberculosis test certificate if required. The specific documents depend on individual circumstances.
Can I extend my Service Supplier visa?
Extensions are possible if the worker remains contracted to the same UK sponsor under the registered contract, continues to meet the eligibility requirements, and has not exceeded the Global Business Mobility 5 years in any 6 years cap. The application must be submitted before the current visa expires.
Does time on a Service Supplier visa count towards ILR?
No. The Service Supplier visa does not lead to settlement and time spent in the UK under this route does not count towards qualifying residence for indefinite leave to remain. Applicants wishing to settle in the UK must switch into another visa category that provides a route to ILR, such as Skilled Worker or certain family visas.
Can dependants join a Service Supplier visa holder?
Yes. Partners and children can apply to join, subject to relationship and financial requirements. They must pay separate application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Dependants are allowed to work in the UK, except as a professional sportsperson or coach, and can also study.
Section H: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Service Supplier Visa | A UK work visa route under the Global Business Mobility scheme, allowing overseas contractual service suppliers or independent professionals to temporarily provide services in the UK under an eligible trade agreement. |
| Global Business Mobility (GBM) | A set of UK work routes introduced in April 2022 for overseas businesses sending workers to the UK, including the Service Supplier visa. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | An electronic record issued by a licensed UK sponsor to confirm the role and contract under which the overseas worker is being sponsored. |
| Sponsor Management System (SMS) | The online platform used by licensed UK sponsors to manage their sponsor licence and assign Certificates of Sponsorship. Contracts must be registered on SMS for Service Supplier sponsorships. |
| International Trade Agreement | A treaty or agreement between the UK and another country or bloc that defines which services can be supplied under the Service Supplier visa. |
| Eligible Occupation Code | A Home Office-defined job classification that sets out which roles can qualify for sponsorship under certain visa routes, including Service Supplier. |
| Qualifications and Experience Route | An alternative to an eligible occupation code, requiring applicants to show higher education qualifications or relevant years of experience to meet eligibility. |
| Financial Maintenance Requirement | The minimum level of savings applicants must show, usually £1,270 for the main applicant, unless exempt, plus set amounts for dependants. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | A fee payable with visa applications, set at £1,035 per person per year for most Service Supplier visa applicants and their dependants. |
| 5-in-6 Rule | The cumulative maximum stay rule across Global Business Mobility routes, limiting workers to 5 years in any 6-year period on specified visas, including Service Supplier. |
| Dependants | A partner or child applying to join the main visa holder. Dependants must meet relationship and financial rules and will have visas ending on the same date as the main applicant. |
Section I: Additional Resources and Links
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| UK Government – Service Supplier Visa | Official GOV.UK page providing eligibility, documents, fees and application process details for the Service Supplier visa. | https://www.gov.uk/service-supplier-visa |
| UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) | Official Home Office directorate managing visa applications, sponsor licensing and immigration decisions. | https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration |
| Visa Application Guidance Collection | Library of official Home Office application guides and policy documents for visa applicants and sponsors. | https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/visa-application-guidance |
| Certificate of Sponsorship Guidance | Detailed guidance on Certificates of Sponsorship, sponsor duties and assigning a CoS for workers. | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sponsor-a-skilled-worker |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Information about the IHS including current rates, who needs to pay, and exemptions. | https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application |
| UK ENIC | UK’s national agency for recognising and comparing international qualifications and skills, often relevant for eligibility checks. | https://www.enic.org.uk/ |
