Secondment Worker Visa

The Secondment Worker visa lets an employee of an overseas company come to the UK temporarily to deliver work under a high-value contract that the overseas employer has with a UK sponsor (a different UK organisation). It is part of the GBM routes and does not lead directly to settlement.

You must already work for the overseas company linked to the UK sponsor by a high-value contract, have 12 months’ overseas employment with that company, hold a CoS, and your role must be on the eligible occupations list.

You may work for your UK sponsor in the role on your CoS, study, volunteer, travel, and bring eligible dependants. You cannot access most public funds, take a second job, or change jobs without updating the visa; there is no direct ILR.

Applicants pay a visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and must meet maintenance unless exempt. Decisions are typically fast, with paid priority options sometimes available.

Initial permission is up to 12 months (or CoS period + 14 days, if shorter). You can extend once by up to 12 months; total on this route is max 2 years. GBM cumulative caps also apply.

You may switch in-country if eligible (certain visas can’t), extend if still on the same contract with the same sponsor, and must update if your occupation code changes (new CoS required).

Partners and children can apply as dependants; their leave ends when yours ends. They must prove relationship and meet financial rules unless exempt.

This route does not lead to ILR. Some applicants later switch into a settlement-leading visa (e.g., Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, Global Talent, Family) if they become eligible.