What is the UK Service Supplier Visa?

The UK Service Supplier Visa is part of the Global Business Mobility route. It enables overseas service providers to work in the UK to deliver services under UK trade commitments. This visa requires UK employers to be registered sponsors with a contract with an overseas supplier. This visa allows individuals to enter the UK to provide services covered by international trade agreements. Applicants can be either self-employed service providers or employees of overseas businesses.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

1. Be employed by an overseas service provider or be self-employed
2. Provide services under a UK trade agreement
3. Have relevant professional experience
4. Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK sponsor

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must:

1. Obtain a sponsor licence specifically for the UK Service Supplier Category
2. Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the employee
3. Ensure full compliance with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations
4. Maintain accurate records and report any significant changes regarding sponsored workers
5. Conduct appropriate right-to-work checks
6. Provide necessary support for the visa application process

Understanding Sponsor Licence Requirements

To sponsor a service supplier, employers must:

1. Demonstrate they are a genuine UK organisation
2. Have appropriate systems to monitor sponsored workers
3. Appoint key personnel to manage the sponsorship process
4. Pass compliance checks from the Home Office
5. Pay the proper licence fee
6. Maintain detailed records of sponsored employees

Managing Compliance Risks

Employers should:

1. Implement robust HR systems to track visa expiry dates
2. Conduct regular internal audits of right-to-work documentation
3. Prepare for potential Home Office compliance visits
4. Keep updated on immigration rule changes
5. Train relevant staff on sponsor duties and responsibilities
6. Document all decisions related to sponsored workers

Eligible Service Sectors

This visa applies to service providers under international trade agreements, including:

1. Legal services
2. Accounting and auditing
3. Architectural services
4. Engineering services
5. Advertising and marketing
6. IT and software development
7. Management consulting
8. Healthcare services
9. Financial services
10. Educational services

Salary and Skill Requirements

1. The role must be at RQF Level 6 (degree-level) or equivalent
2. Minimum salary requirements vary based on the service sector and trade agreement
3. Employers must ensure the salary meets both the general threshold and the going rate for the occupation

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

1. The UK employer must issue a valid CoS before the employee applies
2. The CoS must include detailed job information, salary, and contract duration
3. Employers must justify why a UK resident worker cannot fill the role

Employee and Individual Requirements

Basic Eligibility

To qualify for this visa, individuals must:

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Have a valid job offer from a UK sponsor
3. Meet the relevant skill and experience requirements
4. Work in an eligible service sector
5. Have a genuine intention to provide the specified services

Experience and Qualifications

Applicants need:

1. Relevant professional qualifications for their sector
2. Proven experience in their field (typically at least 3 years)
3. Evidence of previous service delivery in similar contracts
4. Documentation of their expertise and professional standing

Preparing Your Application

Individuals should:

1. Ensure all qualifications are appropriately documented
2. Gather evidence of professional experience
3. Prepare a clear explanation of how their services relate to the trade agreement
4. Understand the limitations of the visa regarding settlement and duration
5. Plan for accommodation and practicalities of UK living

Family Members

1. Partners and dependent children can apply to join the visa-holder
2. Family members must complete separate applications
3. They can work and study in the UK during their stay
4. They are subject to the same time limitations as the principal applicant

Application Process

1. Employer obtains a sponsor licence
2. The employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
3. Employee submits an online visa application
4. Payment of visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge
5. Submission of biometric details and supporting documents
6. Await a decision from the UK Home Office

Required Documents

1. Valid passport
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
3. Proof of professional qualifications and experience
4. Evidence of a trade agreement covering the service sector
5. Financial documents showing the ability to support oneself
6. Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)

Processing Time

1. Standard processing: 3-8 weeks
2. Priority options may be available for faster decisions
3. Applications should be submitted well in advance of the intended travel

Benefits for Employers

1. Access to skilled international service providers
2. Ability to fulfil contractual obligations under trade agreements
3. No need for a resident labour market test
4. Enhanced service capabilities for clients
5. Access to specialised knowledge and international expertise

Benefits for Employees

1. Opportunity to work in the UK under a trade agreement
2. No English language requirement
3. Career development and international work experience
4. Ability to bring dependants to the UK
5. Valuable UK market exposure

Switching to Other Visa Categories

1. Employees on this visa cannot apply for settlement
2. May switch to other routes such as the Skilled Worker visa if eligible
3. Must meet all requirements of the new visa category
4. Should plan for transitions well before visa expiry

Extension and Settlement Options

1. A visa is granted for up to 12 months
2. It can be extended for another 12 months, but the maximum stay is 2 years
3. No direct pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
4. Long-term plans should consider alternative visa routes

Employer Planning Strategies

1. Develop clear timelines for service delivery within visa constraints
2. Create knowledge transfer protocols between international and UK staff
3. Build contingency plans for potential visa delays
4. Consider longer-term visa options for valuable service providers
5. Implement robust compliance monitoring systems

Need Expert Guidance?

Contact Davenport Solicitors for comprehensive support with UK Service Supplier Visas. Our immigration specialists can assist with sponsor licence applications, compliance management, and employee visa applications.

Get in touch today to ensure your business can smoothly bring international service providers to the UK while meeting all legal requirements.

FAQs

1. Can a UK Service Supplier apply for settlement?
   No, this visa does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), but switching to a Skilled Worker visa is possible.
2. How long can an employee stay on this visa?
   Up to 12 months, extendable to a maximum of 2 years.
3. Can dependants join a visa holder?
   Yes, partners and children can apply as dependents.
4. Is an English language test required?
   No, applicants do not need to meet an English language requirement.
5. Can an employee switch to a Skilled Worker visa later?
   Yes, if they meet the eligibility criteria.
6. What happens if an employer loses their sponsor licence?
   The visa may be cancelled, and the employee may need to switch visas or leave the UK.
7. Can this visa be extended?
   Yes, up to a maximum of 2 years.
8. Do applicants need a UK bank account?
   No, but they may need one for salary payments after arrival.
9. Can an employee change jobs on this visa?
   No, unless they obtain a new CoS from another sponsor and reapply.
10. Are there exemptions for the professional experience requirement?
    No, all applicants must meet this condition.
11. What is the minimum salary requirement?
    Varies based on the service sector and trade agreement.
12. Can an applicant apply from inside the UK?
    No, they must apply from outside the UK.
13. Is the Immigration Health Surcharge required?
    Yes, this must be paid as part of the application.
14. Is there a cooling-off period after using this visa?
    No, but the maximum stay limit of 2 years still applies.
15. Can self-employed individuals apply without a UK sponsor?
    No, even self-employed service suppliers need a UK sponsor.