Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet a comprehensive set of requirements designed to ensure that the route is used for genuine, high-value service provision linked to international trade. To qualify, you must:

• Be aged 18 or over at the date of application
• Be currently employed by, or operating as, an overseas service provider that has been contracted to deliver services to a UK sponsor
• Have accumulated at least 12 months’ professional experience with the overseas provider outside the UK
• Be assigned to a contract that has been formally registered with and approved by the Home Office
• Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by a licensed UK sponsor
• Be undertaking a role that is genuine and meets the required skill or experience level
• Satisfy the nationality or residency requirements linked to the relevant trade agreement
• Demonstrate that you can support yourself financially during your stay (unless exempt)
• Provide a valid tuberculosis certificate where required by your country of residence

These requirements collectively ensure that the route is reserved for legitimate international service arrangements and appropriately qualified individuals.

Overseas Work Requirement

A central feature of this visa is the requirement to demonstrate an established and ongoing professional relationship with the overseas service provider. Applicants must show that they have worked for the overseas provider for a cumulative period of at least 12 months outside the UK. This period may be built up over time, provided that there has been continuity in the working relationship. For employees, this means continuous employment with the overseas provider for at least 12 months prior to the application. For self-employed professionals, it requires continuous engagement within the same sector as the services to be delivered in the UK. Permitted interruptions to this period are strictly limited and include statutory leave (such as maternity or paternity leave), periods of illness, participation in lawful industrial action, or involvement in recognised humanitarian or environmental initiatives.

Contract Requirement

The visa is intrinsically linked to a qualifying contract between a UK-based sponsor and an overseas service provider.

This contract must:

• Relate directly to the provision of services covered by a recognised UK international trade commitment; and
• Be formally registered with the Home Office prior to the visa application

The applicant’s role in the UK must correspond directly to the services outlined within this contract, ensuring a clear and legitimate commercial purpose for the assignment.

Certificate of Sponsorship

A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a fundamental requirement of the application. This document must be issued by a UK organisation that holds a valid sponsor licence under the Global Business Mobility route and is authorised to sponsor Service Suppliers. In most cases, the sponsor must hold an A-rated licence.

The Certificate of Sponsorship must:

• Be issued no more than 3 months before the date of application
• Include full details of the role, duties, and remuneration (where applicable)
• Confirm that the overseas work requirement has been satisfied
• Specify a start date within an appropriate timeframe
• Remain valid, unused, and not withdrawn or cancelled

The accuracy and completeness of this document are critical to the success of the application.

Genuine Role Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate that the role they are undertaking in the UK is both genuine and necessary to fulfil the contractual obligations between the overseas provider and the UK sponsor.

The Home Office will assess whether:

• The role exists as described and has not been artificially created
• The position is integral to the delivery of the contracted services
• The applicant will not be placed in a routine or ongoing role with a third party unrelated to the sponsor

Any indication that the arrangement has been structured primarily for immigration purposes is likely to result in refusal.

Salary and Financial Requirements

This visa route does not impose a general salary threshold or “going rate” requirement, reflecting its basis in international trade commitments rather than domestic labour market considerations. However, applicants must demonstrate that they can maintain themselves in the UK. This typically involves holding at least £1,270 in personal savings for a continuous 28-day period prior to application.

This requirement may be waived where:

• The UK sponsor certifies maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship; or
• The applicant has already been lawfully present in the UK for 12 months or more

Nationality Requirements

Eligibility under this route is closely linked to the UK’s international trade agreements.Applicants must meet specific nationality or residency requirements depending on the agreement under which the services are being provided. These may include:

• Being a national of the country in which the overseas service provider is established
• Holding qualifying status under agreements between the UK and jurisdictions such as the European Union, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, or CARIFORUM states

The applicable requirement will depend on the nature of the contract and the relevant trade commitment.

English Language Requirement

There is no English language requirement for applicants under this route.

Duration of Stay

Permission to remain in the UK is granted for a limited period, reflecting the temporary and project-based nature of the assignment.

Applicants will typically be granted leave for:

• The duration specified on the Certificate of Sponsorship, plus a short additional period; or
• The maximum assignment period permitted under the relevant trade agreement (usually 6 or 12 months), whichever is shorter

Maximum Period of Stay

The Service Supplier Visa forms part of the wider Global Business Mobility framework, which is subject to an overall limit.Individuals may spend a maximum of 5 years in any 6-year period across the Global Business Mobility routes and certain predecessor routes, including intra-company transfers.

Conditions of Stay

While in the UK, visa holders are permitted to:

• Work for their sponsoring organisation in the approved role
• Undertake study
• Participate in voluntary activities

However, they are not permitted to access public funds or undertake work outside the scope of their sponsorship.

Switching into This Route

In certain circumstances, individuals already in the UK may be eligible to switch into this visa category. However, switching is not permitted from specific routes, including visitor visas and certain short-term or temporary categories. Where switching is not allowed, applicants must apply from outside the UK.

Settlement

This route does not provide a direct pathway to settlement. However, individuals may, subject to eligibility, transition into other immigration routes that lead to indefinite leave to remain. In some cases, applicants may also qualify for settlement based on long residence in the UK.

Dependants

Applicants may be accompanied by their immediate family members, including:

• A spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner
• Dependent children under the age of 18

Dependants must meet relevant relationship and financial requirements and will generally be granted leave in line with the main applicant.

Sponsor Licence Requirements

UK businesses seeking to sponsor Service Suppliers must hold a valid sponsor licence under the Global Business Mobility framework.

To qualify, the UK organisation must:

• Have an established and active presence in the UK
• Maintain a qualifying commercial relationship with an overseas service provider
• Have appropriate personnel in place to manage sponsorship responsibilities
• Operate robust systems to ensure ongoing compliance with Home Office duties

In this route, the sponsoring organisation must also demonstrate that it has a valid and eligible contract with an overseas service provider for services covered by a recognised international trade agreement.

Specialist Legal Advice and Representation

The requirements for a Service Suppplier Visa can vary significantly depending on your individual circumstances. Careful preparation and a clear legal strategy are essential to ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules and is supported by the appropriate evidence. Our specialist immigration lawyers provide comprehensive legal advice and representation, guiding you through each stage of the application process with precision, clarity, and a focus on achieving a successful outcome.

Our Service

We offer a fully managed service on a fixed-fee basis, covering all aspects of your application from initial instruction through to a decision by the Home Office.

If instructed, your matter will be handled by a specialist immigration lawyer who will:

• Take detailed instructions to establish all relevant facts
• Advise you on the eligibility and suitability requirements of your application
• Assess the strengths and potential risks in your case, and advise on how these may be addressed
• Provide a tailored schedule of supporting documents
• Review all documentation to ensure compliance with the Immigration Rules and required format
• Advise on any additional evidence required following review
• Prepare and complete your application form for your approval
• Draft detailed legal representations demonstrating how the requirements are met
• Prepare witness statements where necessary
• Submit your application and supporting documents via the Home Office portal
• Arrange your biometric enrolment appointment
• Liaise with the Home Office on your behalf, including responding to any further enquiries

Where appropriate, we will also take steps to secure priority processing in order to minimise decision times.

Our Approach

Our approach is defined by careful preparation, technical expertise, and a clear focus on results. Each application is handled with close attention to detail to ensure that it is properly evidenced, accurately presented, and aligned with Home Office requirements. Your matter will be assigned to a lawyer with specialist expertise in immigration law, who will manage your case throughout. In more complex matters, additional specialist input will be provided to ensure a thorough and considered approach. We provide a flexible service to clients based in the UK and internationally. Consultations and case handling can be conducted remotely without compromising on quality, alongside in-person meetings where preferred.

Fees and Accessibility

We offer our services on a transparent fixed-fee basis, providing certainty as to legal costs from the outset. Payment plans may be available to assist with managing fees. You may also submit an initial enquiry online to receive preliminary guidance on your circumstances before deciding how you wish to proceed.