UK Service Supplier Visa 2024: Guide to Providing Services in UK

1. Understanding the UK Service Supplier Visa

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The UK Service Supplier visa is a unique immigration route designed to facilitate international trade by enabling the temporary movement of skilled professionals to the UK. It is specifically tailored for individuals who are either:

• Contractual service suppliers: Employed by an overseas service provider to deliver services in the UK under a contract covered by one of the UK’s international trade agreements.
• Self-employed professionals: Based overseas and providing services in the UK that are covered by one of the UK’s international trade agreements.

The visa covers a wide range of services, including but not limited to:

• Legal services
• Business services
• Research and development services
• IT services
• Engineering services
• Creative and cultural services

The specific services covered depend on the relevant international trade agreement. Some of the key agreements include the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).

Benefits for Service Suppliers and UK Businesses

The Service Supplier visa offers several benefits for both service suppliers and UK businesses:

For Service Suppliers:

• Temporary work in the UK: Opportunity to work in the UK for a specific period.
• Flexibility: Ability to work for multiple clients in the UK.
• Experience: Gain valuable experience working in a new market.

For UK Businesses:

• Access to global talent: Ability to bring in skilled professionals from around the world.
• Cost-effective: A flexible and cost-effective way to access specialized skills.
• Increased competitiveness: Enhanced ability to compete in the global marketplace.

The Service Supplier visa is a valuable tool for facilitating international trade and promoting economic growth in the UK. It provides a streamlined process for businesses to access the skills they need and for professionals to expand their careers in a new market.

2. Eligibility Requirements for the UK Service Supplier Visa

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To be eligible for the UK Service Supplier visa, you must meet specific criteria depending on your employment status:

For Employees of Overseas Companies:

• Nationality: You must be a national of a country or territory that has a trade agreement with the UK that specifically covers the service you intend to provide.
• Sponsorship: You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-based company that is licensed to sponsor Service Suppliers.
• Contractual Agreement: Your work in the UK must be covered by a contract for services between your overseas employer and a UK client. This contract must be for a service covered by one of the UK’s international trade agreements.
• Job Requirements: Your job must either:
  • Be at or above RQF Level 6 (graduate level equivalent) and listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations, or
  • Require a university degree or equivalent qualification, any necessary professional qualifications, and at least three years of experience in the sector (six years for chefs or self-employed professionals).
• Overseas Work Experience: You must have worked for your overseas employer (or a linked business) outside the UK for at least 12 months in the 12 months immediately before the application date.
• Financial Requirement: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself in the UK. This can be done by showing you have had at least £1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days before applying, unless your sponsor is providing financial support.

For Self-Employed Professionals:

• Nationality Requirement: You must be a national of a country that has a trade agreement with the UK covering the service you will be providing.
• Sponsorship Requirement: You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-based client.
• Contractual Agreement for Service: You must have a contract for services with a UK client. This contract must be for a service covered by one of the UK’s international trade agreements.
• Qualifications and Experience: You must have a university degree or equivalent qualification, any necessary professional qualifications, and at least six years of experience in the sector.
• Financial Requirements: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself in the UK. This can be done by showing you have had at least £1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days before applying.

Additional Requirements for All Applicants:

• Criminal Record Checks: You must provide a criminal record certificate from any country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

Meeting these eligibility requirements is crucial for a successful Service Supplier visa application. It’s important to ensure that all requirements are met before applying to avoid delays or rejection.

3. Sponsorship Requirements for the UK Service Supplier Visa

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The UK sponsor plays a crucial role in the Service Supplier visa process. They are responsible for supporting the applicant’s visa application and ensuring they meet all the necessary requirements.

Becoming a Licensed Sponsor

To sponsor a service supplier, a UK company must first obtain a Global Business Mobility sponsor licence from the Home Office. The process involves:

1. License Application: To apply, the company must submit an online application proving its legitimacy as a business, including proof of resources and systems in place to successfully fulfill its sponsorship obligations.
2. Proof of Eligibility: The company is required to submit documentation that demonstrates its business activities, financial stability, and adherence to UK employment regulations.
3. Paying Fees: The company must pay the appropriate fees for the sponsor licence application.
4. Awaiting Approval: The Home Office will assess the application and make a decision. If approved, the company will be granted a sponsor licence and can start sponsoring service suppliers.

Sponsor Responsibilities

Once licensed, the sponsor has several ongoing responsibilities:

• Issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The sponsor must assign a CoS to the service supplier through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). The CoS is a unique reference number that confirms the details of the service contract, including the type of service, duration, and location.
• Ensuring Compliance: The sponsor must ensure that the service supplier meets all the eligibility requirements for the visa and complies with the conditions of their stay in the UK. This includes ensuring that the service supplier is only providing services covered by the relevant trade agreement.
• Record Keeping: The sponsor must maintain accurate records of the service supplier’s activities in the UK, including the dates and duration of their stay, the services they provided, and any payments made.
• Reporting Changes: The sponsor must inform the Home Office of any significant changes to the service contract or the service supplier’s circumstances.

By understanding and fulfilling these sponsorship responsibilities, UK companies can successfully engage skilled service suppliers from around the world, contributing to their business goals and the UK economy.

4. Applying for the UK Service Supplier Visa

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The application process for the UK Service Supplier visa involves several key steps and requires specific documentation. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The first step is for the UK client to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the applicant through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). The CoS is a virtual document (similar to a database record) that contains a unique reference number and details of the service contract, including the type of service, duration, and location. The CoS must be assigned no more than 3 months before the date of application.
2. Online Application: After receiving the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), the applicant can begin their online application. This involves creating an account on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website and filling out the application form.
3. Required Documentation: In addition to the application form, the following supporting documents must be submitted:
   • A valid passport or travel document
   • The CoS reference number provided by the client
   • Evidence of employment with the overseas service provider (if applicable)
   • Evidence of qualifications and experience in the relevant sector
   • Evidence of the service contract with the UK client
   • Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
   • Proof of financial maintenance (unless the sponsor is providing support)
4. Biometrics Appointment: Once the online application is submitted, you will need to schedule an appointment at a visa application center to have your fingerprints and photograph taken for your visa.
5. Decision: The Home Office will process the application and make a decision. Processing times can vary, but it typically takes around three weeks for applications made outside the UK.
6. Visa Issuance: If the application is successful, the applicant will be issued a visa. If they applied from outside the UK, they will receive a vignette (sticker) in their passport. If they applied from inside the UK, they will receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

Service Supplier Visa Application Fees:

The applicant is required to pay the applicable application fees, along with the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS is a fee that grants visa holders access to the National Health Service (NHS), and its cost varies depending on the duration of the visa.

5. Financial Requirements for the UK Service Supplier Visa

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To be eligible for the Service Supplier visa, applicants must demonstrate they have the financial means to support themselves during their stay in the UK. This is to ensure they will not rely on public funds.

Financial Requirements for Applicants

• Maintenance Funds: Applicants must show they have held funds of at least £1,270 for a consecutive 28-day period ending no earlier than 31 days before the date of their application.
• Exemption: The maintenance funds requirement is waived if the sponsoring employer can demonstrate they will maintain and accommodate the applicant for their first month in the UK.

Financial Requirements for Sponsors

There are no specific financial requirements for sponsors of Service Suppliers, except in the case where the sponsor chooses to financially support the applicant for their first month in the UK. In this case, the sponsor must provide evidence that they can meet this commitment.

Salary Requirements for Employed Service Suppliers

While there is no minimum salary requirement for Service Suppliers, the sponsor must provide details of the worker’s salary on the Certificate of Sponsorship. This information is required even though there is no minimum salary threshold to meet for this visa route.

6. Life in the UK as a Service Supplier

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As a Service Supplier in the UK, you’ll have certain rights and responsibilities regarding your work, activities outside of work, and access to services.

Working Conditions and Restrictions:

• Contractual Obligations: Your work activities must align with the service contract agreed upon between your employer (or your own business if you’re self-employed) and the UK client.
• No Supplementary Employment: Generally, you cannot take on additional work outside of the specified contract, unless it’s voluntary work or within the permitted activities for your visa category.
• Compliance: You must adhere to UK employment laws and regulations, including those related to working hours, minimum wage, and health and safety.

Permitted Activities Outside of Work:

• Study: You are allowed to study in the UK, provided it doesn’t interfere with your work commitments. Certain courses may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
• Voluntary Work: You can engage in voluntary work without any restrictions.
• Travel: You can travel freely in and out of the UK during your visa validity period.

Tax and National Insurance Obligations:

• Income Tax: You will be liable to pay UK income tax on your earnings in the UK.
• National Insurance Contributions: Depending on your circumstances, you may need to pay National Insurance contributions, which provide access to certain state benefits.

Access to Healthcare and Other Services:

• Healthcare Access: If you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when applying for your visa, you will be eligible to use the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
• Other Services: You may also be able to access other public services, such as education for your children, depending on your visa conditions.

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific conditions of your visa and seek professional advice if you have any questions about your rights and responsibilities as a Service Supplier in the UK.

7. After the Service Supplier Visa: Next Steps

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The Service Supplier visa is designed for temporary assignments, and it does not directly lead to settlement in the UK. However, there are options available for those who wish to extend their stay or transition to a different visa category.

Visa Extension Options

If you wish to continue providing services in the UK after your initial visa expires, you may be eligible to apply for an extension. The maximum stay allowed on the Service Supplier visa depends on the specific trade agreement under which you are providing services. For example, under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the maximum stay is 12 months, while under other agreements it may be 6 months. You can apply for an extension as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements and the total duration of your stay does not exceed the maximum allowed under the relevant trade agreement.

Switching to Other Visa Categories

While the Service Supplier visa does not lead to settlement, it may be possible to switch to another visa category that does, such as the Skilled Worker visa. This would require meeting the specific eligibility criteria of the new visa category.

Implications for Future UK Visa Applications

Your time spent in the UK on the Service Supplier visa will not count towards the qualifying period for settlement under other points-based system routes. However, it will not negatively impact your eligibility for future UK visas, provided you have complied with the conditions of your stay.

8. FAQs: UK Service Supplier Visa

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For further details please refer to Immigration Rules Appendix Global Business Mobility routes.