The Service Supplier visa is aimed at individuals or businesses providing a temporary service in the UK, and will be most relevant to overseas professionals, whether employed or self-employed.
The Service Supplier visa falls under the umbrella of Global Business Mobility which replaced the Intra-company transfer route, though many naturally continue to refer to this route by its former name.
The Service Supplier visa itself functions similarly to the International Agreement visa, however it is focussed on those being contracted to provide services covered by one of the UK’s international trade agreements to a UK company.
Key points on the Service Supplier visa:
- No minimum salary requirement;
- No English language requirement;
- Requires sponsorship;
- Allows workers to remain in the UK for either six or 12 months in one assignment, and no more than five years in any six-year period;
- Allows the family of the worker to join them in the UK; and
- This is not a route to settlement.
When applying for this visa type, an applicant must satisfy the following requirements:
- Have evidence of their credentials as an overseas service supplier for at least 12 months outwith the UK;
- Be employed or self-employed within an eligible job with a certain amount of experience, depending on employment type and sector; and
- Possess a Certificate of Sponsorship issued by a UK company with a sponsor licence.
The roles available for sponsorship can be applied for under two appropriate skill levels, known as option A and option B. Option A relates to those being sponsored for an eligible job at or above a minimum skill level, generally being one of graduate equivalent. Option B focusses on both a university degree and equivalent-level technical qualifications, however exemptions apply in some service areas such as fashion and modelling and entertainment.
As with most applications for entry clearance to the UK, the usual requirement to hold a tuberculosis (TB) certificate may apply. Furthermore, whilst a company may agree to sponsor you, they may not be authorised by the Home Office to sponsor a Service Supplier. It is worthwhile double-checking these points at the outset to save any complications down the line.
The rules on this visa category have been truncated in order to provide a helpful summary. Our specialist team of immigration lawyers can advise and assist with the full visa application process, from preparation to submission. Please get in touch today at immigration@burnesspaull.com.
Written by
Related News, Insights & Events
British citizenship made simpler for Irish citizens living in the UK
We outline the key routes to British citizenship - naturalisation, registration and citizenship for children. We highlight the new route for Irish citizens coming into force in UK from 22 July 2025.
Significant Changes to the skilled worker sponsorship route
The Home Secretary has published its most recent Statement of Changes (HC 997), which solidifies its plans outlined in the Immigration White Paper, we explain what employers need to do now.
Statement of Changes: Care worker visas from abroad are to end
From 22/07/2025, care worker and senior care worker roles will be closed to overseas applicants. Transitional rules will apply. Our latest insight discusses what this means for a company's workforce.
