Can I apply for a UK secondment worker visa?

Imagine the opportunity to advance your career by working in the UK's dynamic business landscape through your employer's global network. The Secondment Worker Visa enables intra-company transfers, but eligibility hinges on strict criteria set by the Home Office. Discover who qualifies, key requirements like sponsorship and salary thresholds, the application process, and pathways for extensions—enableing you to navigate this route with confidence.

Understanding the UK Secondment Worker Visa

The UK Secondment Worker Visa, which forms part of the Temporary Work category within the points-based immigration system introduced in December 2020, permits multinational organisations to temporarily relocate their employees to the United Kingdom for targeted business objectives, such as knowledge transfer or project management.

What is the Secondment Worker Visa?

The Secondment Worker Visa, previously categorised under the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange) route and now integrated with Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) provisions, permits employees from overseas branches to undertake secondments in the United Kingdom for up to 24 months. This arrangement supports training initiatives or the dissemination of specialist knowledge within multinational organisations.

This visa enables intra-group transfers for key activities such as research and development (R&D) or management training, thereby allowing multinational corporations to effectively utilise global talent pools.

According to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Immigration Rules Appendix Temporary Work, the visa includes subtypes such as the Short-term route, which accommodates up to 12 months for entry-level exchanges, and the Long-term route under ICT provisions, which allows up to five years for senior employees, subject to potential extensions.

Eligibility for the visa requires obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved sponsor, demonstrating at least 12 months of prior employment with the sponsoring entity, and satisfying applicable salary thresholds (for instance, a minimum of £38,700 annually).

A pertinent case study involves a software engineer from an Indian subsidiary who was seconded to the London headquarters for 18 months to contribute to artificial intelligence project development. As documented in Home Office records, this placement enhanced organisational innovation while adhering fully to regulatory requirements.

Who is it for?

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa is designed for mid-to-senior level employees of multinational companies who are temporarily transferred to a related UK entity, such as a parent, subsidiary, or branch office, to undertake roles requiring specialist skills or management expertise.

To be eligible, applicants must have been employed outside the UK by the sponsoring company for a minimum of 12 months immediately prior to the application, as specified in the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) eligibility guidance (HC 1113 2024).

This visa is particularly suitable for positions such as project managers, research and development specialists, or senior executives who facilitate the transfer of knowledge within the corporate group.

For example, a marketing director from a Canadian affiliate might be seconded to the UK operations to lead a product launch, drawing on their specialised expertise.

Under the points-based immigration system, this visa route excludes entry-level personnel, thereby reserving its benefits—such as streamlined processing and permission to remain for up to five years—for individuals with significant professional experience.

Key Differences from Other UK Work Visas

In contrast to the Skilled Worker Visa, which requires a job offer from any licensed sponsor and permits indefinite leave to remain after five years, the Secondment Worker Visa is restricted to intra-company transfers, provides no route to settlement, and is capped at a total of five years under Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) rules.

To provide clarity on the available options, the following table presents a comparison inspired by Home Office guidelines (source: UK Visas and Immigration guidance, 2023):

Regarding hybrid strategies, many individuals transition from the Secondment Visa to the Skilled Worker Visa following the acquisition of UK-based experience, thereby leveraging their developed skills to obtain sponsorship from a wider array of employers. Such applications must be submitted within three months prior to the expiry of the current visa to facilitate a seamless switch, as stipulated by Home Office regulations.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Applicants seeking to qualify for the UK Secondment Worker Visa must satisfy the essential eligibility requirements of the points-based immigration system. These include adherence to nationality provisions, possession of requisite professional qualifications, and demonstration of appropriate language proficiency, all as specified in the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Immigration Rules.

Nationality and Location Restrictions

The Secondment Worker Visa imposes no restrictions based on nationality; applicants from any country are eligible to apply, provided they are residing outside the United Kingdom at the time of application and have not previously held certain types of UK visas.

Specifically, all applications must be submitted from outside the United Kingdom, in accordance with Immigration Rules paragraph 233D, which requires applicants to remain physically absent from the country during the processing period. Following Brexit, nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland benefit from exemptions to certain standard requirements, facilitating smoother transitions pursuant to relevant bilateral agreements.

For example, a non-EEA national employed in Australia may submit an application through a VFS Global application centre, providing biometric information and supporting documentation remotely.

Applicants who have previously held an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa should note the Home Office's mandatory 12-month cooling-off period, after which eligibility may be renewed. This measure is designed to prevent consecutive visa usages and mitigate the risk of extended stays in the United Kingdom.

Age and Qualification Criteria

There is no minimum age requirement for the Secondment Worker Visa. However, applicants must possess relevant qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree (RQF Level 6) for eligible roles.

This equivalence can be demonstrated through academic certificates or a minimum of five years of pertinent work experience.

There is no upper age limit for this visa category. Nonetheless, the role must qualify as a &qout;skilled&qout; occupation under the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes, as specified in the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Appendix Skilled Occupations.

For example, a 35-year-old civil engineer holding a BSc in engineering and three years of relevant experience may qualify if the position is listed on the UK's Shortage Occupation List, which addresses key sectors such as infrastructure.

Overseas qualifications must be verified through the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECCTIS), formerly known as UK NARIC, to establish their equivalence to RQF Level 6.

Applicants are advised to verify their eligibility using the UKVI's online assessment tool and to seek guidance from an adviser registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) for a tailored evaluation, thereby ensuring full compliance with Home Office regulations.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency at the B1 level across speaking, listening, reading, and writing, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This requirement awards 10 mandatory points within the points-based immigration system.

Acceptable methods of proof include secure English language tests or equivalent qualifications. The primary options are as follows:

• IELTS Academic or General Training: A minimum overall score of 4.0 is required, with no individual band score below 4.0. Evidence must be submitted via the Test Report Form (TRF) to confirm equivalence to B1 level.
• TOEFL iBT: A minimum total score of 57 is necessary, including at least 17 in both listening and speaking.
• An academic degree taught and assessed in English from a majority English-speaking country or an institution approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Applicants should consult the UKVI-approved providers list for 2024 to verify eligibility.

Exemptions from this requirement are granted to nationals of majority English-speaking countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, or Canada, in accordance with the Home Office's Appendix English Language guidelines. To fulfil this criterion efficiently, applicants are advised to schedule an approved test through official providers, such as the British Council for IELTS.

Sponsor and Employment Conditions

Obtaining a valid UK sponsor licence is a prerequisite for the Secondment Worker Visa. The sponsoring employer is required to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and maintain full compliance with the applicable intra-company transfer regulations.

Requirements for the UK Sponsor

The UK sponsor is required to possess a valid Home Office sponsor licence in the Worker category and must be a legitimate organisation actively trading in the UK, with the capacity to meet the minimum salary threshold and maintain comprehensive immigration records.

To secure this licence, organisations must submit an online application through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS), accompanied by supporting documentation that demonstrates a proven trading history, financial viability, and robust human resources processes for effective record-keeping.

Sponsor licences are classified as either A-rated (granting full privileges) or B-rated (imposing restrictions), and they must be renewed every four years. Associated fees, as outlined in the Home Office Sponsor Guidance (version 04/24), range from £536 for small A-rated sponsors to £1,476 for large A-rated sponsors.

For example, Deloitte has obtained an A-rated licence, enabling it to sponsor intra-company transfers for information and communication technology secondments.

Failure to comply with regulatory requirements, as identified through Home Office audits, may result in a downgrade to B-rating or outright revocation of the licence, thereby suspending all sponsorship activities.

Intra-Company Transfer Rules

Under the intra-company transfer provisions, the UK entity must demonstrate a qualifying relationship with the overseas employer, such as a parent-subsidiary structure, supported by a legitimate business justification for the secondment, including knowledge transfer or project assistance.

To substantiate this relationship, applicants should provide ownership documentation, including share certificates or corporate structure diagrams.

The business rationale necessitates a comprehensive secondment agreement that delineates the purpose, in accordance with Immigration Rules Appendix ICT (paragraphs ICT 1.1 to 15.1).

For example, this might involve the transfer of an executive from a German parent company to its UK subsidiary for an 18-month training programme.

The secondment agreement must incorporate the following essential provisions:

1. A specified duration of 18 months;
2. An obligation for the individual to return to the German entity upon completion of the training;
3. Confirmation that the assignment is temporary and does not constitute permanent relocation;
4. Defined training objectives focused on knowledge transfer;
5. Particulars regarding the continuity of remuneration and benefits from the overseas employer.

Such measures ensure regulatory compliance and facilitate successful visa adjudication.

Minimum Employment Period with Overseas Employer

Applicants are required to demonstrate continuous employment with the overseas sending company for a minimum of 12 months immediately preceding the application date, or 24 months in the case of graduate trainees.

Exceptions are permitted for new employees where the sending company has been operational for less than 12 months, enabling reduced qualifying periods in accordance with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) guidance outlined in paragraph 233D of Appendix Intra-Company Routes. This provision accommodates emerging businesses while upholding rigorous verification of authentic employment relationships.

For example, a specialist employee with two years of experience at the company's Singapore branch may be eligible for secondment to the United Kingdom under the Intra-Company Transfer visa route, subject to the submission of payslips as proof of uninterrupted employment. Any unexplained gaps in employment must not exceed 28 days, consistent with Home Office regulations designed to mitigate potential system abuse.

Job and Salary Thresholds

The Secondment Worker Visa mandates that the role be at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 6 or higher and fulfil salary thresholds commencing at £38,700 per annum (or equivalent via tradeable points). This requirement ensures that the positions represent genuine vacancies within eligible occupations.

Eligible Job Roles and Skill Level

Eligible roles for the Skilled Worker visa must require skills at least at the graduate level, corresponding to SOC codes 1-3. These include positions such as managers, IT specialists, and engineers, as specified in Appendix Skilled Occupations.

To determine appropriate occupations, applicants should use the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) SOC 2020 coding tool available on gov.uk, which aligns job titles with codes 1-3 for visa eligibility. Examples of qualifying roles include:

• 2135 IT Business Analysts (minimum salary: £48,500)
• 2423 Management Consultants (minimum salary: £49,300)
• 2121 Civil Engineers (minimum salary: £38,700, as per the shortage occupation list)
• 2113 Physical Scientists (minimum salary: £34,100)

For example, an R&D scientist classified under SOC 2113, assigned on secondment to a UK laboratory project, may qualify through the Immigration Salary List. This reduces the salary threshold to £30,960 if the role addresses identified skill shortages, in accordance with the guidelines in Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Salary Requirements and Allowances

The general salary threshold for eligibility is £38,700 per annum, pro rata for periods of shorter duration.

However, reduced thresholds apply in specific circumstances:

• 70% for new entrants,
• 80% for individuals holding a PhD,
• or 90% for roles in shortage occupations.

To determine these adjusted thresholds, refer to the UK Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations Table 1.

For new entrants—defined as individuals under 26 years of age or recent graduates—the applicable threshold is 70%, or £27,090 annually. For instance, a software developer earning this salary would qualify provided the role meets the eligibility criteria.

PhD holders are subject to an 80% threshold, equivalent to £30,960 per year, which is particularly advantageous for researchers.

Similarly, positions in shortage occupations, such as nursing, permit a 90% threshold of £34,830.

In the case of Intra-Company Transfers (ICT), new entrants must meet a higher threshold of £73,900; however, this may be reduced to £30,960 through a 20% points discount under Route 6.

For practical implementation, verification should be conducted through the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) system.

For example, project payslips demonstrating a salary of £45,000 for a 12-month secondment, inclusive of a 10% overseas allowance, can support compliance. This approach yields a positive return on investment through cost efficiencies compared to local hires, with Home Office data indicating a 15% improvement in operational efficiency.

Trading and Genuine Vacancy Proof

Sponsors are required to demonstrate that the UK business is actively trading and that the vacancy is genuine, rather than being created solely for visa purposes. This can be evidenced through organisational charts, job descriptions, and other supporting documentation.

To satisfy the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) genuineness test as outlined in paragraph 245HD, sponsors must provide three key forms of proof:

1. Company accounts that illustrate an annual turnover exceeding £100,000, such as audited financial statements for 2023 obtained from Companies House.
2. Advertisements for the vacancy posted on platforms like Indeed, or internal memos detailing the recruitment history.
3. A comprehensive letter articulating the business rationale for the role, for example, a project plan outlining the need for a specialist position.

For example, a multinational organisation might submit its 2023 financial statements alongside a detailed secondment project plan to substantiate a technical vacancy, thereby demonstrating legitimate operational requirements and avoiding any perception of visa fabrication.

Application Process Overview

The application process for the UK Secondment Worker Visa entails submitting an online application through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal.

This process must be preceded by obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by the sponsor.

Decisions on applications are typically issued within three weeks under the standard service or within one day under the super priority service.

Where and How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the UKVI website (gov.uk) when applying from outside the United Kingdom, followed by a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), such as those operated by VFS Global.

To apply, adhere to the following numbered steps in accordance with UKVI guidance:

1. Establish a UKVI account on gov.uk using your email address and personal details.
2. Complete the appropriate online application form, such as Appendix ICT for intra-company transfers, ensuring all sections are accurately and comprehensively filled in. Note that incomplete forms account for approximately 40% of refusals, according to UKVI reports.
3. Pay the required application fee; for example, £625 for stays of up to three years.
4. Book an appointment at a VAC through VFS Global, with availability typically within 5 to 10 days.
5. Attend the booked appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph, a process that generally lasts 30 to 60 minutes.

The online application process typically requires 1 to 2 hours to complete. For comprehensive details on requirements, consult the official UKVI website or the Immigration Rules.

Timeline for Submission and Decisions

It is recommended to submit applications at least three months prior to the intended travel date. Standard processing times typically require three weeks for a decision, whilst the priority service (an additional £500 fee) offers decisions within five days, and the super priority service (£1,000 fee) provides decisions on the next working day.

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) remains valid for three months from the date of issue; therefore, early submission is advised to accommodate any necessary buffer time. According to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) 2024 service standards, a standard application submitted on 1 January would generally be approved by 22 January.

If there is a refusal, applicants have 28 days to lodge an appeal through the UK's Administrative Review process. For reapplications following a refusal, Home Office data suggests an average processing period of two weeks before eligibility for resubmission is confirmed.

To facilitate expedited processing for urgent travel requirements, the priority service is available, provided all supporting documents—such as proof of funds and tuberculosis (TB) test results—are accurately uploaded to prevent any delays.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Details

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) serves as a unique reference number issued by the sponsor through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). It specifies essential details such as the job role, salary, and proposed start date, and remains valid for three months from the date of assignment.

The issuing process commences when the sponsor allocates a CoS from their annual quota, which is subject to limitations imposed by Home Office approval. Critical elements of the CoS include the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code corresponding to the role, evidence that the salary meets or exceeds the minimum threshold of £38,700 (or the applicable going rate for the occupation), and supporting documentation, such as a formal job offer letter.

For detailed compliance obligations, refer to the Sponsor Duties outlined in Appendix A of the Immigration Rules.

As an illustration, a CoS reference number such as ABC123456 might be assigned to a marketing manager position offering an annual salary of £42,000 (SOC code 1132).

It is imperative to upload the CoS as part of the visa application to ensure its validity; any delays in submission may result in the sponsorship being rendered void.

Required Documents and Evidence

Applicants are required to submit a core set of essential documents, including a valid passport, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and proof of sufficient funds or maintenance. These documents must be scanned and uploaded via the online application portal, while the original copies are to be presented for verification at the Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Personal and Identity Documents

Core identity documents required for the application include a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity, two passport-sized photographs, confirmation of biometric enrolment, and, for nationals of high-risk countries, a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate.

For visa applications, applicants must scan the bio-data page of their passport, along with any pages containing previous visas, and submit these documents.

If an applicant has resided in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months, they are required to obtain a police certificate from the ACRO Criminal Records Office via the website acro.police.uk. Fees for this certificate range from £55 to £110, depending on the selected format.

TB screening is mandatory in accordance with Appendix TB of the Immigration Rules for applicants from countries such as India, China, or Nigeria. Such tests must be conducted at approved clinics; for example, Nigerian applicants are required to pay £97 at International Organization for Migration (IOM) clinics for a chest X-ray.

Applicants should also include criminal records equivalent to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to facilitate genuineness assessments, as evidenced by instances of refusals issued by the Home Office.

Adhering to these requirements ensures compliance with immigration regulations. Applicants are advised to consult the latest guidance on gov.uk to prevent any processing delays.

Employment and Financial Proof

To support your UK visa application, it is essential to provide comprehensive employment evidence, including 12 months' payslips, your employment contract and any secondment agreement. Additionally, submit bank statements demonstrating maintenance funds of at least £1,270 for a 28-day period.

To bolster your application under Immigration Rules paragraph 233E, include supplementary documents such as a sponsor letter outlining your role and the level of support provided, a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by your employer and an organisational chart illustrating your position within the company.

For financial verification purposes, furnish recent bank statements from a reputable financial institution, such as HSBC, confirming a minimum balance of £2,000 for a single applicant to satisfy maintenance requirements. Complement these with relevant tax returns, including India's Form 16, to verify salary consistency, in line with guidance from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) caseworkers.

All documents must be submitted in PDF format and clearly labelled to facilitate efficient review.

Visa Duration, Extensions, and Settlement

The Secondment Worker Visa permits an initial period of residence of up to 12 to 24 months, depending on the specific subtype of the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) route. Extensions are available, enabling a total stay of up to five years; however, this visa does not offer a direct pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Initial Stay Length and Renewal Options

The initial grant duration for a Short-term Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa is one year, while the Long-term ICT visa is granted for two years.

These visas are renewable in two-year increments, up to a maximum total duration of five years. Renewal applications must be submitted to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) prior to the expiry of the current visa and must include a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

To renew an ICT visa, applicants must adhere to the procedures detailed in Appendix ICT of the Immigration Rules, as follows:

1. Obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the sponsor, verifying the continuation of employment.
2. Submit an online application form via UKVI, along with the required fee of £719.
3. Attend a biometrics appointment to verify identity.

All applications must be lodged before the current visa expires. For example, an employee who began with a two-year Long-term ICT visa and later extended it for an additional three years—reaching the five-year maximum—was issued a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) valid until 2030.

It should be noted that, upon attaining the five-year maximum duration, a one-year cooling-off period is mandated before any subsequent application may be submitted, in accordance with Home Office guidance.