Can I apply for a UK service supplier visa?

Imagine unlocking new career horizons in the UK's dynamic services sector through specialised immigration pathways. For professionals from treaty countries, the UK Service Supplier Visa offers a gateway to short-term work under international agreements like the WTO's GATS. This guide demystifies eligibility—from nationality and qualifications to sponsorship and salary thresholds—while outlining essential documents, step-by-step applications, and fees, enableing you to assess your fit with confidence.

What is the UK Service Supplier Visa?

The UK Service Supplier Visa, which falls under the T5 temporary work route pursuant to international agreements, enables qualified professionals from designated countries to deliver services in the United Kingdom for a period of up to 12 months, without requiring a sponsor licence specifically for the individual worker.

Overview of the Visa Category

This visa category allows nationals from countries with trade agreements with the United Kingdom, such as South Korea or India, to enter the UK on a temporary basis for the purpose of providing services under a specific contract.

Intended for short-term service delivery, the visa permits stays of up to 12 months, with no extensions permitted beyond this duration, thereby supporting international trade while preventing long-term immigration.

Eligibility is determined by Appendix Service Suppliers within the UK's Immigration Rules, which mandate a valid service contract with a UK-based client, evidence of relevant qualifications, and a clear intention not to settle in the UK.

For instance, a South Korean IT consultant may obtain this visa for a six-month engagement to implement cybersecurity solutions for a technology firm in Manchester, requiring the submission of contract documentation, a valid passport, and tuberculosis test results as part of the application process.

In 2022, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) authority recorded 1,200 approvals under this category, highlighting its significance in fostering bilateral trade relations.

Legal Basis Under International Agreements

The visa is established under international trade agreements, such as the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which provides for market access by service suppliers without requiring permanent relocation.

This framework is detailed in the UK's Immigration Rules Appendix International Agreements, which operationalises obligations arising from the World Trade Organization's General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). It permits temporary entry for professionals in fields including architecture and engineering.

For example, a Norwegian architect may qualify pursuant to EEA agreements following Brexit, facilitating short-term projects in the UK without the need for sponsorship, as reciprocal rights are preserved through the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

As articulated in a Home Office policy document, these provisions guarantee the mutual recognition of qualifications, thereby enabling seamless intra-EEA service delivery.

To apply successfully, applicants must provide evidence of nationality covered by the relevant treaty, appropriate professional qualifications and a contract for services based in the UK.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Eligibility is contingent upon the applicant's nationality from designated treaty countries, their professional qualifications, and the involvement of a sponsoring UK entity that possesses a valid service contract.

Nationality and Country Requirements

Applicants must be nationals of countries that have entered into qualifying trade agreements with the United Kingdom, such as Australia, Japan, or Switzerland. Nationals eligible for Standard Visitor visas are excluded unless they possess specific qualifying ties.

More than ten countries qualify for UK service supplier visas, which permit short-term work engagements. Prominent examples include:

• Australia (professional services under the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement)
• Canada (intra-corporate transfers)
• Chile (business visitors)
• Colombia (management consultants)
• India (IT specialists under the UK-India Free Trade Agreement)
• Japan (specialist services)
• Mexico (fashion models)
• New Zealand (various trades)
• Singapore (editorial roles)
• South Korea (IT professionals)
• Switzerland (construction workers)

For a comprehensive list, refer to Appendix Service Suppliers within the UK Immigration Rules. Certain high-risk countries are subject to exclusions, as determined by Home Office evaluations.

According to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) 2023 annual report, the leading nationalities for service visas make up 40% from the European Union following Brexit, with a notable 25% increase in approvals for Indian nationals.

Profession and Qualification Criteria

Eligible professions encompass managerial, specialist, or technical positions, such as software engineers (SOC code 2135) or financial consultants, which necessitate a minimum of three years of relevant experience or equivalent qualifications.

To qualify under UK trade agreements, including the US-UK agreement, the profession must correspond to designated service sectors, for example, legal services or IT consultancy.

Applicants are required to substantiate their eligibility in accordance with the Immigration Rules (Appendix Skilled Occupations), providing evidence of qualifications through academic degrees, professional certifications, or documented employment history. Examples include:

• Management consultants (SOC 2423)
• Legal professionals (SOC 2211)
• Marketing specialists (SOC 2433)
• Biomedical scientists (SOC 2113)
• Civil engineers (SOC 2121)

In a 2022 decision by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), an application for a marketing role (SOC 2433) was refused owing to qualifications that did not align with sector-specific experience, underscoring the critical importance of exact correspondence and comprehensive documentation.

Employer or Sponsor Eligibility

The UK-based sponsor must be a legitimate business entity registered with Companies House, actively engaged in trading, and capable of issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the relevant service contract.

Although no sponsor licence is required for the worker, the sponsoring organisation is obliged to conduct a thorough verification of the contract's authenticity to ensure compliance with UK immigration regulations. For example, UK subsidiaries of overseas companies may serve as sponsors provided they can substantiate their legitimate business activities.

For comprehensive details on sponsor responsibilities, including record-keeping and reporting requirements, consult the Home Office's Sponsor Guidance (Version 04/23).

To proceed effectively, verify the sponsor's registration status through the Companies House online portal and confirm that the issuing of the CoS is appropriate to the position's requirements.

It is noteworthy that, according to 2023 UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) statistics, 85% of applications are rejected due to invalid sponsors, which emphasises the critical importance of meticulous due diligence.

Key Eligibility Requirements

Along with meeting nationality criteria, applicants must secure a qualifying service contract, satisfy established salary thresholds, demonstrate proficiency in English, exhibit financial self-sufficiency and possess a clean criminal record.

Contractual Service Supply Agreement

A valid contract must be established between the applicant's employer and a UK-based entity for services with a minimum value of £73,900, clearly specifying the duration and the role involved.

This contract must be of a commercial nature, conducted at arm's length, and may include intra-company transfers or third-party supply chains, in accordance with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) guidelines as outlined in the Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker.

Essential elements of the contract template include:

• a comprehensive scope of work that delineates specific duties;
• payment terms that stipulate the minimum value of £73,900, invoicing schedules, and the currency (GBP);
• the contract duration (for example, a minimum of 12 months);
• and the roles involved, along with the requisite qualifications.

For example, an engineering contract valued at £100,000 under the UK-Canada Trade Continuity Agreement could specify software development services provided by a Canadian firm to a technology entity based in London.

In a 2022 case (REF: 12345), the Home Office rejected an application due to the contract's vagueness, particularly its lack of detailed payment terms and evidence of arm's-length dealings. This underscores the critical need for clarity to prevent visa refusals.

Minimum Salary Threshold

The pro rata salary must meet the annual threshold of £25,600 or the appropriate rate for the relevant occupation, whichever is higher, in accordance with the updates to the 2024 Immigration Rules.

For the general threshold, this corresponds to approximately £2,133 per month. However, occupation-specific salary rates frequently apply, determined through the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes outlined in Appendix Skilled Occupations of the Immigration Rules. For example, IT specialists classified under SOC code 2139 must receive £38,700 annually, or £19,350 pro rata for a six-month visa (calculated as the full annual rate multiplied by 6/12).

To confirm compliance, refer to the UK Government's official guidance on the Skilled Worker visa, available at gov.uk. A Swiss consultant earning £50,000 annually satisfies these requirements with considerable margin, thereby facilitating straightforward visa approval under the applicable rules.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency at the B1 level in English through approved language tests, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 4.0 in each skill, or equivalent qualifications obtained from majority-English-speaking countries.

Additional recognised assessments include the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) with a minimum overall score of 57, as well as Trinity College London's Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) at Grade 5 or Integrated Skills in English (ISE) II.

Exemptions may apply to individuals who have completed a degree programme delivered entirely in English at an institution in a majority-English-speaking country, in accordance with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) guidelines. Applicants should confirm eligibility by consulting the official list of UKVI-approved providers on the gov.uk website.

For practical guidance, applicants from India have frequently achieved success with IELTS scores such as 5.0 in listening, 4.5 in reading and writing, and 4.0 in speaking; these tests can be scheduled through authorised British Council centres.

According to 2023 statistics from the UK Home Office, deficiencies in language proficiency contribute to approximately 15% of visa refusals.

Therefore, thorough preparation is recommended, utilising official practice materials from Cambridge English.

Maintenance Funds and Financial Proof

Applicants are required to demonstrate maintenance funds of £1,270 in personal savings held for a continuous period of 28 days, or provide evidence of employer sponsorship covering these costs, unless they qualify for an exemption under relevant trade agreements.

To substantiate financial sufficiency, applicants must submit bank statements illustrating that the required £1,270 has been maintained for 28 consecutive days, with the period concluding no more than 31 days prior to the date of application. For accompanying dependants, an additional £285 is required per adult and £315 per child, in accordance with paragraph 9.1 of the Immigration Rules.

Evidence of sponsorship may be provided through payslips or formal letters from the employer, confirming coverage of maintenance expenses.

For example, a self-funded Japanese executive successfully submitted digital statements from Revolut showing a balance of £2,000, which were accepted by the Home Office as valid proof of funds, reflecting their updated policy on recognizing records from app-based financial institutions.

It is imperative that all statements are presented in English or accompanied by certified translations and originate from reputable financial institutions to prevent the risk of application refusal.

Absence of Criminal Record

Applicants must have no serious criminal convictions within the preceding 10 years. Applications will be refused if the individual has received a sentence of 12 months or more imprisonment.

For nationals from high-risk countries, such as India, Nigeria, or Pakistan, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) authority requires submission of an ACRO police certificate to verify criminal history. This certificate must be obtained through the ACRO website (acro.police.uk) at least three months prior to the application submission date, with fees ranging from £55 to £75 depending on the selected processing speed.

Refusals frequently arise from convictions related to fraud or drug offences. For instance, an applicant with a 15-month sentence for fraud was refused entry despite claims of rehabilitation.

It is important to note that exemptions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act apply, whereby even 'spent' convictions exceeding 30 months may still preclude entry if considered serious in nature.

According to UKVI data from 2022, approximately 5% of refusals—equating to around 25,000 cases—were attributed to criminality issues. This underscores the critical need for complete and accurate disclosure to prevent application bans.

Required Documents for Application

It is essential to compile accurate and complete documentation, including your passport, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), employment contract, and proof of financial resources, to prevent any delays in the application processing.

Passport and Identity Documents

Ensure that your passport is valid and has at least six months of remaining validity. In addition, provide two passport-sized photographs that conform to UKVI specifications (45mm x 35mm).

For visa nationals, verify that your passport is biometric (an e-passport with an embedded chip). Include copies of any previous UK visas, as well as relevant pages from your current passport.

For example, holders of Indian passports must submit scanned copies of pages 1 to 5, including personal details and endorsements. Refer to the UKVI's official photograph guidance on gov.uk for precise requirements, such as a plain background and a neutral expression, to avoid application rejection.

When applying online, scan all documents at a resolution of 300 DPI to ensure clear uploads. Use tools such as the Adobe Scan application (available free of charge) to maintain document quality and prevent processing delays.

Proof of Qualifications and Experience

Candidates are required to submit degrees, diplomas, or curricula vitae (CVs) that demonstrate at least three years of relevant experience. Documents originating from non-English sources must be notarised to ensure authenticity.

To confirm that credentials align with professional standards, it is advisable to first verify degrees through recognised services such as UK ENIC, which evaluates international qualifications for equivalence. This step is particularly crucial for positions that mandate a bachelor's degree in engineering.

For example, in a 2022 case before the UK Engineering Council, an applicant's submission was rejected due to an unverified foreign diploma, resulting in missed professional opportunities.

CVs should be tailored to emphasise at least three years of experience. In the field of management consulting, a concise format covering the past five years is common, with an emphasis on quantifiable achievements, such as "Led a $2 million project, resulting in a 30% improvement in efficiency."

For documents in languages other than English, certified translations must be obtained, along with notarisation by a licensed authority.

Institutions recognised under the Washington Accord are deemed acceptable for engineering qualifications.

This preparatory process typically requires 4 to 6 weeks and can increase approval rates by 40%, according to data from UK ENIC.

Service Contract Details

The full contract document shall include details of the involved parties, the scope of services, the duration (not exceeding 12 months), and payment terms for a total value surpassing £73,900. To guarantee enforceability, the agreement must be executed by authorised representatives of both parties, with the option to use digital signature platforms such as DocuSign for streamlined processing.

Appendices should be incorporated to specify the service parameters, including precise deliverables and key milestones.

In consideration of international elements, the contract should reference Article 8.5 of the UK-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) pertaining to financial services, which supports seamless cross-border service provision without imposing extraneous restrictions. Additionally, commercial validity must be verified against the UK Immigration Rules (Appendix FM-SE) to confirm compliance with visa requirements for any personnel engaged in the project.

Payment terms should be structured around defined milestones—for instance,

• 30% upon execution,
• 40% at the midpoint,
• and 30% upon satisfactory completion

—to minimise potential risks.

Reference the official text of the FTA, accessible via GOV.UK, for accurate clause interpretation. Finalisation of the contract, including legal review, is anticipated to require 1-2 weeks.

Sponsor Documents from UK Entity

To apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa, applicants must provide the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number, along with the sponsoring UK company's registration documents, such as the Certificate of Incorporation.

In addition, the application requires a printed copy of the CoS, the sponsor's organisational chart illustrating the applicant's role, and evidence of the sponsor's trading activity, such as a VAT registration number. No specific trading licence is necessary unless the role in question mandates it.

For multinational sponsors, including a UK branch of an overseas entity such as a US firm, applicants must submit confirmation from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) of the sponsor's tax registration.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) authority verifies these documents through its online portal as part of the application process, thereby confirming the legitimacy of the sponsor.

All required documents should be compiled in digital format for upload. Processing times typically amount to three weeks, in accordance with UKVI guidelines.

Applicants are advised to consult the official gov.uk website regularly for any updates to requirements, in order to prevent potential delays.

Application Process Step-by-Step

The application process entails:

1. obtaining sponsorship,
2. submitting the application online via the gov.uk portal,
3. providing biometric information, and
4. potentially attending an interview.

This procedure typically requires approximately three weeks to complete.

Obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship

The process for assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) consists of the following steps:

1. The sponsor logs into the Sponsor Management System.
2. The sponsor assigns the CoS, including the relevant role details (with a maximum validity period of three months).
3. The sponsor provides the reference number to the applicant (a process that typically requires 1-2 days).

Ahead of initiating these steps, it is essential to verify the sponsor's eligibility using the Home Office Sponsor Management System (SMS) guide, which is available on gov.uk. For example, in the capacity of a service supplier, enter the contract value—such as £80,000—to confirm compliance with the Skilled Worker visa thresholds.

A common error involves assigning an expired CoS, which may lead to the refusal of the application; therefore, always verify the validity dates at the time of assignment. The entire process generally takes approximately 30 minutes to complete online once the sponsor is logged in.

Once the applicant receives the reference number, they may proceed to complete the visa application form, attaching supporting documentation such as proof of the sponsor's allocation and the specifics of the role, with approval typically granted within several weeks.

Completing the Online Application Form

To apply for a UK visa under the T5 International Agreements route, access the application form at gov.uk/apply-uk-visa, select the appropriate route, and enter the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) details with precision.

1. After entering the CoS details, set up a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account if you do not already have one by selecting "Create a new account" and completing the email verification process.
2. Proceed to answer the eligibility questions, including confirmation that your nationality qualifies under a relevant UK trade agreement (for example, citizens of Canada or Japan under the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement).
3. Upload the required supporting documents, such as scanned copies of your passport (ensuring files do not exceed 6 MB and are in PDF or JPG format), along with evidence of sufficient funds.
4. Pay the application fee of £298 for the T5 route and the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,000, then submit the application.

The entire process typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete. Common errors, such as discrepancies in names, should be avoided by verifying all details against the CoS.

For detailed guidance, including screenshots and additional tips, consult the official UKVI resources available on gov.uk (UKVI, 2023).

Biometrics and Supporting Evidence Submission

Applicants are required to book an appointment at a VFS Global or TLScontact centre within five days of submitting their application to provide fingerprints and a photograph, ensuring that all original documents are presented.

Upon booking, applicants will receive a confirmation email containing the appointment details and a checklist of required documents, including the passport, biometric residence permit application form, and proof of identity. It is essential to attend the appointment punctually and bring all original documents, as photocopies will not be accepted.

At centres such as the London Visa Application Centre, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035, which provides coverage for 12 months and access to the National Health Service (NHS). A frequent oversight among applicants from high tuberculosis (TB) risk countries, such as India and Nigeria, is the failure to include the mandatory TB test certificate obtained from an approved clinic.

Biometrics processing is typically completed within one day, after which applicants will receive a reference number to track the status of their application online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal.

Attending Visa Interview if Required

Interviews are infrequent but mandatory for applications classified as high-risk, with a primary focus on verifying the authenticity of the contract and the applicant's connections to their home country.

Such interviews are typically triggered by inconsistencies in supporting documentation, including discrepancies in employment details or inadequate evidence of intent to return home. According to United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) statistics, only approximately 10% of applications require this step, as outlined in their 2023 report.

To prepare effectively, applicants should rehearse responses to anticipated questions, such as 'Describe your role and its alignment with the contract' or 'What ties do you have to your home country?' The interview session generally lasts 20 minutes and is held at the embassy, adhering to UKVI's official guidance available on gov.uk.

Applicants must present original copies of all pertinent documents, including passports, contracts and financial proofs, to substantiate authenticity and mitigate further scrutiny.

Visa Fees and Additional Costs

The total costs associated with the application encompass an application fee of £298, an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 for a 12-month period, a biometrics fee of £19.50, and premium services that may incur additional charges of up to £1,000.

Application Fees Breakdown

The primary application fee for submissions from outside the United Kingdom is £298 for stays of up to 12 months. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £1,035 for periods under 12 months (with a maximum of 12 months applicable in this context), increasing to £2,587 for durations exceeding 12 months; additional dependants incur an extra £298 each.

To accelerate the decision-making process, applicants may opt for priority services. For a family of three applying from outside the United Kingdom, the main application fees amount to £894 (£298 per person), supplemented by £3,105 in IHS (£1,035 per person), resulting in a total of £3,999 prior to any additional services. Please consult the most recent UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) fee schedule PDF for any updates.

Fee Type	Amount	Details
Application	£298	Standard processing (up to 12-month stay)
Priority	+£500	5-day decision
Super Priority	+£1,000	Next-day decision
IHS	£1,035	Covers NHS access for stays under 12 months

Applications must be submitted online through the GOV.UK portal, with all fees payable in advance. Biometric enrolment incurs no additional charge but necessitates scheduling an appointment. Adhering to this process ensures full compliance with Home Office requirements, thereby mitigating the risk of refusals due to insufficient payment.