UK Secondment Worker Visa 2025: Your Complete Guide
✻ 2025 Secondment Visa Updates
- NEW Expanded eligibility for high-growth sector companies
- Streamlined application process for corporate clients
- Extended maximum stay period from 1 to 2 years
- Digital verification of corporate relationships
- New priority processing service for multinational companies
What is the Secondment Worker Visa?
The UK Secondment Worker Visa allows employees of overseas businesses to be temporarily transferred to a UK-based branch, subsidiary, or partner organization. This visa is designed to facilitate international business transfers and knowledge sharing within multinational companies.
Duration
Stay in the UK for up to 2 years (previously 1 year)
Work Flexibility
Work for your overseas employer while on assignment in the UK
Eligibility
Available to employees of companies with UK business relationships
Eligibility Requirements
✅ Eligibility Checklist
🏢 Qualifying Business Relationships
The Secondment Worker Visa requires a legitimate business relationship between your overseas employer and the UK host organization:
| Relationship Type | Requirements | Documentation Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Overseas parent company sending employee to UK subsidiary | Corporate ownership documents, assignment letter |
| Subsidiary | Overseas subsidiary sending employee to UK parent company | Corporate ownership documents, secondment agreement |
| Joint Venture Partners | Companies partnered in a joint venture project | Joint venture agreement, project documentation |
| Supplier Contracts | Supplier sending employee to client organization | Supply contract, secondment agreement |
| Research Collaboration | Research institutions with collaborative projects | Research agreement, project documentation |
2025 Application Fees and Costs
| Secondment Worker Visa Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fee Type | 2024 Fee | 2025 Fee |
| Application Fee (up to 2 years) | £625 | £695 (+11.2%) |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) | £1,035 | £1,155 (+11.6%) |
| Priority Service (5 working days) | £500 | £575 (+15%) |
| Super Priority Service (next day) | £800 | £920 (+15%) |
| Sponsorship Costs for Companies | ||
| Fee Type | Small Companies | Medium/Large Companies |
| Sponsor License Application | £536 | £1,476 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | £21 | £21 |
| Immigration Skills Charge (per year) | £364 | £1,000 |
Application Process Timeline
Sponsor License
UK host company obtains sponsor license if needed
Assignment Agreement
Companies draft secondment agreement
Certificate of Sponsorship
UK host issues Certificate of Sponsorship
Apply Online
Complete digital application and pay fees
Biometrics & Decision
Provide biometrics and receive decision
Required Documentation
📋 Corporate Documents
- Secondment Agreement between overseas and UK companies
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Evidence of qualifying business relationship
- Company registration documents for both entities
- Sponsor license details of UK host company
👤 Personal Documents
- Valid passport with at least one blank page
- Evidence of employment with overseas company (12+ months)
- Job description and qualifications for the role
- Proof of meeting salary requirements
- TB test results (if from a high-risk country)
💡 Document Preparation Tips
- Ensure the secondment agreement clearly specifies the purpose and duration
- Provide organizational charts showing the relationship between companies
- Include evidence of ongoing business relationship (contracts, invoices, projects)
- Translate all documents not in English with certified translations
- Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records
⚠️ Common Reasons for Refusal
- Insufficient evidence of qualifying business relationship
- Failure to prove 12-month employment with overseas company
- Secondment agreement doesn’t meet Home Office requirements
- Role doesn’t meet skill level requirements (below RQF Level 6)
- Salary below minimum threshold for the role
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
Rights and Restrictions
✅ Permitted Activities
- Work in the role specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship
- Study (provided it doesn’t interfere with your secondment)
- Bring family members (partner and children) as dependants
- Travel freely in and out of the UK
- Volunteer for charities
❌ Restrictions
- Cannot take a permanent position with the UK host company
- Cannot access public funds
- Cannot work for a different employer in the UK
- Cannot provide services beyond those in your secondment agreement
- Cannot extend this visa beyond the maximum 2-year period
- Cannot switch to another visa category from within the UK
Bringing Family Members
👨👩👧👦 Dependant Visa Information
Secondment Worker Visa holders can bring their partner and children as dependants:
| Family Member | Eligibility | Requirements | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner | Spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner | Genuine relationship, maintenance funds | £695 application + IHS fee |
| Children | Under 18 years old | Both parents applying or evidence of sole responsibility | £695 application + IHS fee |
Financial Requirement: You’ll need to show £630 for each dependant to prove maintenance funds, unless your sponsor is A-rated and certifies maintenance.
After Your Secondment Ends
Return to Home Country
Most common option – return to your overseas employer
Apply for Different Visa
Leave UK and apply for a different visa category if eligible
Extension Exception
In very limited cases, extension may be possible under same category
Cooling Off Period
12-month cooling off period before another secondment visa
💼 Planning Your Return
- Discuss your post-secondment role with your overseas employer before departure
- Ensure knowledge transfer happens before your secondment ends
- Consider how your UK experience can benefit your home organization
- Plan your departure well in advance to ensure smooth transition
- Keep records of your achievements and skills gained during secondment
Need Help With Your Secondment Worker Visa?
1Stop Advisory specializes in business immigration with extensive experience in Secondment Worker Visa applications. We assist both companies and employees with the entire process.
✉ Email: info@1stopadvisory.com
📞 Phone: +44 333 789 1011
📍 Services: Sponsor Licenses | Secondment Agreements | Visa Applications | Compliance
