The Service Supplier Visa in the UK is designed for individuals who are employed by a foreign company or are self-employed service providers operating outside the UK. The visa is part of the UK government’s Global Business Mobility category of work visas and replaces the old International Agreement route. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet certain criteria.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Service Supplier Visa, you must:
- Provide a service to a UK-based business under a contract covered by a valid international trade agreement.
- Secure a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your UK sponsor.
- Have a minimum of 12 months of work experience with your overseas employer or 12 months of relevant professional experience if self-employed.
- Possess relevant qualifications and experience, especially if your job does not fall into the automatically eligible category.
The precise eligibility requirements can vary depending on the nature of your job.
Financial Requirements
Applicants of Service Supplier Visa must:
- Have a minimum of £1,270 in their bank account, maintained consistently for 28 consecutive days before the visa application.
- Provide substantive evidence of financial capability during the application process.
Exceptions:
- Your sponsor can cover your initial month’s expenses in the UK.
- If accompanied by a partner or children, they must also demonstrate financial self-sufficiency while in the UK.
Duration of Stay
The length of stay for Service Supplier visa holders depends on the specific trade agreement under which services are rendered. Additionally, the cumulative stay within any 6-year period is capped at a maximum of 5 years, considering prior stays in the UK on this visa or other categories.
