The Secondment Worker visa supports overseas employees seconded to a UK organisation under a high-value contract or investment. It is a specialist Global Business Mobility route for sponsors managing major commercial projects with overseas partners.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-08.
TL;DR
The Secondment Worker visa is for an overseas employee transferring to the UK to work for a different organisation under a high-value contract. The 2026 application fee is £340, the maximum stay is 2 years, and most outside-UK applications are usually decided within 3 weeks.
£340
Application fee
Up to 2 years
Maximum stay
3 weeks
Typical outside-UK decision
What is the Secondment Worker Visa?
A Secondment Worker visa is for an existing employee of an overseas organisation assigned to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment with a UK sponsor.
The worker must have worked for the overseas employer for at least 6 months outside the UK, hold a valid CoS and do an eligible UK job.
This route is narrow and temporary, suitable for major projects requiring overseas expertise.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Secondment Worker Visa.
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High-Value Contract
The overseas employer must have a qualifying high-value contract or investment with the UK sponsor.
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Overseas Employment
The applicant must have worked for the overseas employer for at least 6 months outside the UK.
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Eligible Role
The worker needs a valid CoS and must do a UK job on the eligible occupation list.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Secondment Worker Visa.
✓ You Can
- Work for your sponsor in the role described on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Study in the UK where this does not prevent the sponsored assignment.
- Bring eligible dependants if they meet the partner or child requirements.
- Travel abroad and return while the visa remains valid.
- Do unpaid voluntary work where the route permits it.
✗ You Cannot
- Access most public funds or the State Pension.
- Apply directly for settlement on this route.
- Work outside the sponsored role unless the route conditions allow it.
- Stay beyond the route maximum without switching to another eligible route.
- Ignore sponsor duties if the role, salary, work location or assignment changes.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £340 |
| Temporary GBM CoS | £55 |
| IHS | ~£1,035 per year |
| Personal savings | £1,270 unless exempt |
| Priority service | Additional fee — check gov.uk |
How to Apply
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Confirm Route Fit
Check that the worker and assignment match the specific Secondment Worker Visa requirements.
Check Sponsor Licence Coverage
Confirm the UK sponsor holds the correct route coverage before assigning a CoS.
Assign the Certificate of Sponsorship
Enter the role, salary, occupation code, start date and work location accurately.
Submit the Online Application
The worker applies online — from inside the UK only where extending or switching is permitted — proves identity and provides documents.
Receive Your Decision
GOV.UK usually lists a decision within 3 weeks for outside-UK applications after identity and documents are provided.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Secondment Worker Visa from employers and applicants.
What is the Secondment Worker Visa UK?
The Secondment Worker Visa is a Global Business Mobility route for a specific temporary UK business assignment. It is used where an overseas worker is seconded to a UK organisation under a high-value contract or investment.
How much does a Secondment Worker Visa cost?
The 2026 Home Office application fee is £340. Applicants should also check IHS and financial requirements, and sponsors should check the relevant CoS fee.
How long can you stay on a Secondment Worker Visa?
The maximum stay is up to 2 years, subject to the Certificate of Sponsorship period and any wider GBM maximum-stay cap.
Can you bring dependants on a Secondment Worker Visa?
Eligible partners and children can apply as dependants if they meet the dependant requirements.
Does a Secondment Worker Visa lead to settlement?
No. Global Business Mobility routes do not lead directly to indefinite leave to remain.
Does a Secondment Worker Visa need a Certificate of Sponsorship?
Yes. The applicant needs a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from the UK sponsor before applying.
Can you study on a Secondment Worker Visa?
Yes, study is generally permitted where it does not prevent the sponsored work.
Can you change jobs on a Secondment Worker Visa?
A worker cannot simply change job or sponsor without meeting the update or new-application rules.
How long does a Secondment Worker Visa decision take?
Most outside-UK applications are usually decided within 3 weeks after identity and documents are provided.
What should sponsors check before using the Secondment Worker Visa route?
Sponsors should check licence coverage, occupation code, salary or contract requirements, CoS details and evidence before the application is submitted.
Need Help With Your Secondment Worker Visa?
Our immigration specialists handle everything from sponsor licence checks to visa approval — for employers and applicants alike.