Are you considering applying for a Service Supplier Visa to the UK? If so, you have come to the right place! This ultimate guide provides everything you need to know about the Service Supplier Visa, including eligibility criteria, application process, and documents required.

What is a Service Supplier visa?

The Service Supplier visa, formerly known as the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange) visa, is a temporary work visa which allows citizens from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to come to the United Kingdom (UK) in order to provide services to a UK business or organisation.

In order to be eligible for this visa, applicants must be from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, must have a job offer from a licensed UK employer and meet certain requirements for the length of their stay, purpose of visit and the type of service they will provide. The visa holder is allowed to stay in the UK for a maximum of 12 months, and may also be eligible to bring family members.

This visa can be used by those wishing to take part in specific government authorised exchange schemes, such as coaching in sport or culture, taking part in research projects or providing services in a wide range of industries such as IT, engineering, accountancy, teaching and health care. It is also available to religious workers providing pastoral work.

Purpose of Service Supplier visa

The Service Supplier visa is a type of UK work visa designed to enable a business or organisation to recruit and employ staff from outside of the UK to work temporarily in the UK for up to 12 months.

It allows employers to fill labour shortages or complete projects that require specialist knowledge, expertise, or skills. It also provides a route for employers to employ international experts or key personnel to expand their business in the UK.

The purpose of the Service Supplier visa is to enable the employer to meet its needs for a specified period of time. It does not provide a long-term route for employing foreign nationals, nor does it allow for indefinite employment. It also does not permit employers to hire foreign nationals instead of British citizens or EEA nationals, or as a way of paying lower wages.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the Service Supplier visa are quite specific and complex. To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Business and Financial Requirements:

Applicants must be able to prove they are self-employed or in control of a business that is not limited by shares, and that they are engaging in a service-supply activity. This means they must demonstrate an ability to carry on a business, which could include ownership of commercial premises, employment of staff and/or the ownership of a fleet of vehicles.

Nationality and Residency Requirements:

To qualify for a Service Supplier visa, applicants must be citizens of a country outside the UK, and they must not be resident in the UK. In addition, applicants must prove that their stay in the UK is intended to be for a limited time only.

International Trade Agreement Contract Requirements:

Applicants must be able to provide evidence of a contract or other arrangement to provide services that complies with the appropriate regulations under an international trade agreement. These agreements typically require that the supplier is established outside the UK, although some allow for establishment within the EEA. The agreement should also specify the services to be provided and the duration of the contract.

Nationality and Residency Requirements

For applicants applying for a Service Supplier Visa in the UK, they must have an accepted nationality and be a resident of the country where they are applying. To qualify, applicants must be a national of a country that has an international trade agreement with the UK. This includes countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United States.

Applicants must also have a permanent residence in their home country and will need to demonstrate that they can prove they have resided in their home country for at least 12 months prior to application. This can include evidence such as residency certificates, tax declarations, or utility bills.

In addition, the applicant must prove that they are the primary beneficiary of the visa and that they do not intend to work for another employer or subcontractor in the UK. If this is the case, then the visa holder may need to apply for a different visa category.

Finally, applicants may need to provide proof that they do not intend to take employment in the UK. This can include providing evidence of previous engagements outside the UK in a similar field of work and showing that they have sufficient funds to maintain themselves without taking employment.

Business and Financial Requirements

The Service Supplier visa requires applicants to meet certain business and financial requirements, including demonstrating that the business is established in the UK. The applicant must have a minimum of £200,000 of invested capital in the business, with at least £50,000 held in a UK bank account. It is also required to demonstrate that the business has a turnover of £500,000 or more in the preceding 12 months.

The applicant must also prove that they are genuinely trading as a service supplier in the UK, by submitting evidence that they provide services in their area of expertise. Evidence may include contracts with clients, proof of payments received, and/or documentation of services delivered.

Furthermore, applicants must be able to demonstrate that the business has created at least two new full-time jobs for workers settled in the UK. These jobs should be paid at least the prevailing rate for similar positions within the same sector.

Applicants must also show that they have sufficient funds available to maintain themselves during their stay in the UK, which is typically around £600 per month for a single person. Any dependents included in the application will also need to show proof of funds.

Overall, it is necessary for applicants to provide evidence that their business is economically viable, and will not rely on public funds for support. The applicant’s finances must be managed from their business profits and from other sources outside of public funds.

International Trade Agreement Contract Requirements

When applying for a Service Supplier visa, you must demonstrate that your employment is part of a qualifying international trade agreement between the UK and another country or territory. The eligible trade agreements are the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

In order to meet the requirements of a qualifying international trade agreement, the employment contract must meet certain criteria, including:

The employer must be based outside of the UK, and must have substantial business activities in their home country/territory.
The job must be in a sector covered by the relevant trade agreement.
The job must involve working for a specific employer and not be freelance work.
The job must be paid at least as much as the current UK minimum wage.
The job must not involve any form of manual labour, such as construction or domestic work.
The contract must clearly state the job title, duties, rate of pay and length of employment.
The contract must be signed by both parties.
The contract must be registered with the relevant authority in the employer’s home country/territory.

If you meet all of these requirements, you can use your international trade agreement contract to apply for a Service Supplier visa. It is important to note that your application must also meet all other eligibility criteria, including nationality and residency requirements, business and financial requirements, sponsorship requirements and English language requirements.

Sponsorship Requirements

The Service Supplier visa requires applicants to have a UK-based sponsor. This is an individual or organisation that can provide a valid sponsorship certificate which confirms the applicant’s proposed role and income.

The sponsor must be able to demonstrate the following:

They are a legitimate business registered in the UK and are able to provide a valid Business Identification Number (BIN)
They have adequate financial resources to support the applicant
They are willing to pay the applicant an appropriate salary in accordance with UK employment laws
They can provide evidence that they have carried out appropriate checks, such as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
They understand their responsibilities as a sponsor and will comply with their duties throughout the duration of the visa

Option A allows for sponsorship by a UK employer. The employer must have a valid UK business, or at least a branch office in the UK, and the business must be in compliance with the International Trade Agreement Contract (ITAC).

Option B allows for sponsorship by an overseas employer. In this case, the overseas employer must have entered into an ITAC with the UK. This means that the overseas employer must provide an ITAC to prove that they have an agreement with the UK and will comply with the terms of the agreement.

List of Eligible Occupations

Under the Service Supplier visa, certain occupations are eligible for entry into the UK. Those eligible include:

Business and Management Consultants
Advertising and Marketing Professionals
IT Professionals
Investment Bankers
Senior Executives
Financial Analysts
Professional Trainers
Management Trainers
Quality Assurance Experts
Process Managers
Human Resources Consultants
Scientific Researchers
Business Analysts
Social Workers
Software Developers
Web Designers
System Administrators
Database Administrators
Telecommunications Professionals
Teachers and Lecturers
Research Scientists
Scientific Researchers.

The UK has a long list of eligible occupations, but the criteria for entry will vary from occupation to occupation. It is important to note that certain jobs may require additional qualifications or experience in order to be accepted as an eligible occupation. Additionally, some professions may require a license from the UK government in order to be eligible for a Service Supplier visa.

Service Supplier Job Skill Level Requirement

For a Service Supplier visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have the required level of experience and qualifications for the job they wish to do in the UK.

The Service Supplier visa is designed for applicants who are skilled professionals who wish to provide services as a part of an international trade agreement. Applicants must demonstrate that they possess a high level of skill in order to qualify for this visa. The required skill level for applicants is determined by the occupations listed in Appendix D of the UK immigration rules.

The skill level for applicants depends on the job being applied for, with the most common jobs requiring NVQ Level 3 qualifications or equivalent. Other occupations may require higher qualifications such as a degree or professional qualifications. Some jobs may even require a minimum number of years’ work experience.

To ensure that the applicant meets the required skill level, they must include evidence of their qualifications and experience when applying for the Service Supplier visa. This includes proof of their educational qualifications, any relevant professional certifications, and details of any previous work experience they may have had in their chosen field.

Applicants must also be able to demonstrate that they have adequate English language skills to enable them to work effectively in the UK. Applicants will need to provide evidence of their English language ability, such as an IELTS or other English language test result, when applying for the Service Supplier visa.

Applicants should ensure that they meet all of the requirements for the Service Supplier visa before making an application. This will ensure that their application is processed efficiently and correctly, and that their chances of success are maximised.

Option A, Option B

The UK offers two different options when it comes to Service Supplier visas: Option A and Option B.

Option A is the standard route and requires an individual to have an existing job offer or employment contract with a UK-based company, as well as all the usual requirements for Service Supplier visa applicants such as eligibility criteria, nationality and residency requirements, and more. This option also requires that applicants demonstrate knowledge of English and have a suitable business/financial plan in place.

Option B, on the other hand, is for individuals who do not have an existing job offer but are looking to start a business in the UK. This option requires that applicants demonstrate their business and financial plans, as well as their knowledge of the English language. Unlike Option A, Option B does not require applicants to have an employment contract in place. It does however require that applicants provide evidence of their eligibility to work in the UK.

For either option, applicants must ensure they meet all the eligibility criteria, financial and background checks, and other requirements as outlined in the UK Government’s Service Supplier visa guidelines. Additionally, they must be able to show that they are eligible for either Option A or Option B in order to be successful in their application.

Financial Requirements

When applying for a Service Supplier visa, you must meet certain financial requirements in order to be eligible. This includes having sufficient funds to support yourself and any family members who are joining you.

You must show that you have an annual salary or other income of at least £18,600 (or its equivalent in the currency of the country where you are applying). This is subject to change and can vary depending on the number of dependents who are joining you.

If you are being sponsored by a company or individual in the UK, they must also provide evidence of their ability to support you financially. This could include providing a copy of a valid bank statement, payslip, tax returns or other evidence showing their income and financial status.

Additionally, if you intend to bring family members with you, you must also provide evidence that you have enough funds to support them as well. This could include providing details of any pensions or investments that you or your family have access to.

You may also need to prove that you have sufficient funds to pay for the visa application fee, which is currently set at £610 per person. If you are bringing family members with you, the fees will increase accordingly.

English Language Requirements

For those looking to apply for a Service Supplier visa in the UK, it is essential that they meet the English language requirement. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires applicants to have at least an Intermediate Level in English, with a minimum of level B1 in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) scale.

In order to demonstrate your ability in the English language, you will be required to either:

Take a recognised English language test
Provide a certificate from a recognised English language provider
Produce evidence that you are a national of a majority English-speaking country
Show that you have obtained an academic qualification in English which was taught in English and assessed in English

If you are required to take an approved English Language test, you must take either the IELTS Academic test or the Pearson Test of English Academic. The minimum score that is required for the IELTS is 5.0, with a minimum of 4.5 in each component. For the PTE, the minimum score is 42 overall, with a minimum of 36 in each component.

It is important to note that if your application is refused due to insufficient language ability, you may not be able to appeal the decision and will need to re-apply once you have achieved the required level of proficiency.

Background Checks

All applicants for the Service Supplier visa will be required to undergo background checks. This includes providing fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) that will be used to check against criminal records in the UK and other countries.

Applicants may also be asked to provide evidence of their identity and past immigration history, including any previous applications for UK visas. It is important that all documents are genuine and up-to-date.

The UK government will also carry out a risk assessment before deciding whether to issue the visa. The applicant’s background, such as criminal convictions or immigration history, will be taken into account. The assessment also considers the business, its location, size, industry sector and financial standing.

It is important that applicants provide accurate and truthful information when applying for a Service Supplier visa. Failure to do so can result in visa refusal or cancellation.

Application Process

The application process for a Service Supplier visa can be lengthy and requires the applicant to submit a large number of documents. The steps to apply for a Service Supplier visa include the following:

Get your documents ready

This includes evidence of identity, nationality, residence, financial stability and other documents as required.

Create an account with UK Visas and Immigration

If you have not done so already, you will need to create an online account with the UKVI.

Submit the online application form

Complete the online application form in English. Be sure to check all of the information that you provide is correct before submitting the form.

Pay the visa application fee

The cost for a Service Supplier visa application is £352 for those who are applying from outside of the UK, or £508 for those who are already living in the UK.

Book an appointment at a visa application centre

After submitting your online application, you will need to book an appointment at a UKVI visa application centre. You can do this by visiting the official website or contacting your local UKVI office.

Attend your appointment

On the day of your appointment, be sure to bring all of your original documents and any copies that you need. The staff at the visa application centre will check your documentation and take your biometrics.

Wait for the decision

Once your application is submitted, it can take up to 3 months for a decision to be made. During this time, you should refrain from travelling outside of the UK as this could delay the processing of your application.

If your application is successful, you will receive your visa within 7-10 working days after it has been approved. You can then use it to enter and live in the UK for the duration of its validity.

How to Apply

The application process for a Service Supplier visa involves three steps:

Submit an online application form

You can do this by visiting the UK Visas and Immigration website. The application form should be completed in English and you will need to provide all relevant information, including your contact details, financial information and documents demonstrating you meet the eligibility requirements.

Pay the application fee

You must pay the relevant fee when submitting your online application. It is important to note that the cost of the application may vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.

Attend an appointment at a UK visa centre

Once you have submitted your online application form, you will be required to attend an appointment at a UK visa centre. At this appointment, you will be asked to provide biometric information (photograph and fingerprints) as well as original documents, such as your passport, financial documents and proof of your relationship with your sponsor. You will also be asked questions about your application and will be required to demonstrate that you meet all of the eligibility requirements.

Once your application has been received and approved by the UKVI, you will receive a decision letter confirming whether or not you have been granted a Service Supplier visa.

Required Documents

When applying for a Service Supplier visa, applicants must submit the following documents:

A valid passport or other travel document that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your application.
A completed and signed Service Supplier visa application form.
Two recent passport-sized color photographs meeting the requirements of the UK Home Office.
Evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in the UK.
Proof of address, such as a utility bill, bank statement or letter from a UK employer.
An international trade agreement contract if you are working for an international company or business with an international trade agreement with the UK.
Evidence that you have the necessary skills and qualifications for the job you will be doing on the Service Supplier visa.
English language test results, if applicable.
A medical certificate confirming that you are free from any contagious diseases, if applicable.
An employment contract, if applicable.
A letter of sponsorship from your employer, if applicable.
A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) issued by your employer, if applicable.
Criminal record check (including fingerprint records) from each country you have lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years, if applicable.

Application Fees

The application fee for a Service Supplier visa is currently £610 for a single applicant and £1,220 for two applicants. Additional fees may apply if you are applying from outside the UK. If you are applying from within the UK, you may be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.

You may also need to pay an additional fee if you are switching to the Service Supplier visa from another visa category or extending your stay. You can use the Home Office Fee Calculator to find out how much you will need to pay.

If you are applying as part of a family, the principal applicant must pay all applicable fees. The fees for any dependants must be paid at the same time as the principal applicant’s fees. All payments must be made in pounds sterling and should be made in one single payment.

Processing Time

The processing time for a Service Supplier visa varies depending on the country from which the applicant is applying and other factors. In some cases, it can take up to three months for an application to be processed. On average, processing times for Service Supplier visas are typically between 2-4 weeks.

Applications may be expedited if certain criteria are met, such as if the applicant is already in the UK, or has a job offer letter from a UK-based company, or if they meet all of the requirements for an International Trade Agreement contract.

In addition, applications may be delayed if there are errors in the application or if further information is required. The applicant should expect to wait at least eight weeks after submitting the application before receiving a decision.

In general, applicants should allow plenty of time to make their visa application as it will take several weeks to obtain a decision. As such, it is important to plan ahead and apply as early as possible.

Conditions of the Service Supplier visa

The Service Supplier visa has a number of conditions that must be met in order to be eligible for the visa. These include:

You must have an international trade agreement contract that has been approved by the UK government.
You must be sponsored by an eligible business or employer, and be working in the same role as outlined in the contract.
You must possess the skills, qualifications and experience necessary to fulfil the role outlined in the contract.
You must demonstrate that you can support yourself financially during your stay in the UK.
You must have sufficient knowledge of English language, depending on the occupation in which you will be working.
You must not undertake any work outside of the duties outlined in the contract, and must not work more than 40 hours per week.
You must abide by the laws of the UK while you are here, including immigration laws.
You must maintain valid health insurance coverage throughout your stay in the UK.

Duration of Stay

The duration of stay on a Service Supplier visa will depend on the purpose of the trip. For example, if the trip is for a specific contract or project, then the duration of stay will be limited to the length of the contract. In most cases, the stay is for a period of up to three years. However, the maximum stay for this type of visa is five years, or less in some cases.

If the Service Supplier visa holder is employed by a sponsoring employer, then the duration of stay is subject to change depending on the terms and conditions of the employment contract. If a visa holder is self-employed, then the duration of stay is dependent on the length of their business plan.

It is important to note that regardless of the duration of stay granted by the Home Office, visa holders must adhere to all conditions set out by the UK government during their stay in the country. These include reporting to immigration authorities as required and following all laws regarding employment and residence. Failure to do so could result in deportation.

Permitted Activities

The UK Service Supplier visa allows the holder to carry out their service supplier role for their employer in the UK, including attending meetings and training sessions. The individual can also be sponsored by their employer in the UK for purposes such as attending international conferences and seminars, as long as the activity is related to the service supplier role.

The Service Supplier visa does not permit the holder to take on additional employment in the UK, nor to perform any other services or business activities outside of those related to their service supplier role. The holder cannot access public funds, cannot engage in self-employment, and cannot start a business in the UK.

The Service Supplier visa holder can also undertake any permitted activities that are allowed for their visa category (such as social and leisure activities). However, they must always remain within the terms of their visa and make sure they do not breach the conditions of their stay.

Changes to Business or Employment

Any changes to your business or employment circumstances must be reported to the Home Office. The Service Supplier visa will remain valid, but you may need to apply for a new visa if the changes mean that you no longer qualify for the Service Supplier visa.

If you change jobs, you must obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship and make a new application. However, if you remain in the same job with the same sponsor, you do not need to apply for a new visa.

If you switch jobs with the same sponsor, you will still need to inform the Home Office of the change. If your new role has different duties, it may be subject to different requirements and you may need to reapply for a new visa.

Additionally, if there is a change in the sponsor’s legal structure, such as a merger or acquisition, you may need to reapply for a new visa. It is important to check with your sponsor and the Home Office for more information.

Valid international trade agreement

A valid international trade agreement is a crucial element for businesses looking to engage in international trade and for individuals seeking to enter the UK through international agreement route. These agreements are designed to support the UK’s international trade commitments and to facilitate global business mobility.

International trade agreements are agreements between two or more countries that outline the terms of trade between them. These agreements cover a wide range of issues, including tariffs, quotas, and other trade barriers, as well as intellectual property rights, government procurement, and other areas of trade.

UK’s international trade agreements are important for businesses looking to expand globally, as they provide a framework for trade that reduces barriers and increases market access. They also provide a way for businesses to access new markets and new customers, which can help them to grow and diversify their revenue streams.

International trade agreements also play an important role in the context of global business mobility visas. These visas are designed to facilitate international trade and allow businesses to access the talent and expertise they need to succeed in new markets. UK’s global business mobility visas are often linked to international trade agreements and provide a way for businesses to access talent and expertise from other countries.

For businesses and individuals, it’s important to understand the requirements and terms of the international trade agreements that apply to them, as well as the visa categories that are available to support their international trade activities. Service Supplier Visa, part of the global business mobility visa, is one such category that facilitates international trade by allowing overseas service providers to enter the UK to provide specific services to a UK company under a valid international trade agreement.

Lastly, valid international trade agreements are crucial for businesses looking to engage in international trade and for individuals seeking to enter the UK through international agreement route. These agreements are designed to support the UK’s international trade commitments, facilitate global business mobility, and provide a framework for trade that reduces barriers and increases market access for businesses and individuals. UK’s global business mobility visas linked to these agreements, play an important role in allowing businesses to access talent and expertise from other countries and enabling international trade.

Extension or Renewal

For those on a Service Supplier visa, it is possible to extend or renew their permission to stay in the UK. To do this, the individual must have already been in the UK for at least 12 months and have applied for the extension or renewal before their current visa expires.

It is important to note that any applications for extension or renewal must be made from within the UK and should be made at least two months before their existing visa expires.

The individual applying for an extension or renewal must also provide evidence of their business activities and show that they continue to meet the eligibility requirements for the Service Supplier visa, such as nationality and residency requirements, financial requirements, English language ability, and so on.

The applicant will also need to provide evidence of their income and assets, as well as documents that demonstrate their relationship with their sponsor.

If successful, the individual’s visa can be extended or renewed for up to three years, depending on the type of agreement they are under. Those who have been granted leave under a Standard Visitor Visa may not be eligible for extension or renewal.

Change jobs/employers on a Service Supplier Visa

As a Service Supplier, you may be able to change jobs or employers while staying in the UK. You must meet certain conditions and submit an application to the Home Office for permission.

The first condition is that you must have a valid Service Supplier visa. You cannot change jobs or employers while on a visitor visa or a different type of visa.

The second condition is that your new job must be eligible for the Service Supplier visa. Your job must meet all of the criteria outlined in the Eligibility Requirements section of the Home Office website.

The third condition is that your new employer must be willing to sponsor you for a Service Supplier visa. Your employer must provide a valid sponsorship certificate and evidence of their ability to meet the financial requirements.

The fourth condition is that you must meet all other eligibility criteria, including nationality and residency requirements, business and financial requirements, international trade agreement contract requirements, and English language requirements.

If you meet all of these conditions, you can apply for permission to change jobs or employers by submitting an application form and required documents to the Home Office. The processing time for this application varies and depends on several factors, such as the complexity of your case and the availability of resources.

Once your application is approved, you will be able to start work with your new employer. However, you must remember that your visa status does not change and you will still need to comply with all of the conditions associated with the Service Supplier visa.

Dependent Visa

If you’re looking to bring family members with you while you work in the UK on a Service Supplier visa, then there are special visas available for them. A dependant visa is a form of visa that allows family members such as a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner or child to accompany the holder of a Service Supplier visa to the UK. In order for a family member to apply for a dependant visa, they must meet certain eligibility criteria.

The dependant visa application process begins with the sponsor (the Service Supplier visa holder) submitting an application for each family member. The sponsor must provide proof that they have enough funds to support themselves and any dependants who will come with them, as well as proof that they meet the required minimum income threshold.

In order to apply for a dependent visa, the sponsor’s family member must also meet certain requirements such as:

They must be under 18 years old
They must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with the Service Supplier visa holder
They must not plan to work or study while in the UK
They must not have any criminal convictions
They must be able to demonstrate their relationship to the Service Supplier visa holder
They must prove their ability to support themselves without relying on public funds

Once all the relevant documents have been gathered and submitted, the family member will be given an appointment at their nearest British embassy or consulate, where they can attend an interview and provide additional information if necessary. Upon successful application, the family member will be issued a dependent visa and can travel to the UK with the Service Supplier visa holder.

Service Supplier Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

For those individuals who want to extend their stay in the UK, they may apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This is an important step that requires an individual to meet a certain number of requirements.

In order to be eligible to apply for an ILR, an individual must have held a Service Supplier visa for at least five years before being able to make the application. The applicant must have not been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 month period during the five year period. In addition, the applicant must have held valid leave for the last 12 months prior to the application. It is also important to demonstrate that the applicant has sufficient knowledge of English, Life in the UK and has passed the Life in the UK Test.

The applicant must also demonstrate that they have not broken any immigration laws, that they are of good character and that they have suitable accommodation. The applicant must also show that they have enough money available to support themselves without recourse to public funds.

If all of these requirements are met, then the applicant can submit an application for an Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Conclusion

The Service Supplier visa is a viable option for overseas service providers looking to supply services to a UK company under a valid international trade agreement. This route allows contractual service suppliers to enter the UK to carry out specific services for a limited period of time. To be eligible for a Service Supplier visa, the overseas service provider must have a UK sponsor and meet certain requirements, including relevant qualifications for the eligible job and proof of their ability to perform the services outlined in the trade agreement.

One of the key requirements for the Service Supplier visa is that there must be a valid international trade agreement in place between the UK company and the overseas service provider. This agreement must outline the specific services to be provided and the duration of the service supplier’s stay in the UK. The UK company acts as a sponsor for the service supplier and is responsible for ensuring that the visa holder complies with the terms of their visa.

Service Supplier visa holders are also subject to strict qualifications and skill level requirements. These requirements vary depending on the type of service supplier route that the overseas service provider is applying for, and may include options such as Option A and Option B. Additionally, certain financial requirements must be met for the visa application to be considered.

The new Service Supplier visa route, part of the global business mobility visa, allows greater flexibility for overseas service providers and UK companies to work together and expand their global business mobility. This route is an excellent opportunity for service suppliers looking to enter the UK market and for UK companies seeking to access new business and talent from abroad.

It is important for service suppliers to be aware of the conditions and requirements of the Service Supplier visa and to ensure that they are in compliance at all times. This includes staying within the duration of their visa and not taking on additional employment or services beyond what was outlined in the trade agreement. Service suppliers should also be prepared to provide any necessary documentation and pay any associated visa application fees.

Overall, the Service Supplier visa is a valuable option for overseas service providers looking to supply services to a UK company under a valid international trade agreement. This new service supplier route has opened the door to greater global business mobility, allowing UK companies to access new business and talent from abroad and overseas service providers to enter the UK market. Service Suppliers will have to ensure that they meet the requirements and qualifications and comply with the conditions of the visa to be able to enter UK.

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Service Supplier Visa UK Application Guide