The Secondment Worker Visa and Graduate Trainee Visa are both subcategories of the UK Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa route. Each serves different purposes, focusing on business mobility and talent development for overseas companies. Here’s an outline of each visa’s eligibility requirements, intended purpose, duration, and application process.

Secondment Worker Visa
The Secondment Worker Visa is designed for foreign workers who are seconded to the UK to support high-value contracts or investments between an overseas business and a UK company.

Eligibility Requirements

• Employment Requirement: Applicants must be employed by an overseas business that has a high-value contract or investment with a UK company. The contract between the two companies must be of significant value, although specific monetary thresholds are not detailed in guidance and may depend on sector and agreement scope.
• Skill Level: The role must be at RQF Level 6 (equivalent to graduate level), which typically includes positions requiring specialised or advanced skills.
• Sponsorship: The applicant must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by a UK-licensed sponsor that is involved in the contract.
• Salary Requirement: The salary must meet or exceed both:
  
  1. £42,400 per year, or
  2. The “going rate” for the role, whichever is higher.
• Contract Duration: The applicant’s secondment must be linked to the contract between the overseas and UK company, and the applicant should be able to demonstrate their role’s relevance to fulfilling the contract’s requirements.

Duration and Extensions

• Initial Duration: The Secondment Worker Visa is typically granted for up to 1 year.
• Extensions: It can be extended for up to a total of 2 years, with no option to stay longer under this visa route.
• No Path to Settlement: This is a temporary visa, and there is no direct route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Permitted Activities

• Job-Specific Activities: Secondment Workers can only work on activities directly related to the high-value contract for which the CoS was issued. They cannot take up other employment outside the scope of the secondment.

Application Process

• Step 1: Secure a Certificate of Sponsorship from the UK company involved in the high-value contract.
• Step 2: Apply online, pay the application fee, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
• Step 3: Attend a biometric appointment and submit supporting documentation if required.

Graduate Trainee Visa
The Graduate Trainee Visa is intended for employees on a structured graduate training programme, enabling them to gain experience in a UK branch of their company as part of their career development for future managerial or specialist roles.

Eligibility Requirements

• Graduate Trainee Programme: The applicant must be on a structured, formal graduate training programme with a clearly defined path to a managerial or specialist position.
• Employment Requirement: The applicant must be employed by an overseas company that is connected to a UK sponsor, typically as part of a multinational corporate group.
• Sponsorship: The UK branch must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) confirming the trainee is part of a structured graduate training programme.
• Skill Level: The role must meet RQF Level 6, suitable for graduates or equivalent skill levels.
• Salary Requirement: The salary must meet or exceed both:
  
  1. £24,220 per year, or
  2. 70% of the “going rate” for the specific job, whichever is higher.

Duration and Extensions

• Initial Duration: The Graduate Trainee Visa is generally valid for up to 12 months.
• Extensions: This visa cannot be extended beyond 12 months, though it may be possible to apply for a different visa category if eligible.
• No Path to Settlement: Like the Secondment Worker Visa, this visa does not directly lead to ILR.

Permitted Activities

• Job-Specific Training: Holders of the Graduate Trainee Visa can work only within the role and company specified in their Certificate of Sponsorship. They cannot undertake any other work or switch employers.

Application Process

• Step 1: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from the sponsoring UK company.
• Step 2: Complete the online application form, pay the application fee, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
• Step 3: Attend a biometric appointment and provide required documentation, such as proof of employment and graduate trainee programme details.

Comparison of the Secondment Worker Visa and Graduate Trainee Visa