International assignment

Hi everyone,

I was granted a UK Work Permit visa in July 2008 valid until July 2013. I have been living and working for the same company since August 2008. I have been absent from the UK approximately 5 weeks per year as part of my annual leave.

I have now been offered a 6 month international assignment where I will still work for the same company and be paid in the UK. So my questions are

1. If I take the assignment will this have any effect on my WP visa? Will I be able to return to the UK when my six months are up?

2. Will this absence effect my eventual indefinite leave to remain application? Would it help if I split my assignment into 2 90 day sections?

3. If I am not eligible for indefinite leave to remain due to absences how easy/hard is it to extend or get a new WP Visa (or whatever the equivalent is now)

Thanks in advance for any help!

1. No and Yes.
2. It can. But if you can split it into two/more assignments of not more than 90 days then you are fine.
3. If you can get CoS, then easy ... otherwise impossible.

Thanks for the quick reply!

two additional questions,

1. Would my total days absent be a problem? Is this not an issue because I am working for UK company, getting paid in UK and paying UK taxes?
2. Sorry, but what is a CoS?

Thanks again!

1. In general, one is allowed 180 days absence in 5 years with no single absence of more than 90 days.
2. Certificate of sponsorship

Thank you for your help!