International assignment

[curioustraveler]

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!

[geriatrix]

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.

[curioustraveler]

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!

[geriatrix]

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

[curioustraveler]

Thank you for your help!