The UK will open a combined 1,800 annual visa places for Indian traditional chefs, classical musicians and yoga instructors when the UK–India trade agreement takes effect on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

The allocation falls under the Global Business Mobility–Service Supplier route. It is one shared cap covering all three occupations, not 1,800 places for each profession. The annual allocation is measured from January 1 through December 31.

The UK has also revised other temporary work categories, including new Secondment Worker and Seasonal Worker visa rules affecting overseas employees and returning horticulture workers.

Who Can Use the UK Service Supplier Visa?

The UK Service Supplier visa for Indians is intended for temporary assignments involving services covered by the UK–India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

It is not an open visa that allows applicants to enter the UK and look for work. Applicants need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an authorized UK sponsor.

Professionals seeking a route that is not tied to one sponsoring employer may also read about the new UK Global Talent visa design pathway, although it has separate eligibility and endorsement requirements.

The sponsor must have a qualifying contract with an overseas service provider and must register that contract with the UK Home Office before sponsoring the worker.

Applicants must be employed by the overseas service provider or work as a qualifying self-employed professional. They generally must have completed a cumulative 12 months of work for the overseas provider outside the UK. Relevant qualification, skill and professional-experience requirements may also apply.

How Long Can Indian Service Suppliers Stay?

Eligible Indian nationals may receive permission for a single assignment lasting up to 12 months. The actual period can be shorter depending on the sponsored contract, previous time spent under Global Business Mobility routes and the assignment’s end date.

Visa holders may work only in their sponsored role, although voluntary work and study may be permitted. A partner and dependent children can apply, but the Service Supplier route does not directly lead to permanent UK settlement.

The Home Office says sponsors should not issue further Certificates of Sponsorship for the three occupations after the combined 1,800-place limit has been reached.

The pathway creates a defined temporary option for Indian professionals in three specialized fields. However, eligibility will depend on securing a qualifying UK sponsor and an approved service contract—not simply belonging to one of the listed professions.

Related Reading: UK expands Global Talent fast track for PhD-level research roles