Senior or Specialist Worker Visa UK Guide

This article explains the UK’s Senior or Specialist Worker visa under the Global Business Mobility route, providing guidance for both employers and individual applicants. It covers eligibility requirements, the application process, costs, visa conditions, compliance duties, and settlement options. Employers will find detailed compliance and sponsorship guidance, while applicants will gain a clear understanding of how to qualify and apply.

The Senior or Specialist Worker visa allows skilled employees of overseas group companies to work in the UK on a temporary basis in eligible roles. It is designed for senior managers or specialist employees being transferred to a UK branch or subsidiary of their overseas employer. This visa replaced the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa in April 2022.

Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, this route is primarily for temporary assignments and does not directly lead to settlement, although switching to other visa categories may allow long-term residence. Time spent on this visa can also count towards the 10-year long residence ILR route. Both employers and employees must meet strict eligibility criteria, and employers must hold an appropriate sponsor licence to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Section A: Understanding the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is one of five sub-routes under the UK’s Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa framework. It is specifically intended for employees of overseas companies who are being transferred to a UK branch, subsidiary, or other linked entity to undertake senior management or specialist roles.

1. Definition & Purpose

The visa is designed for international assignments within multinational organisations. It enables UK-based entities to bring in overseas employees with vital company-specific skills or leadership responsibilities, without requiring them to meet the English language requirement or certain other conditions that apply under the Skilled Worker route.

2. Who Can Apply

The route is open to two main categories of workers:

• Senior Managers – those with high-level decision-making authority within the company, overseeing operations, strategic planning, or large teams.
• Specialist Employees – those with unique or high-level skills essential to the business, such as advanced technical expertise, knowledge of proprietary systems, or specialist industry knowledge.

Applicants must already be employed by an overseas business that is linked to the UK sponsor through common ownership or control, or by a joint venture agreement.

3. When Employers Use This Route

Employers typically use this visa for:

• Temporary project work requiring company-specific expertise
• Transferring senior staff to oversee UK operations or expansion
• Providing specialist input on key business functions
• Meeting contractual or operational needs when local recruitment is not viable

It is particularly suitable when the employee will not meet the Skilled Worker English language requirement or where the employer does not wish to commit to a settlement route.

4. Key Differences from Skilled Worker Visa

• Settlement – It does not lead directly to ILR under the 5-year work route, though it can contribute to 10-year long residence ILR.
• Salary Thresholds – Generally higher than Skilled Worker thresholds and tied to occupation-specific going rates if higher than the general threshold.
• English Language – No requirement to demonstrate English ability.
• Purpose – Intended for intra-company transfers rather than recruitment from the wider labour market

Section Summary:
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa provides a focused route for multinational companies to deploy senior or specialist staff to the UK for defined assignments. It is employer-led, mobility-focused, and distinct from settlement-based work visas like the Skilled Worker route.

Section B: Eligibility Requirements

Both the applicant and the sponsoring UK employer must meet specific eligibility criteria for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa. The requirements are set out in the UK Immigration Rules under the Global Business Mobility route.

1. Eligibility for Applicants

Applicants must:

• Be an existing employee of an overseas business that is linked to the UK sponsor by common ownership or control, or by a joint venture agreement.
• Have worked for the overseas employer for at least 12 months before the date of application, unless they are a high earner with a salary of £73,900 or more per year (threshold correct as of August 2025). In rare cases, the requirement may also be waived where the applicant earns at least £48,500 in certain shortage occupation roles, but shortage exemptions are uncommon in this route.
• Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by an approved UK sponsor for an eligible job.
• Be paid at least £48,500 per year or £23.72 per hour, unless the higher high-earner threshold applies. Some roles in shortage occupations or under transitional arrangements may have slightly different salary rules, but the general rate is higher than that of the Skilled Worker route. If the going rate for the relevant occupation code is higher than the general threshold, the higher figure must be met.
• Meet the financial requirement by showing proof of funds of at least £1,270, unless the UK sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS.

There is no English language requirement for this route.

2. Eligibility for Employers

UK-based employers must:

• Hold a valid sponsor licence under the Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker category.
• Assign a CoS to the applicant through the Sponsor Management System (SMS) for a role listed in the eligible occupation codes.
• Ensure that the role meets the required skill and salary thresholds for the visa.
• Maintain compliance with all sponsor duties, including record-keeping and reporting changes to the Home Office.

3. English Language Requirement

Applicants are not required to prove their English language ability for this visa. This is a key distinction from most other UK work visas.

4. Financial Requirement

Applicants must show that they have held at least £1,270 in their bank account for 28 consecutive days before the date of application unless the UK sponsor confirms in the CoS that they will cover the applicant’s maintenance for the first month in the UK.

Section Summary:
Eligibility for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa depends on both the applicant’s employment and the employer’s sponsorship status. The role must meet salary and skill requirements, the employer must be licensed, and the applicant must be an existing overseas employee of a linked company. There is no English language requirement, but the financial requirement applies unless certified by the sponsor.

Section C: Application Process

The application process for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa involves both the sponsoring employer and the applicant. It is an employer-led route, meaning the process begins with the UK sponsor assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before the applicant can submit their visa application.

1. Sponsorship Stage (Employer)

The employer must begin by ensuring they hold a valid sponsor licence for the Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker category. They must then:

• Check that the role meets the relevant skill and salary thresholds for the visa, ensuring the going rate requirement is met where applicable.
• Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the applicant via the Sponsor Management System (SMS). This will include details of the role, salary, employment start date, and other required information.
• Ensure that all information provided is accurate, as errors can lead to refusal of the application and potential compliance action.

2. Visa Application Stage (Applicant)

Using the CoS reference number, the applicant must:

• Complete the online application form via the Home Office website.
• Book and attend a biometrics appointment — either at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre if applying from within the UK, or at a visa application centre overseas.
• Provide supporting documents, including their passport, evidence of overseas employment history, proof of funds (unless certified by the sponsor), and proof of relationship for any dependants applying with them.

3. Processing Times

Processing times vary depending on where the application is made:

• Applications made outside the UK are usually decided within 3 weeks of attending the biometrics appointment.
• Applications made inside the UK are usually decided within 8 weeks.
• Priority and super priority services are available in some locations for an additional fee, providing a faster decision — usually within 5 working days (priority) or by the end of the next working day (super priority).

4. Costs and Fees

As of August 2025, the following fees apply:

• Application fee – £719 for up to 3 years; £1,420 for more than 3 years. High earners may have different fees depending on the role and length of stay.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – £1,035 per year per applicant.
• Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) – Payable by the employer: £1,000 per year for medium or large sponsors, or £364 per year for small sponsors or charities.

5. Extending or Switching

Extending – Applicants can extend their Senior or Specialist Worker visa if they continue to work for the same sponsor in the same role, up to the maximum permitted stay: 5 years in any 6-year period for standard applicants, or 9 years in any 10-year period for high earners.

Switching – Switching into this route from within the UK is permitted in some circumstances, but not from visitor visas, short-term student visas, seasonal worker visas, or other temporary categories. The applicant must also meet all other eligibility requirements for the route.

Section Summary:
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa process begins with the employer assigning a CoS through the Sponsor Management System, followed by the applicant submitting their online application with biometrics and supporting evidence. Processing times vary depending on location and service level, and costs include both application fees and the Immigration Skills Charge for employers. Extensions and limited switching are possible, subject to time limits and eligibility rules.

Section D: Visa Conditions, Rights & Compliance

Once granted, the Senior or Specialist Worker visa comes with specific conditions that both the visa holder and sponsoring employer must comply with. These conditions are designed to ensure the visa is used for its intended purpose and that UK immigration laws are upheld.

1. Conditions for the Visa Holder

• Permitted work – The visa holder may only work in the role stated on their Certificate of Sponsorship for their sponsoring employer.
• Supplementary work – This is generally not allowed under this route. Any change in role or employer requires a new visa application and CoS.
• Study – Permitted as long as it does not interfere with the sponsored role.
• Dependants – Spouse/partner and dependent children may apply to join or remain with the main visa holder. Dependants have the right to work, except as a professional sportsperson or sports coach, and must also pay the relevant fees and Immigration Health Surcharge.
• No access to public funds – Visa holders cannot claim most UK welfare benefits.

2. Compliance Duties for Employers

• Right to work checks – Employers must complete compliant right to work checks in accordance with Home Office guidance before employment starts, to establish a statutory excuse against illegal working penalties, and keep records for the duration of employment.
• Record-keeping – Maintain accurate records of the employee’s contact details, employment history, salary, and absences.
• Reporting duties – Notify the Home Office of changes such as role alterations, early termination of employment, or changes to the employee’s circumstances.
• Immigration Skills Charge – Payable by the employer at the point of assigning the CoS, unless an exemption applies.

3. ILR Position

The Senior or Specialist Worker visa does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the 5-year work route. Time spent in this category can count towards the 10-year long residence ILR route, but will only count towards the 5-year route if the individual switches into a settlement-eligible category such as Skilled Worker.

4. Risks and Penalties

• For employers – Non-compliance with sponsorship duties can result in licence suspension or revocation, civil penalties, and reputational damage.
• For employees – Breaching visa conditions can lead to curtailment of leave, refusal of future applications, and potential bans on re-entry to the UK.

Section Summary:
Visa holders are restricted to the role and employer named on their CoS, with limited flexibility to change roles or employers. Employers must maintain full compliance with sponsorship duties to avoid penalties. The visa does not provide a direct route to settlement, so longer-term plans should be considered early.

FAQs

Can I settle in the UK on a Senior or Specialist Worker visa?

No. This visa does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the 5-year work route. However, you may be able to switch to a settlement-eligible route, such as the Skilled Worker visa, before your maximum stay limit is reached. Time spent in this route can also count towards the 10-year long residence ILR route.

What is the minimum salary for this visa?

As of August 2025, the general minimum salary is £48,500 per year or £23.72 per hour. High earners (earning £73,900 or more) benefit from reduced overseas employment requirements and a longer maximum stay. If the going rate for the occupation code is higher than the general threshold, the higher figure must be met.

Do I need to prove English language ability?

No. There is no English language requirement for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa.

Can my family join me in the UK?

Yes. Your partner and dependent children can apply to accompany you, provided they meet the relationship and financial requirements. Dependants have the right to work, except as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

How long can I stay on this visa?

The maximum stay is 5 years in any 6-year period for standard applicants, or 9 years in any 10-year period for high earners. Extensions are possible within these limits if you continue working for the same sponsor.

Conclusion

The Senior or Specialist Worker visa provides a valuable mechanism for multinational companies to deploy senior managers and specialist employees to the UK for temporary assignments. It offers a streamlined process for intra-company transfers, removing the need for English language testing and allowing employers to bring in staff with company-specific expertise.

For employers, the key to success lies in holding the correct sponsor licence, ensuring the role meets the required salary and skill levels, and maintaining full compliance with sponsorship duties. Failure to do so can lead to serious consequences, including licence loss and financial penalties.

For applicants, understanding the visa’s temporary nature and planning long-term immigration strategy early is crucial, particularly for those who may wish to settle in the UK in the future. Switching to a settlement-eligible route before the maximum stay limit is reached can be an important step in achieving this goal.

Careful planning, legal compliance, and accurate documentation are essential for a smooth application process for both parties.

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