Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is part of the UK’s Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes. It allows overseas businesses to temporarily transfer senior managers and specialist employees to a UK branch, subsidiary or linked entity to undertake a specific role in the UK.
This visa is designed for multinational organisations that need to move experienced personnel between international group companies. It is commonly used by businesses operating in sectors such as engineering, energy, technology, manufacturing, financial services and professional services.
The Senior or Specialist Worker route replaced the former Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa and provides a flexible solution for international companies requiring key personnel to work in the UK on a temporary basis.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, the applicant must:
- Be employed by an overseas business that is linked to the UK sponsor by common ownership or control.
- Have been assigned a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) by a UK sponsor licensed under the Global Business Mobility: Senior or Specialist Worker route.
- Be undertaking a genuine role that is skilled to the required level.
- Meet the minimum salary requirements.
- Satisfy any applicable financial requirements.
The applicant does not need to demonstrate English language ability for this visa category.
Overseas Employment Requirement
In most cases, the applicant must have worked for the overseas linked business outside the UK for at least 12 months before the visa application is submitted.
This requirement does not apply where:
- The applicant will be paid £73,900 or more per year in the UK; or
- Certain other exemptions apply under the Immigration Rules.
Salary Requirements
The applicant must be paid whichever is higher:
- £52,500 per year; or
- The applicable going rate for the occupation code.
The salary must be genuine and comply with the Home Office requirements for the specific role being undertaken.
Sponsorship Requirements
The UK company must hold a valid Sponsor Licence with permission to sponsor workers under the Global Business Mobility: Senior or Specialist Worker category.
The UK sponsor will need to:
- Hold an active Sponsor Licence.
- Assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Ensure the role meets the required skill and salary thresholds.
- Comply with all sponsor duties and reporting obligations.
If your organisation does not currently hold a Sponsor Licence, it will normally be necessary to obtain one before the visa application can proceed.
Length of Stay
Successful applicants can normally be granted permission for:
- The period stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship; plus
- Additional time before and after the assignment as permitted by the Immigration Rules.
The maximum period of stay depends on the worker’s salary and previous immigration history under Global Business Mobility and related routes.
Can Family Members Apply?
Yes.
The applicant’s partner and dependent children may apply to accompany or join the main applicant in the UK.
Dependants are generally permitted to:
- Live in the UK.
- Study in the UK.
- Work in most occupations without requiring sponsorship.
Does This Visa Lead to Settlement?
No.
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is a temporary immigration route and does not lead directly to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
Individuals wishing to settle permanently in the UK may need to switch into another immigration category, such as the Skilled Worker route, if eligible.
Common Uses of the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
This visa is commonly used where:
- An overseas company transfers a senior manager to oversee UK operations.
- A specialist engineer is assigned to a UK project.
- A multinational organisation relocates key personnel to support business expansion in the UK.
- An overseas business requires experienced employees to provide technical expertise to a UK group company.
- A company needs temporary management or specialist support within its UK operation.
How Visa Professionals Can Help
At Visa Professionals, we assist both employers and employees with all aspects of the Senior or Specialist Worker visa process.
Our services include:
- Sponsor Licence applications.
- Sponsor Licence compliance advice.
- Certificate of Sponsorship assignments.
- Assessment of eligibility requirements.
- Preparation and submission of visa applications.
- Assistance with dependant applications.
- Ongoing immigration and sponsorship support.
Whether you are an employer looking to transfer key personnel to the UK or an employee seeking immigration advice, our experienced immigration specialists can guide you through the process from start to finish.
Contact Visa Professionals today for expert advice on Senior or Specialist Worker visas and UK Sponsor Licence requirements.