To support international business and fill skill gaps, the UK government has introduced the Senior or Specialist Worker visa as part of its Global Business Mobility (GBM) route. This visa streamlines the process for senior managers and specialists from multinational companies wishing to work in the UK. Replacing the former Intra-company Transfer (ICT) visa, the new system offers a direct path for skilled professionals to transfer to UK branches and contribute their expertise, ensuring that the UK attracts top global talent.
What is the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is designed for highly skilled professionals, senior managers, and specialists from multinational companies who need to work at a UK branch of their employer. This visa forms a part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) route, a collection of visa options tailored to support businesses operating across borders. The new system aims to simplify the process for multinational companies to bring top talent to the UK.
Related Link: GOV.UK – Overview of the Global Business Mobility Route
Eligibility Requirements for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
To qualify for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be Employed by a Registered Sponsor: The applicant’s employer must be registered with the UK Home Office as an approved sponsor.
- Hold a Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): This certificate details the specific job and salary and confirms the eligibility of both the role and the sponsoring employer.
- Minimum Salary Requirement: The applicant must earn at least £48,500 per year or the “going rate” for the specified occupation.
- Job Eligibility: This visa targets senior managers, specialists, and other skilled professionals in roles that require specialized expertise.
In some cases, applicants may need to have been employed by their company for a certain period outside the UK before transferring, depending on their salary level.
Related Link: GOV.UK – Sponsor License and Requirements
Duration and Extensions for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
The visa duration depends on the details specified in the certificate of sponsorship. Key points to consider:
- Maximum Duration: Workers earning less than £73,900 annually can stay up to five years, while those earning £73,900 or more may stay up to nine years.
- Extensions: If already in the UK on an Intra-company Transfer visa, applicants can extend their stay under the new visa, but the total stay on related visas counts toward the maximum limit.
- Eligibility Reset: After reaching the maximum allowed stay, workers must leave the UK for six months before reapplying under this or related visa categories.
Related Link: GOV.UK – Visa Duration and Extension Details
Application Process and Fees for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
The application process for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa involves several steps and costs:
- Application Fee: The visa application fee varies based on the applicant’s location and specific circumstances.
- Healthcare Surcharge: This annual surcharge provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough savings to support themselves financially upon arrival in the UK.
Application Timeline: Applicants can apply up to three months before their start date in the UK. The processing time is typically three weeks for applicants outside the UK and up to eight weeks for those applying from within the UK.
Related Link: Apply for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
Bringing Family as Dependents
Visa holders can bring eligible dependents, including a partner and children, to the UK under the Senior or Specialist Worker visa. Family members must meet eligibility criteria and may require proof of sufficient financial resources. This benefit allows skilled professionals to relocate with their families, making the visa particularly attractive for international professionals.
Related Link: Dependent Visa Application Information
What Visa Holders Can and Cannot Do
Activities Permitted with the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
With the Senior or Specialist Worker visa, holders are allowed to:
- Work for Their Sponsor: They must work only in the role specified on their certificate of sponsorship.
- Study in the UK: Visa holders can pursue part-time or full-time study courses.
- Bring Eligible Dependents: Dependents can join them in the UK, subject to eligibility.
- Travel in and out of the UK: Visa holders can travel freely during their visa validity.
- Do Voluntary Work: They may participate in approved volunteer work.
Restricted Activities
However, visa holders are restricted from:
- Accessing Most Public Benefits: The visa does not allow for state benefits or access to the State Pension.
- Changing Jobs Without Approval: Visa holders must update their visa if they wish to change jobs.
- Taking a Second Job: Additional employment is only permitted under specific circumstances.
- Applying for Permanent Residency (ILR): This visa alone does not qualify for indefinite leave to remain unless additional criteria are met.
Related Link: Senior or Specialist Worker Visa Conditions
Certificate of Sponsorship and Salary Requirements
To ensure compliance, applicants must meet specific conditions related to the certificate of sponsorship (CoS) and minimum salary requirements:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): This document, provided by the sponsor, includes key information about the job role, confirming that the sponsoring employer is licensed by the UK Home Office.
- Minimum Salary Threshold: Applicants need to earn at least £48,500 annually or the occupation’s “going rate.”
- Previous Employment Abroad: For applicants earning under £73,900, they must have worked with the employer for at least 12 months abroad. Those earning more than £73,900 are exempt from this requirement.
For those previously on an Intra-company Transfer visa or a Tier 2 (ICT) Long-term Staff visa before April 6, 2011, there is no minimum salary requirement, though they still need to meet the “going rate” for their role.
These requirements ensure that the UK attracts highly qualified individuals who will contribute positively to the workforce.
Related Link: Sponsor and Salary Criteria for Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
Conclusion
The UK’s Senior or Specialist Worker visa under the Global Business Mobility route opens opportunities for multinational companies to transfer essential talent with fewer barriers. With simplified application steps, flexible eligibility criteria, and the ability to bring family members, this visa enhances the UK’s appeal as a global hub for skilled professionals. Multinational companies can leverage this pathway to bring specialized employees to the UK, strengthening both their business and the economy.
This visa option is expected to play a vital role in the UK’s strategy to address talent shortages, making it a smart choice for companies seeking skilled professionals to join their UK teams.
