UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa - Global Business Mobility Visa
UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa - Previosully the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa
The UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) route, allowing experienced employees of multinational companies to temporarily transfer to the UK to work in a senior or specialist role at their organisation’s UK branch.
This visa replaces the previous Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa and does not lead directly to settlement, but workers may be able to switch to a visa that does, for example, the UK Skilled Worker visa.
What is the UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
The UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is for employees of multinational companies being transferred to the UK branch of their organisation for a temporary work assignment.
This visa is for:
- Senior managers overseeing UK operations.
- Specialist workers with unique skills or knowledge essential to the UK branch.
This visa does not lead to settlement, but holders may later switch to a visa that does, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.
Who Can Apply for a UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
To be eligible for a UK Senior or Specialist Worker visa, you should:
- Be an existing employee of a multinational company linked to a UK branch.
- Have worked for your overseas employer for at least 12 months (unless earning over £73,900 per year).
- Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer that is a Home Office licensed sponsor.
- Meet the salary requirement (detailed below).
- Be doing a job that is at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or above.
This visa is not for new or local hires but for employees who are being transferred within the same multinational company.
Salary and Financial Requirements for the UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
Minimum Salary Requirement
Your UK salary must be at least:
- £48,500 per year OR
- £23.39 per hour
Your salary must also meet 100% of the ‘going rate’ for your job’s SOC code, as listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations.
Exemptions from the 12-Month Rule
You do not need to have worked for your employer for 12 months if you will earn £73,900 or more per year in the UK.
How Long Can You Stay on a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
- 5 years in any 6-year period (if earning less than £73,900 per year).
- 9 years in any 10-year period (if earning £73,900 or more per year).
What You Can and Cannot Do on a UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
You can:
- Work in the UK for your sponsor in the job described in your CoS.
- Take on voluntary work.
- Study (some restrictions apply).
- Travel in and out of the UK during your visa period.
You cannot:
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
- Take on a permanent job outside your sponsoring company.
- Work for another UK employer unless permitted as supplementary work.
- Access public funds or benefits.
Sponsorship and Employer Requirements for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
Your UK employer must:
- Hold a valid Sponsor Licence under the Senior or Specialist Worker route.
- Assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before you apply.
- Ensure that your role meets the salary and skill level requirements.
- Fulfil sponsorship duties, including reporting changes in your employment.
Required Documents for a UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
To apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, you must provide:
- A valid passport (with at least one blank page).
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your UK employer.
- Evidence of your employment history (if required).
- Bank statements or financial proof, if necessary.
If you are from a country where tuberculosis (TB) testing is required, you must also provide a TB test certificate.
How to Apply for a UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
Step 1: Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your UK sponsor must issue a CoS before you apply. This is a unique reference number linked to your role and employer.
Step 2: Check if You Can Use the UK Immigration: ID Check App
Some applicants do not need to attend a visa application centre and can verify their identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
You can use the app if:
- You are applying from outside the UK.
- You hold a biometric passport from an eligible country.
If eligible, you will be prompted to use the app during the online application process.
Step 3: Apply Online
- Complete your application through the official UK government website.
- Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Step 4: Verify Your Identity
If you cannot use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, you must book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to:
- Provide fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information).
- Submit any additional required documents.
Step 5: Await a Decision
- Standard processing time: 3 weeks.
- Priority processing (optional): 5 working days for an extra £500.
Once approved, you will receive:
- A digital status if you used the ID Check app.
- A visa vignette in your passport if you applied via a VAC.
UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa Fees and Costs
Visa Application Fee:
- £719 (if staying up to 3 years).
- £1,420 (if staying more than 3 years).
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
- £1,035 per year
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee:
- Paid by the UK employer (£239 per worker).
Immigration Skills Charge (ISC):
- £364 per year (for small sponsors).
- £1,000 per year (for medium/large sponsors).
Can You Switch to Another Visa?
The UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa does not lead to settlement, but you may be able to switch to a different visa, such as the:
- Skilled Worker Visa, if you receive a qualifying job offer.
- Innovator Founder Visa, if you plan to start a business in the UK.
How Immtell Can Help
Applying for a UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa requires careful preparation to ensure compliance with Home Office requirements. Immtell provides expert support to help:
- UK businesses secure a Senior or Specialist Worker Sponsor Licence.
- Workers complete their visa application accurately.
- Ensure contracts meet Home Office eligibility requirements.
- Assist with visa extensions and compliance advice.
Supporting Senior and Specialist Worker Transfers to the UK
Ensure your UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa application is handled professionally with expert guidance. We help businesses and employees navigate the process with confidence and efficiency.
Ensure your UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa application is handled professionally with expert guidance. We help businesses and employees navigate the process with confidence and efficiency.
Further Reading
Guide to Successfully Obtaining a UK Work Visa in 2025
How to Obtain a Work Visa for the UK in 2025
What is the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?
Your Guide to the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK: Meeting Eligibility and Navigating Compliance
How to Get a Skilled Worker Visa UK
Updated Guide to Getting a Skilled Worker Visa for the UK (2025)
UK Service Supplier Visa - Global Business Mobility Visa
UK Service Supplier Visa: Part of the Global Business Mobility Visa
Graduate Trainee Visa - UK Global Business Mobility Visa
Securing Your International Business Career with a UK Graduate Trainee Visa
