Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

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Senior or Specialist Worker Visa UK (Global Business Mobility) Overview

The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa lets overseas employees work in a UK branch of their current employer. It replaced the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa and is mainly for highly paid senior managers or specialist staff. Unlike some work visas, this visa does not lead directly to settlement, but switching to other visa routes like the Skilled Worker Visa could open a pathway to permanent residency later.

Key Points:

Replaces the Intra-Company Transfer Visa (ICT).

For senior managers or specialist employees of overseas companies.

No direct settlement (ILR) route, but switching is possible.

Employer must be Home Office-approved and provide a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Applicants must meet salary and role eligibility criteria.

This visa replaced the old Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) route but introduced salary exemptions earning £73,900+ means you don’t need to meet the 12-month overseas employment requirement.

Eligibility Criteria for Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

To qualify, applicants need a confirmed job offer from a UK branch of their overseas employer with a valid CoS. Salary thresholds apply, and the role must be genuine and on the eligible occupations list. Those earning above £73,900 do not need to meet the 12-month overseas work requirement.

Key Points:

Must work for a licensed sponsor.

Valid CoS required.

Salary requirement: £52,500+ (or £73,900+ to skip the 12-month rule).

Job role must be on the eligible list.

Genuine job requirement checks apply.

Financial Requirements for Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

Applicants must have at least £1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days unless their sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS. This ensures they can support themselves when arriving in the UK.

Key Points:

£1,270 savings required unless employer covers costs.

Funds must be held for 28 days within 31 days of applying.

Bank statements or sponsor certification needed.

Application Process for Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

The process involves securing a CoS, gathering documents, applying online, paying the visa fee, attending a biometric appointment, and waiting for a decision. Applications can be made up to three months before starting work in the UK.

Key Points:

Obtain CoS → Apply online → Pay fees → Submit biometrics → Get decision.

Fees: £769 (up to 3 years) or £1,519 (over 3 years) when applying outside the UK.

Processing: 3 weeks (outside UK) or 8 weeks (inside UK).

Fast-track options available at extra cost.

Validity Period and Extensions

The visa is typically valid for 3–5 years, depending on the CoS and salary. Applicants can extend as long as they meet all criteria and haven’t reached the maximum stay limit (5 years in 6 or 9 years in 10, depending on salary level).

Key Points:

Up to 5 years total stay allowed.

5 years in 6 years if earning under £73,900.

9 years in 10 years if earning over £73,900.

Must still be with the same employer for extensions.

Switching and Changing Employers

Visa holders can switch to this route from inside the UK if eligible. Changing to a new job in a different occupation code requires a new CoS and visa update application.

Key Points:

Switching allowed from some visas (not visitor or seasonal worker).

Changing job needs a new CoS and visa update.

Must apply online before current visa expires.

Dependants on Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

Partners and children can apply as dependants if the main applicant meets financial and visa criteria. Dependants must submit separate applications and prove their relationship to the main visa holder.

Key Points:

Partner and children under 18 can join.

Financial requirement: £285 partner, £315 first child, £200 each additional child.

Separate applications required for dependants.