The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa provides businesses with a route to transfer existing overseas employees to the UK for a specified period of time. To be eligible for this route, an employee will need to be transferred to a linked UK business that is linked to their employer in their residing country. This visa is part of the Global Business Mobility Route [LINK]. This replaced the intra-company transfer visa route, which closed for new applications on 11th April 2022. The change saw the introduction of a more flexible points-based system.
This route is particularly useful for multinational businesses moving senior managers or technical specialists into the UK on a temporary basis. It is often used where the business needs continuity, specialist knowledge, or leadership support from an overseas team.
Need help with a Senior or Specialist Worker visa? Contact Reeds Solicitors today on 0333 240 7373 or email [email protected] to speak with a specialist that will help secure your future.
We provide practical immigration advice for businesses and professionals navigating the UK Global Business Mobility routes. Our team supports employers with sponsor licence compliance, employee transfers, and visa applications while helping workers understand their immigration options clearly and confidently.
Our immigration solicitors advise:
- multinational employers
- HR teams
- overseas workers
- sponsor licence holders
If you are planning a transfer to the UK, early advice can help avoid delays and reduce the risk of refusal. As experienced Senior or Specialist visa solicitors, we can provide a reliable and fast service which reduces stress, burden and time spent during these applications. Our expertise allows us to avoid common pitfalls, and protect against possible problems in the application process – saving you cost in the long term. Contact us to speak with a Worker Visa solicitor to discuss your unique situation, on 0333 240 7373 or email [email protected].
Contact:
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How We Can Help
- This visa is for intra-company transfers within linked corporate entities in two separate countries.
- The applicant is usually required to have worked for the overseas business for a minimum period before they are able to apply.
- The UK sponsor must have a valid sponsor license.
- The role must meet the relevant salary and skill requirements.
- Dependants can usually apply to join the main applicant.
- The route does not usually lead directly to settlement in the sponsoring country.
We advise both employers and individuals on the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa – including eligibility, sponsor license issues, documentation, and application strategy. We can also help you assess whether this route is the right option, or whether another UK work visa is more suitable.
Our national team of solicitors can assist with entry clearance under this Global Mobility Visa route. For successful entry clearance, applicants must submit their application along with an employers certificate of sponsorship (CoS), and meet the following requirements; age requirements, suitability, point requirements,
We can assist those that are looking to extend their Senior or Specialist Worker Visas beyond the initial term.
We can provide advice regarding adding dependants to your visa applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are an existing employee of an overseas business that is linked to your UK sponsor by common ownership or control, then you may be eligible to apply for a worker visa through this route.
The length of stay depends upon the employee’s salary and the nature of their role. In general, the visa is designed for temporary transfers rather than a long-term residence. Usually, Senior or Specialist workers will only be able to stay in the UK for up to five years during a six-year period. If they are considered a ‘high-earner’ (receiving a salary of over £78,900) then this increases to nine years in any 10-year period.
This route does not usually lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain. However, depending upon circumstances, another immigration category may become available as the employee’s role changes in the business whilst in the UK.
The exact documentation required will be dependant upon your case and situation, but they commonly include:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
- Evidence that the employee has worked for the overseas business for the required period (usually over 12 months).
- Evidence that they meet the salary threshold (usually over £48,500).
- Documents showing the business relationship between the UK sponsor and the overseas employer.
Further supporting evidence may be needed depending upon the role, nationality or immigration history of the candidate.
Before accepting your case, our solicitors will conduct a thorough review of your suitability. If there are risks to your case, we will let you know up front and suggest ways to mitigate them. If your application is rejected our solicitors will inform you of the options available to you.
Yes, you can extend your leave under this route. Though you are still required to comply with the maximum term dates. Usually, Senior or Specialist workers will only be able to extend their stay up to five years during a six-year period, with ‘high-earners’ able to stay up to nine years in any given 10-year period.
No, the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa cannot lead directly to settlement. However, you may be able to switch to other routes that are available to you during your stay in the UK when you become eligible for them.
Yes, it is possible o switch to another visa category from this route. This may be preferred if someone is looking to reach settlement through indefinite leave to remain.
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