Everything You Need to Know About the UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa in 2024
The UK government has introduced an exciting new visa option for senior managers and specialists within multinational companies looking to work in the UK. The Senior or Specialist Worker visa, part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) route, replaces the previous Intra-company Transfer (ICT) visa, streamlining the process for skilled professionals to bring their expertise to the UK.
What Is the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa allows qualified employees of multinational companies to transfer to the UK and contribute their skills to a UK branch of their employer. It supports global mobility, empowering businesses to leverage top talent without bureaucratic hurdles.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa, applicants must meet specific requirements:
- Employer Sponsorship: Applicants must work for a company registered as a sponsor with the UK Home Office and have a valid certificate of sponsorship.
- Eligible Occupations: The role must be listed among eligible occupations.
- Salary Threshold: The applicant must earn at least £48,500 per year. Those earning £73,900 or more enjoy additional flexibility regarding prior employment duration outside the UK.
This visa is specifically tailored for:
- Senior managers
- Specialists with unique skills
- Skilled workers on intra-company assignments
Individuals on existing Intra-company Transfer or Tier 2 (ICT) visas can switch to this new visa category without leaving the UK.
Duration and Extensions
The duration of the visa depends on the salary and certificate of sponsorship:
- Salary below £73,900: Stay up to 5 years.
- Salary of £73,900 or more: Stay up to 9 years.
If you’re extending your stay, the total time on this visa (and related categories) counts toward the maximum allowed duration. For example, someone earning below £73,900 who has worked in the UK for 3 years can extend their stay for 2 more years before needing a mandatory break of 6 months to reapply.
How to Apply and Visa Costs
Applicants can apply online up to three months before their intended start date. The process depends on whether they are:
- Outside the UK: Decision typically within 3 weeks.
- Inside the UK (to extend or switch visas): Decision within 8 weeks.
Costs include:
- Application fee
- Healthcare surcharge
- Proof of sufficient personal savings
Family members (spouse and children) can apply as dependants, provided they meet eligibility criteria.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Permitted Activities:
- Work for the sponsor in the job listed on the certificate of sponsorship
- Study
- Travel freely in and out of the UK
- Bring eligible dependants
- Engage in voluntary work
Restrictions:
- No access to most public benefits or State Pension
- Cannot change jobs unless meeting new eligibility criteria and updating the visa
- Limited ability to take a second job
- No direct pathway to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) without meeting additional conditions
Certificate of Sponsorship and Salary Requirements
A certificate of sponsorship is a vital document that outlines the job role and confirms the employer’s sponsorship status. Additional requirements include:
- Earning at least £48,500 annually or meeting the “going rate” for the occupation.
- Employees earning below £73,900 must have worked for the sponsoring employer for at least 12 months outside the UK.
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is an excellent option for skilled professionals seeking to work in the UK and for multinational companies aiming to expand their global footprint. With clearer guidelines and an efficient application process, this visa category fosters collaboration and innovation between global enterprises and the UK workforce.
Contact us today for expert assistance in processing your visa application. Let us guide you through every step of the process to ensure a smooth and successful transition to the UK!
