The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is part of the UK’s Global Business Mobility (GBM) route designed for skilled employees of multinational companies transferring to the UK. This visa is ideal for senior executives or highly specialized workers, allowing them to live and work in the UK for their UK-based branch or subsidiary. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility requirements, application steps, and benefits of the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa.
1. What is the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa replaces the Intra-Company Transfer Visa as part of the UK’s updated Global Business Mobility (GBM) scheme. This visa is designed for foreign workers from multinational companies who need to transfer to a UK branch or subsidiary for a specific, skilled role.
This visa category is suitable for:
- Senior Managers and Executives: High-level employees in leadership roles, such as managers or directors.
- Specialist Workers: Employees with specialized skills, knowledge, or expertise essential to the UK operations of their multinational company.
The visa allows them to work in the UK for a designated period, contributing their expertise to the company’s UK branch.
2. Key Benefits of the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
- Temporary Work Authorization: Enables employees to live and work in the UK for their company.
- Multiple Extensions: Senior or Specialist Worker Visas can be extended, depending on the worker’s eligibility and role.
- Family Inclusion: Holders can bring family members (spouses, children, and dependents) with them to the UK.
3. Eligibility Criteria for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
To qualify for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, applicants and their employers must meet several requirements.
A. Employment and Sponsorship
- Job Offer in the UK: You must have a job offer from your employer to work in a senior or specialist role in their UK branch.
- Sponsorship from a UK Employer: The employer must hold a valid Sponsor Licence under the Global Business Mobility scheme, specifically authorized to sponsor Senior or Specialist Workers.
B. Occupation Code
The job role must be listed in the eligible occupation codes defined by the UK government for this visa. It should correspond to roles that require a high level of skill or specialization.
C. Salary Requirement
The job must meet the minimum salary threshold required for the visa. The salary requirement is typically:
- £45,800 per year or the going rate for your job role, whichever is higher.
Note: Higher salary thresholds may apply for specific occupations or industry sectors.
D. Previous Employment with the Company
The applicant usually needs to have been employed by the company outside the UK for at least 12 months before transferring to the UK. However, this requirement may be waived if the worker earns over £73,900 per year.
E. Financial Requirement
If your employer does not cover your financial maintenance, you must have at least £1,270 in personal savings to support yourself upon arrival in the UK.
4. Application Process for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Ensure that you meet all requirements, including a job offer, sponsorship, occupation code, and salary threshold.
Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your UK employer must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which includes information about your job role, salary, and company. This reference number will be necessary for your visa application.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Gather the necessary documents for your visa application:
- Valid Passport: Your passport or other valid travel identification.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Provided by your employer.
- Proof of Financial Means: If your employer does not certify your financial support, you must provide bank statements showing at least £1,270 in funds.
- TB Test Results: Required for applicants from certain countries where tuberculosis testing is mandatory.
Step 4: Submit Your Online Application
Apply for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa online through the UK government’s official visa portal. Complete the application form and pay the necessary fees.
Step 5: Pay Application Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Application Fee: Typically £625 to £1,423, depending on the duration of stay and circumstances.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year, payable upfront.
Step 6: Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment
You may be required to attend an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) for your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
5. Processing Time for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
Visa processing generally takes up to 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK, while in-country applications may take up to 8 weeks. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.
6. Duration of Stay and Extensions
The length of stay permitted on a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa depends on the duration specified in your CoS and your visa type.
- Initial Stay: Typically up to 5 years.
- Extensions: The visa can be extended as long as the total time spent in the UK on the visa doesn’t exceed 5 years within a 6-year period for those earning below £73,900 per year.
For those earning above this threshold, the maximum stay is extended to 9 years within a 10-year period.
7. Family Members and Dependents
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa holders can bring eligible dependents with them to the UK, including:
- Spouse or Partner
- Children under 18
- Unmarried dependent children over 18 (if they are already living in the UK as dependents)
Each dependent will need to apply separately and pay the relevant visa application and Immigration Health Surcharge fees.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I switch to a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa from within the UK?
Yes, you can switch to this visa from within the UK if you meet the eligibility criteria.
2. Can I apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) on a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
No, time spent on the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa does not lead directly to ILR. However, you may switch to another visa category that offers a path to settlement.
3. Can I work for another employer on this visa?
No, this visa is specific to the sponsoring employer. You cannot work for another employer unless they sponsor a new visa application for you.
4. How long does it take to process a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
Processing times are usually up to 3 weeks for overseas applications and 8 weeks for in-country applications.
5. What happens if I change my role within the company?
If your role changes but remains with the same employer, you may need a new Certificate of Sponsorship. However, this depends on the specifics of the change and your employer’s guidance.
6. Can I bring family members with me on this visa?
Yes, you can bring dependents, including your spouse, partner, and children, under the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa.