The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes. It allows overseas businesses to transfer senior staff or specialists to a UK branch or connected entity. The visa is intended for temporary assignments and does not lead to settlement in the UK.

This route replaces the former Intra-Company Transfer visa.

To qualify for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, you must:

• Be currently employed by an overseas business linked to the UK sponsor by common ownership or control
• Have worked for that business outside the UK for at least 12 months (or 0 months if earning £73,900 or more)
• Be assigned to a genuine, skilled role in the UK
• Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK sponsor licensed under the GBM route
• Meet the salary requirement

You must be paid at least £48,500 per year or the ‘going rate’ for the role, whichever is higher. If your salary is £73,900 or more, you are exempt from the 12-month overseas employment requirement.

There is no English language requirement for this visa route.

Yes. You can bring:

• Your partner (spouse or unmarried partner)
• Children under 18 (including those born in the UK during your visa stay)

Dependants are allowed to work and study in the UK.

For new Skilled Worker applications made on or after 8 January 2026 you must demonstrate English ability to at least B2 level via:

• An approved Secure English Language Test (SELT)
• A UK degree or academic qualification taught in English (confirmed via Ecctis if overseas)
• GCSE/A-level English gained at a UK school before age 18
• Exemption if you’re from a majority English-speaking country (e.g. USA, Australia, Canada)

Healthcare professionals may be exempt if they’ve passed a recognised English assessment for their regulatory body.

You can stay in the UK for up to 5 years in any 6-year period if your salary is under £73,900. If your salary is £73,900 or more, you can stay for up to 9 years in any 10-year period.

This visa is extendable but does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

We provide expert legal support throughout the Senior or Specialist Worker visa process. We:

• Assess your eligibility and role suitability
• Assist with sponsor licence requirements for the UK entity
• Help obtain and assign the Certificate of Sponsorship
• Guide you through the visa application process
• Prepare a detailed legal representation letter, which is a vital part of your application.

This letter clearly explains how you meet all the immigration requirements, referencing the relevant rules and supporting documents. It helps strengthen your application and ensures your case is presented clearly and effectively to the Home Office.

We ensure your application is fully compliant and handled with precision.