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The Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) is a UK immigration route designed for senior managers or specialist employees who need to be transferred to a UK branch of their employer for a temporary period. This visa is part of the Global Business Mobility routes, aimed at facilitating international business operations and talent mobility. It requires sponsorship from the UK entity of the multinational company, and is tailored for individuals who have a crucial role or specialist knowledge essential to the business's UK operations. This visa does not lead directly to settlement, but offers a way for businesses to fill specific roles with existing overseas employees.
Global Business Mobility
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) is a UK immigration route designed for senior managers or specialist employees who need to be transferred to a UK branch of their employer for a temporary period. This visa is part of the Global Business Mobility routes, aimed at facilitating international business operations and talent mobility. It requires sponsorship from the UK entity of the multinational company, and is tailored for individuals who have a crucial role or specialist knowledge essential to the business's UK operations. This visa does not lead directly to settlement, but offers a way for businesses to fill specific roles with existing overseas employees.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about applying for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility), including detailed requirements, step-by-step application process, required documents, costs, timeline, and expert tips for a successful application.
Varies by application type
Immigration Health Charge
Paid by employer
Per year (minimum)
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a unique reference number provided by your UK employer, confirming that they are sponsoring your move to the UK. It includes details about your job and demonstrates that the employer is approved by the UK Home Office. The CoS is essential as it acts as the foundation of your visa application, proving that your employment is genuine and meets all required conditions.
FeaturedThe minimum salary requirement for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa is £42,000 per annum. This salary must be genuine and in line with standard industry rates. It's crucial that your base salary, excluding bonuses or other variable pay, meets this threshold to qualify for the visa.
FeaturedTo verify if your UK employer is an approved sponsor, you can check the list of licensed sponsors available on the UK government's official website. Your employer should appear on this list to provide a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for your visa application.
FeaturedGenerally, there are no mandatory English language requirements for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa unless specified by your sponsor. However, your proficiency may be indirectly assessed through your ability to perform your professional role effectively.
FeaturedTo prove that you meet the minimum salary requirement of £42,000, you need an official job offer letter or contract from your UK employer detailing your salary. If paid hourly, provide documentation showing your weekly working hours to demonstrate compliance with the minimum annual salary threshold.
FeaturedA Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a reference number provided by your UK employer, who must hold a valid sponsor license. It confirms that your job is genuine and meets the criteria of the Senior or Specialist Worker visa. Your employer must issue this CoS specifically for your role.
FeaturedTightening of eligibility criteria to ensure that the visa route is used for genuine business mobility purposes, possibly introducing stricter requirements for the sponsoring company.
8/16/2025
Introduction of a potential pathway to settlement for long-term senior or specialist workers.
8/16/2025