//
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.
Applicants must be currently employed by a business that has a linked entity in the UK. This means the overseas company must have a direct relationship with the UK entity, such as a subsidiary, branch, or part of the same corporate group. The applicant must have been employed by the overseas entity for at least 12 months unless their UK salary is £73,900 or more, which waives the 12-month requirement.
The role in the UK must necessitate a senior manager or specialist. This means the position should involve significant responsibility, expertise, or specialized knowledge. The job description should clearly outline the seniority or specialization required, aligning with the company's operational needs in the UK.
Applicants must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from the UK entity. The CoS is a reference number that contains information about the job and applicant. The sponsoring employer must be a licensed sponsor and the CoS must be issued specifically for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa.
Applicants must provide a valid passport or travel document to confirm their identity and nationality. The document should have at least one blank page for the visa vignette. It must be valid for the entire duration of the stay in the UK.
Applicants need to provide evidence of their employment with the overseas business. This includes employment contracts, payslips, and letters from the employer confirming the duration and nature of employment.
The role in the UK must offer a salary of at least £42,000 per year. This is a gross salary and must be outlined in the Certificate of Sponsorship. If the salary is £73,900 or more, the 12-month employment requirement with the overseas entity is waived.
Applicants must pay the application fee of £625. This fee is required for processing the visa application and must be paid online during the application process. It is non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
Applicants must meet the English language requirement, which typically involves proving proficiency in English at a B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This can be demonstrated through an approved English language test or by having a degree taught in English.
Applicants from certain countries must provide a valid tuberculosis (TB) test certificate. The test must be conducted at an approved clinic and the certificate should be valid at the time of application. This requirement applies to those residing in countries where TB screening is mandatory.
Applicants may need to provide a criminal record certificate from any country they have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. This is to ensure the applicant does not have a serious criminal history that could affect their eligibility for the visa.
Applicants must demonstrate they have enough personal savings to support themselves in the UK. This typically involves having at least £1,270 in savings, held for a minimum of 28 days, unless the sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS.
Applicants must provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, as part of the application process. This is typically done at a visa application center and is required for the issuance of a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
Disclaimer: We are not immigration advisors. For professional immigration advice, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or OISC-registered advisor.
3 weeks weeks