Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

The Senior or Specialist Worker visa allows experienced employees to come to the UK to undertake high-skilled work for a UK business linked to their overseas employer. It is part of the Global Business Mobility routes and is designed for senior managers or specialists being transferred to the UK.

This visa does not directly lead to settlement in the UK. However, you may be able to switch to another immigration route that leads to settlement. Applicants can bring their partner and dependent children, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

Eligibility

To qualify for a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You are aged 18 or over.

• You are currently employed by a business or organisation linked to your UK sponsor through common ownership, control, or a joint venture.

• You have worked outside the UK for the linked business or organisation for at least 12 months cumulatively, unless:

  • You are a high earner earning £73,900 per year or more.

• You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your UK sponsor for the job you plan to undertake.

• The job is genuine, skilled to at least RQF Level 6 (graduate equivalent), and meets salary requirements (£45,800 per year or the ‘going rate’ for the job, whichever is higher).

• You have sufficient funds to support yourself without relying on public funds.

• You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.

The exact requirements may vary depending on your circumstances. Consulting an immigration lawyer is recommended for expert advice.

Duration of Stay

You can stay in the UK with a Senior or Specialist Worker visa for whichever is shorter of:

• The time specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days.

• 5 years in any 6-year period across related visa categories.

Extensions may be possible, provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements and stay within the maximum time limits.

Application Process

Timeline

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before your job start date in the UK, as listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship. As part of your application, you will need to:

• Prove your identity.

• Provide the required documents.

You may need an appointment to complete this process, which can add time to your application. You will be informed if an appointment is necessary.

Decision Timeframe

• 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK.

• 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK.

Rights and Restrictions

What You Can Do:

• Work for your sponsor in the job described in your Certificate of Sponsorship.

• Study.

• Bring your partner and children as dependants, if eligible.

• Engage in voluntary work.

• Travel abroad and return to the UK.

What You Cannot Do:

• Apply for most benefits (public funds) or the state pension.

• Change jobs unless you meet eligibility criteria and update your visa.

• Apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the UK.

If your application is successful, you will receive a detailed list of permitted and prohibited activities.

Get in touch with us now at Squadlead to make your visa application process seamless and stress-free!