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Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
VisasUnited KingdomSenior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom•Europe
Open

Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 2 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

£819–£1,865 GBP

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

5 years

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
United Kingdom flag

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary£31,200
Quality of Life
176/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

The UK Senior or Specialist Worker visa is the Global Business Mobility route for intra-company transfers to a UK-linked entity in a senior or specialist role at RQF Level 6+. Applicants need a Certificate of Sponsorship and must earn at least £52,500 or the going rate, whichever is higher.

Maximum stay is 5 years in any 6-year period (9 years for those earning £73,900+). It does not lead to settlement and is tied to the sponsoring employer. Dependants may join; spouses can work without restriction. No English test is required, but most must have worked overseas for their employer for at least 12 months.

This visa is ideal for senior managers and technical specialists employed by a multinational who need to work temporarily at a UK branch without a language test or labour market check.

United Kingdom

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Cost Breakdown

Visa Application Fee (Outside UK, <3 years)£819 GBP
Visa Application Fee (Outside UK, >3 years)£1,618 GBP
Visa Application Fee (Inside UK, <3 years)£943 GBP
Visa Application Fee (Inside UK, >3 years)£1,865 GBP
Immigration Health Surcharge (Annual)£1,035 GBP
recurring
Total£819–£1,865 GBP

Processing Time

Outside UK (Standard)2–3 weeks
Inside UK (Standard)2 months

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Skilled Worker Visa
United Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom

Skilled Worker Visa

Validity5 years per grant (renewable indefinitely)
Processing5 days – 2 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer

Current employment with a linked overseas business for at least 12 months (waived for high earners)

Job must be at a qualifying skill level (RQF Level 6 or above)

Minimum salary of £52,500 per year or the 'going rate' for the role, whichever is higher

Proof of sufficient personal funds to support yourself

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

1+ years

Min. Income

52,500 EUR/yr

Min. Savings

1,270 EUR

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No English language requirement
  • Allows dependants (partner and children) to accompany the holder
  • Facilitates essential intra-company transfers for senior or specialist roles

Worth Knowing

  • Does not lead directly to permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
  • Strictly tied to the sponsoring employer and specific job role
  • High salary thresholds and mandatory 12-month prior employment requirement for most applicants

Application Process

1

Secure a job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor

2

Complete the online visa application form

3

Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

4

Provide biometric information and submit required documents

5

Receive digital visa decision

Verified Claims (24)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application Steps
Secure a job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor; Complete the online vi…
gov.uk
Fee Breakdown
Visa Application Fee (Outside UK, <3 years): 819 GBP; Visa Application Fee (Outside UK, >3 years): 1…
gov.uk
Fee Breakdown · 0 · amount
769
gov.uk
Fee Breakdown · 1 · amount
1519
gov.uk
Fee Breakdown · 2 · amount
885
gov.uk
Fee Breakdown · 3 · amount
1751
gov.uk
Fees
£769 to £1,519 (outside UK) or £885 to £1,751 (inside UK), plus IHS (£1,035/year) and Immigration Sk…
gov.uk
Forms
—
gov.uk
Official Information
United Kingdom flag

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary£31,200
Quality of Life
176/200
Full Country Guide

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