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What is the Senior or Specialist Worker visa?

The Senior or Specialist Worker visa allows international businesses to transfer senior managers and specialist employees from overseas operations to a connected UK business. It forms part of the UK’s Global Business Mobility immigration framework and replaces the former Intra-company Transfer (ICT) visa.

This route is particularly relevant to multinational companies seeking to relocate experienced personnel to the UK for management responsibilities, specialist projects or operational requirements.

The route is governed by Appendix Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker to the Immigration Rules, alongside the Home Office’s Global Business Mobility routes caseworker guidance.

Who can apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa?

Applicants must generally be existing employees of an overseas business that has a qualifying corporate relationship with the UK sponsor.

The main requirements include:
– A valid certificate of sponsorship issued by a licensed UK employer.
– Employment in an eligible occupation at the required skill level.
– A salary of at least £52,500 per year or the applicable occupation-specific going rate, whichever is higher, subject to limited transitional exceptions.
– At least 12 months’ prior employment outside the UK with the relevant business group, unless the applicant qualifies as a high earner.
– Compliance with the applicable financial, validity and suitability requirements.

Employees earning at least £73,900 annually are generally exempt from the minimum 12-month overseas employment requirement, although they must still be working for the relevant business group.

How long can a Senior or Specialist Worker stay in the UK?

Permission is normally granted for the period stated on the certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, subject to the maximum permitted duration.

Most applicants can spend up to five years in any six-year period under the relevant Global Business Mobility and predecessor routes. High earners may qualify for a longer maximum period of nine years in any ten-year period.

The route does not directly lead to indefinite leave to remain. Businesses and employees considering permanent relocation should therefore assess whether the Skilled Worker route or another immigration category would better serve their longer-term objectives.

Can Senior or Specialist Workers bring their families?

Eligible partners and dependent children may apply to accompany or join the principal applicant in the UK.

Family members must satisfy the relevant relationship, financial and other requirements under the Immigration Rules. Dependant partners are generally permitted to work in the UK, subject to the conditions of their permission.

What should international businesses consider before transferring employees?

The key issue is often whether the proposed transfer genuinely falls within the qualifying corporate structure and whether the UK entity holds the appropriate sponsor licence.

Employers should also consider the employee’s overseas employment history, the proposed UK duties, salary arrangements and anticipated duration of the assignment.

Where a business intends to retain an employee in the UK permanently, the absence of a direct settlement pathway under this route can be an important strategic consideration.

How can Angelov Solicitors assist?

Angelov Solicitors advises international businesses and employees on UK corporate immigration, including the Senior or Specialist Worker route.

We can assist with assessing eligibility, reviewing corporate relationships and sponsorship requirements, preparing visa applications, advising on supporting evidence and addressing dependant applications.

We also advise on alternative work visa routes where the proposed assignment involves longer-term employment or settlement considerations.

If your business is considering transferring senior management or specialist personnel to the UK, Angelov Solicitors can advise on the applicable immigration requirements and the appropriate arrangements for the proposed assignment.

Contact us today to arrange a consultation about UK business immigration requirements.