The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is a UK immigration route under the Global Business Mobility framework. It is designed for overseas employees being transferred to a UK branch or subsidiary of their employer’s organisation. This visa replaced the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) route and enables international businesses to deploy senior managers and specialist staff to the UK on a temporary basis.
This guide provides a full overview of the Senior or Specialist Worker visa, including eligibility requirements, sponsor obligations, how to apply, duration of stay, family rules, and associated costs.
Section A: What is the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
Under the Immigration Rules, the Senior or Specialist Worker visa is one of five routes in the Global Business Mobility category. It allows multinational businesses to transfer key personnel into the UK where there is a corporate link through common ownership, control, or a qualifying joint venture.
1. What the Visa Allows
Holders of this visa may live in the UK to perform the specific job for which they have been sponsored. Permission is usually granted for the period of employment stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), plus up to 14 days. Visa holders may:
- Work in the sponsored role for the licensed UK entity
- Travel in and out of the UK freely during the visa validity
- Study provided this does not interfere with their sponsored job
- Undertake voluntary work
- Bring eligible dependants to join them in the UK
Visa holders cannot generally take second jobs unless they previously held permission as an ICT or Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) worker.
The maximum length of stay depends on salary level. Those earning below £73,900 per year may remain in the UK for up to 5 years in any 6-year period (combined with time under the ICT route). High earners on £73,900 or more may remain up to 9 years in any 10-year period. Time spent under GBM or legacy ICT routes is aggregated towards these caps.
This route does not provide a direct path to Indefinite Leave to Remain. Time spent under this visa cannot be counted towards the five-year residence requirement for ILR under the Skilled Worker route. However, applicants may switch into another immigration category, such as Skilled Worker, if eligible, to pursue permanent settlement.
2. Who Can Sponsor a Senior or Specialist Worker?
Only UK-based organisations approved by the Home Office to sponsor workers under the Global Business Mobility: Senior or Specialist Worker route can issue Certificates of Sponsorship. Sponsors must hold an A-rated licence for this route to sponsor new workers.
A Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic record confirming details of the job, salary, and start date, as well as the worker’s personal details. The CoS must be assigned no more than 3 months before the visa application. The correct Home Office fee to assign a CoS is £239.
Sponsorship duties include ensuring the role is genuine, meets the skill and salary thresholds, and maintaining all reporting and record-keeping duties under UKVI Sponsor Guidance. Non-compliance can result in licence downgrades, suspensions, or revocations.
Section A Summary: The Senior or Specialist Worker visa enables overseas companies to temporarily deploy key personnel to linked UK entities. While it allows work, study, and travel flexibility, it does not lead to settlement. Sponsorship by a licensed UK employer is mandatory, and maximum stay limits apply depending on salary. Employers must hold the correct licence type and meet their sponsorship duties when assigning a CoS.
Section B: Senior or Specialist Worker Visa Requirements
To qualify for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements under the Immigration Rules. These cover age, sponsorship, role, salary, financial means, and tuberculosis testing if applicable. The Rules operate on a points-based system, where applicants must be awarded 60 points across sponsorship, job skill level, and salary level.
1. General Eligibility
Applicants must provide evidence to show that they meet the following:
- Sponsorship: A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK sponsor approved for this route.
- Overseas Employment: Evidence of having worked for the sponsor group overseas for at least 12 months, unless classed as a high earner (£73,900+).
- Job Role: The role must be eligible under Appendix Skilled Occupations at RQF Level 6 or above.
- Salary: The salary must meet or exceed the higher of £52,500 per year or the going rate for the role. Only the first 48 hours of work per week count toward this calculation.
- Financial Maintenance: Either personal savings of at least £1,270 or written certification from the sponsor to cover maintenance in the first month.
- Tuberculosis Testing: A TB certificate where the applicant has lived for at least 6 months in a listed country prior to applying.
No English language requirement applies to this visa route.
2. Sponsorship Requirement
To obtain 20 points for sponsorship, the applicant must be issued a valid CoS confirming:
- Their name and role as a Senior or Specialist Worker
- The job title, SOC code, and salary details
- A start date within 3 months of the application
- Confirmation of the overseas work requirement where applicable
The sponsor must be authorised under the GBM Senior or Specialist Worker category and must pay any applicable Immigration Skills Charge (ISC). Certain exemptions apply, such as assignments under 6 months from outside the UK, or where a worker has switched from the Student route into this category.
3. Overseas Work Requirement
Applicants earning less than £73,900 must have worked for the overseas part of the sponsor group for a minimum of 12 months. This does not need to be continuous but must be accumulated and demonstrable through payslips or employment records. For high earners, no minimum overseas service period is required, although they must still be employed by the sponsor group at the time of application.
The Home Office must also be satisfied that the role is genuine and not created artificially to facilitate an immigration application. Sponsorship arrangements must not amount to hiring the worker out to a third party or filling routine, ongoing roles outside the sponsor’s organisation.
4. Job Requirement
To secure 20 points for skill level, the role must be listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations (Tables 1, 2 or 3) at RQF Level 6. Roles below this threshold, such as those under Agenda for Change Band 5, are not eligible. The Home Office will check whether the selected SOC code matches the job duties and qualifications of the applicant. Sponsors must not select an occupation code solely because it carries a lower salary threshold.
UKVI may examine the sponsor’s compliance history, the applicant’s qualifications and experience, and whether the vacancy reflects a genuine business need when assessing if the correct occupation code has been used.
5. Salary Requirement
The general salary threshold for this route is £52,500 per year, or the occupation-specific going rate, whichever is higher. Going rates vary by role and are published by the Home Office. Importantly, only the first 48 hours worked each week can be counted when calculating pay levels. Overtime or additional contracted hours cannot be used to bridge a shortfall.
6. Financial Requirement
Unless the sponsor certifies maintenance, applicants must hold at least £1,270 in personal savings for 28 consecutive days before the application date. This requirement is waived where the applicant has been living lawfully in the UK for at least 12 months at the time of applying.
Section B Summary: To qualify for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, applicants must secure sponsorship from a licensed UK employer and demonstrate that the role, salary, and overseas work history meet strict Home Office rules. The route is points-based, with 60 points required across sponsorship, job skill level, and salary. Compliance with evidence and documentation requirements is critical, as errors can result in refusal or sponsor penalties.
Section C: Senior or Specialist Worker Sponsor Requirements
For a worker to apply under this route, they must first be sponsored by a UK-based organisation that has been granted a sponsor licence for the Global Business Mobility: Senior or Specialist Worker category. Sponsorship confirms that the UK business is legally permitted to employ the transferring employee and is accountable for compliance with immigration rules.
1. Sponsor Licence Requirement
The UK entity must hold an A-rated sponsor licence specifically covering the Senior or Specialist Worker route. Having a Skilled Worker licence alone is not sufficient. Without the correct authorisation, the organisation cannot assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) for this category.
To apply for a licence, the UK company must be operating lawfully and show a qualifying link with the overseas business. This link may be through:
- Common ownership or control: such as one entity holding over 50% of voting rights in the other, or both entities being subsidiaries of a common parent company.
- A qualifying joint venture: where the UK business and the overseas entity have an agreement and the worker will be assigned as part of that arrangement.
Evidence of the link must be provided as part of the sponsor licence application. Different evidence will apply depending on whether the connection is through shareholding, control, or contractual arrangements under a joint venture.
2. Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship
Once licensed, the UK sponsor can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship using the Home Office’s Sponsorship Management System (SMS). The CoS must contain details of the job role, salary, and employment period. A CoS must be used within 3 months of being issued, otherwise a new one is required.
The fee to assign a CoS is £239. In addition, the sponsor must pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) unless an exemption applies. The ISC is calculated based on the size and charitable status of the sponsor and the duration of the worker’s permission.
3. Sponsor Compliance Duties
Holding a sponsor licence carries significant compliance obligations. Sponsors must:
- Ensure the role meets the skill and salary thresholds for this visa
- Keep accurate records of the worker’s employment, pay, and right to work
- Report relevant changes to UKVI, such as if the worker’s role changes or employment ends early
- Maintain systems to prevent illegal working
Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, including suspension or revocation of the licence, civil penalties, or criminal liability in serious cases. A revoked licence would immediately impact the immigration status of all sponsored workers.
4. Sponsor Licence Fees
The fee to apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker sponsor licence depends on the size and status of the organisation. Small or charitable sponsors pay £536, while medium or large sponsors pay £1,476. These fees are in addition to CoS fees and the Immigration Skills Charge.
Section C Summary: Sponsorship is central to the Senior or Specialist Worker visa. Employers must hold the correct type of A-rated licence, prove a qualifying link with the overseas entity, and comply fully with sponsorship duties. Assigning a CoS involves both administrative and financial responsibilities, with serious consequences for non-compliance.
Section D: Apply for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
The application process for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa broadly mirrors the previous Intra-Company Transfer route but with updated Global Business Mobility rules. Applicants must complete an online application form, pay the relevant fees, and provide supporting evidence within strict timeframes. The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is central to the application and must be valid at the time of submission.
1. Application Process
The applicant must apply online, entering their CoS reference number. The CoS must not have been issued more than 3 months before the application date and must confirm a start date no later than 3 months after that date.
Applicants must also pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph). Depending on nationality and location, this may be completed at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) overseas or through UKVCAS if applying from within the UK.
2. Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit documents proving their identity, sponsorship, job details, and financial means. These typically include:
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Valid passport or national identity document
- Job title, SOC code, and salary information
- Employer name and sponsor licence number
- Evidence of personal funds (unless certified by sponsor)
- Proof of relationship for dependants (if applicable)
- Tuberculosis test certificate (if required)
- Evidence of overseas employment where applicable
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for certain research roles
- Certified translations of any non-English or non-Welsh documents
Additional evidence may be required depending on the worker’s circumstances, such as payslips or contracts to prove overseas employment.
3. Processing Times
For applications made outside the UK, a decision is usually made within 3 weeks. In-country applications to switch or extend typically take up to 8 weeks. Priority services may be available for an additional fee:
- Priority Service (£500): decision within 5 working days
- Super Priority Service (£1,000): decision by the next working day after biometrics, or within 2 working days if the appointment is on a weekend
Availability of faster services depends on location and local processing capacity.
4. Switching to the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
Applicants in the UK on another visa may be eligible to switch into this route, provided they meet the requirements. Switching is not permitted for those in the UK as a visitor, short-term student, parent of a child student, seasonal worker, domestic worker in a private household, or anyone otherwise outside the Immigration Rules.
Applicants switching into this route must still meet the overseas work requirement unless they qualify as high earners. The 12 months of overseas employment does not need to be continuous, provided the period is cumulative and the applicant is working for the sponsor group when applying.
5. Visa Costs
The visa fee depends on the length of the CoS and whether the application is made inside or outside the UK:
| Application Type | Up to 3 Years | More than 3 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Outside the UK (main applicant & dependants) | £769 | £1,519 |
| Inside the UK (switching or extending) | £885 | £1,751 |
In addition to the visa fee, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year of permission granted. For example, a 3-year visa will require an IHS payment of £3,105.
Sponsors must also pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), unless an exemption applies. The ISC is charged per worker based on sponsor size and duration of employment. For small or charitable sponsors, the fee is £364 for the first year plus £182 for each additional 6 months. For medium or large sponsors, the fee is £1,000 for the first year plus £500 for each additional 6 months.
6. Application Pitfalls
Common reasons for refusal include:
- Incorrect or incomplete supporting documents
- Failure to meet salary thresholds due to miscalculating weekly hours
- Incorrect SOC code selection by the sponsor
- Failure to meet the overseas work requirement where applicable
- Incorrect payment or non-payment of required fees
Thorough preparation and careful checking of eligibility, documentation, and fee payments are critical to avoid refusal and delays.
Section D Summary: Applying for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa requires a valid CoS, payment of the correct fees, and submission of detailed documentation. Applications are normally processed within weeks, but errors in SOC code, salary, or supporting evidence are common refusal triggers. Sponsors and applicants must coordinate closely to ensure accuracy and compliance at each stage of the process.
Section E: Visa Duration & Extensions
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is designed for temporary assignments. The length of permission granted depends on the details of the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and whether the applicant is a high earner. Maximum stay limits apply across all Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes, including time previously spent under the former Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) route.
1. Initial Grant of Permission
When the visa is granted, the period of stay will be whichever is shorter of:
- 14 days after the end date stated on the CoS, or
- 5 years from the start date of the sponsored role
The exact period will also take into account the applicant’s previous time spent under GBM or ICT categories.
2. Maximum Stay Limits
UKVI applies maximum cumulative limits for stay on this route:
- Standard earners (below £73,900): up to 5 years in any 6-year period
- High earners (£73,900+): up to 9 years in any 10-year period
These limits are calculated across all GBM categories and the legacy ICT route. Exceeding the cap will lead to refusal of further applications and may negatively affect future immigration history.
3. Extensions
A Senior or Specialist Worker visa can be extended from within the UK, provided the applicant continues to meet all route requirements. This includes being employed in the same role, for the same sponsor, at or above the required salary threshold. ICT visa-holders who held permission before the GBM route was introduced may also extend under the new rules, subject to the same conditions.
Applications to extend must be made before the existing visa expires. A fresh CoS must be issued by the sponsor for the extension application. The same fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) rates apply to extensions as to initial applications.
4. Path to Settlement
The Senior or Specialist Worker route does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Time spent on this visa does not count towards the five-year residence requirement for settlement under the Skilled Worker route or other ILR categories.
However, workers may be able to switch into a visa route that does lead to ILR, such as Skilled Worker, provided they meet that route’s requirements. Planning an early switch is often advisable for individuals and businesses seeking longer-term residence and workforce stability.
Section E Summary: Permission under the Senior or Specialist Worker visa is limited to the role’s duration and is subject to strict maximum stay caps. Extensions are possible, but this route does not provide a path to settlement. Workers wishing to remain in the UK long-term should consider switching into a settlement route such as Skilled Worker before reaching the stay limits.
Section F: Can Dependants Join Senior or Specialist Workers?
Senior or Specialist Worker visa holders can be joined or accompanied by eligible dependant family members. This includes a partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner) and children under the age of 18. Dependants must apply separately for their visas but can usually remain in the UK for the same length of time as the main visa holder.
1. Partner Eligibility
A dependant partner may qualify if they are:
- A spouse or civil partner of the visa holder
- An unmarried partner who has lived with the visa holder in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years
The relationship must be genuine and subsisting, with both parties intending to live together in the UK throughout the stay. Any previous relationship must have permanently ended. The couple must also not be so closely related that marriage or civil partnership would be prohibited under UK law.
2. Children’s Eligibility
Children can qualify as dependants if they are under 18 at the date of application. If aged 16 or over, the child must not be leading an independent life — for example, they must be financially supported by the parent, not married or in a civil partnership, and usually living with the parent.
In most cases, both parents must be present in the UK or applying at the same time, unless one parent:
- Is the sole surviving parent
- Has sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing
- Is a British citizen or settled in the UK, and ordinarily resident in the UK
- Or there are serious and compelling reasons justifying the grant of leave
Suitable care and accommodation arrangements for the child in the UK must also be in place.
3. Financial Requirements for Dependants
Unless exempt, dependants must show access to funds to support themselves, in addition to the main applicant’s maintenance requirement. The amounts are currently:
- £285 for a partner
- £315 for the first child
- £200 for each additional child
The funds must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days before the application. Alternatively, the sponsor can certify maintenance on the CoS for the worker and their dependants for the first month in the UK. If the partner or child has been lawfully in the UK for 12 months or more at the time of application, no financial evidence is required.
4. Rights of Dependants
Dependants granted visas under this route can usually work (with limited exceptions, such as working as a professional sportsperson) and study in the UK. They will not, however, gain a route to settlement through the Senior or Specialist Worker visa unless they switch into a settlement category alongside the main applicant.
Section F Summary: Dependants of Senior or Specialist Worker visa holders can accompany or join them in the UK if they meet relationship and financial requirements. Partners and children must apply separately but may stay for the same duration as the main applicant. Financial maintenance must usually be demonstrated unless exempt or certified by the sponsor, and dependants are permitted to work and study in the UK.
Section G: Summary
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa under the Global Business Mobility framework provides an important mechanism for multinational organisations to transfer key staff into the UK. It allows businesses to deploy senior managers and specialist employees on temporary assignments, ensuring continuity of expertise and strengthening global operations.
Eligibility is tightly controlled. Applicants must be sponsored by a UK-based entity that holds an A-rated sponsor licence for this route, and the role must meet strict skill and salary thresholds. In most cases, the worker must also show 12 months of overseas service with the sponsor group unless they qualify as a high earner. Salary must meet or exceed the higher of £52,500 or the going rate, with only the first 48 hours of work per week counted towards the calculation.
The application process requires accuracy and careful preparation. Errors in SOC code selection, salary calculations, or documentation are common refusal triggers. Sponsors must also meet their compliance duties, including reporting and record-keeping, and pay all applicable fees such as the Certificate of Sponsorship fee, Immigration Skills Charge, and visa application charges.
Stay on this visa is limited to 5 years in any 6-year period for standard earners and 9 years in any 10-year period for high earners. The route does not lead directly to settlement, meaning workers who wish to remain long-term will need to switch into a settlement category such as Skilled Worker.
For dependants, partners and children may accompany or join the main visa holder, subject to relationship and financial requirements. They are generally permitted to work and study during their stay in the UK.
Section G Summary: The Senior or Specialist Worker visa enables international businesses to transfer essential personnel to their UK entities on a temporary basis. While it provides valuable work rights and flexibility, it is a non-settlement route with strict eligibility and compliance rules. Employers and applicants must prepare thoroughly to avoid refusals and ensure immigration compliance.
Section H: Need Assistance?
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa can be complex for both employers and applicants. The requirements are detailed and subject to close scrutiny by the Home Office, particularly around the accuracy of SOC codes, salary thresholds, and overseas employment evidence. For sponsors, obtaining and maintaining the correct licence type demands robust HR systems, record-keeping, and reporting processes to remain compliant.
Applicants and employers should prepare thoroughly before starting the process. This includes verifying that the role is eligible, confirming the correct salary level, ensuring all documentation is complete, and checking that the Certificate of Sponsorship is issued accurately and on time. Failing to meet these requirements can result in refusal, delays, or compliance penalties for the sponsor.
Many organisations choose to seek legal or professional advice to manage risk and improve the chances of a successful outcome. Specialist support can help businesses understand their duties as a sponsor, structure mobility programmes effectively, and ensure that applications are accurate and fully supported by evidence.
Section H Summary: Given the complexity of the rules and the potential consequences of mistakes, employers and workers may benefit from professional advice and careful planning before applying. Effective preparation can help safeguard compliance, reduce risk, and improve the likelihood of a successful visa grant.
Section I: Senior or Specialist Worker Visa FAQs
1. What is the Senior or Specialist Worker visa?
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is a Global Business Mobility route for senior managers and specialist employees transferring to a UK business that is linked to their overseas employer. It is intended for temporary work assignments and does not provide a direct path to settlement in the UK.
2. Does this visa require sponsorship?
Yes. Applicants must be sponsored by a UK employer authorised for this category. The sponsor must assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before the application can be made, and must hold an A-rated licence under the Senior or Specialist Worker route.
3. How long does it take to get a decision?
Applications made outside the UK are normally decided within 3 weeks. In-country applications typically take up to 8 weeks. Priority services are sometimes available for an additional fee, offering faster decision times where local capacity allows.
4. How much does the visa cost?
The application fee depends on the length of the CoS and where the application is made. Fees are:
- £769 for permission up to 3 years (outside the UK)
- £1,519 for more than 3 years (outside the UK)
- £885 for up to 3 years (inside the UK)
- £1,751 for more than 3 years (inside the UK)
In addition, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year is payable. Sponsors must also pay the Immigration Skills Charge unless an exemption applies.
5. What documents are needed for the application?
Applicants will need:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Job title, SOC code, and salary details
- Employer’s sponsor licence number
- Proof of funds if maintenance is not certified by the sponsor
- Evidence of overseas employment where required
- Tuberculosis test certificate (if from a listed country)
- ATAS certificate (if the role requires one)
- Proof of relationship for dependants (if applicable)
6. Can dependants join the visa holder?
Yes. Partners and children under 18 may apply as dependants if they meet the eligibility and financial requirements. They are generally permitted to work and study in the UK. Each dependant must submit a separate application.
7. Can the visa be extended?
Yes. The visa can be extended from within the UK, provided the role, sponsorship, and salary requirements continue to be met. Extensions are subject to maximum stay limits (5 years in 6 for standard earners, 9 years in 10 for high earners).
8. Can I switch to another visa category?
Yes, switching into a different visa category such as Skilled Worker may be possible, provided the requirements of that category are met. However, time spent on the Senior or Specialist Worker route does not count towards the qualifying period for settlement under Skilled Worker.
Section I Summary: The FAQs highlight the main rules of the Senior or Specialist Worker visa, including the need for sponsorship, visa costs, required documents, dependant eligibility, extensions, and switching options. While flexible for temporary assignments, this route does not provide a settlement pathway, so employers and workers should plan ahead if long-term residence in the UK is required.
Section J: Glossary
| Senior or Specialist Worker Visa | A Global Business Mobility route for employees transferring to a UK entity linked by ownership, control, or a qualifying joint venture. It allows temporary assignments but does not lead to settlement. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | An electronic record with a unique reference number assigned in the Sponsor Management System by a licensed employer. Confirms details of the sponsored role and is required for the visa application. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Rules that applicants must meet, including sponsorship by a licensed employer, working in an eligible role at RQF Level 6 or above, earning at least £52,500 or the going rate, and meeting the overseas work requirement if not a high earner. |
| Dependants | Partners and children under 18 who may accompany or join the main visa holder if relationship and financial requirements are satisfied. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | A fee payable for each year of visa validity to access the UK’s National Health Service. Currently £1,035 per year per applicant. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Permission to stay in the UK permanently without time limits. Time spent on the Senior or Specialist Worker visa does not count towards ILR. |
| Job Offer | The role described in the CoS. It must be genuine, at RQF Level 6 or above, and meet salary thresholds. |
| Licensed UK Employer | A UK business approved by the Home Office to sponsor workers under this category. Only A-rated sponsors may issue CoS to new applicants. |
| Sponsorship | The process by which a licensed UK employer assigns a CoS and accepts compliance responsibilities, including reporting and record-keeping. Sponsors must also pay the Immigration Skills Charge unless exempt. |
| Switching Visa Categories | The process of applying from inside the UK to change into a different visa route, such as Skilled Worker, if the eligibility rules of that route are met. |
| Visa Extension | Applying from inside the UK to extend permission under the Senior or Specialist Worker route, subject to maximum stay limits. |
| Work Rights | Permission to work in the sponsored role only, with some rights to travel, study, and undertake voluntary work. Second jobs are not permitted except where ICT permission was previously held. |
| Salary Requirements | The applicant must earn the higher of £52,500 or the going rate for the role. Only the first 48 hours of work per week count towards meeting this threshold. |
Section K: Additional Resources and Links
| Senior or Specialist Worker visa – overview | https://www.gov.uk/senior-specialist-worker-visa Official Home Office overview of eligibility, conditions, and stay limits. |
| Apply from outside the UK | https://www.gov.uk/senior-specialist-worker-visa/apply-from-outside-the-uk Application guidance, required documents, and fees for overseas applicants. |
| Immigration Rules – Appendix GBM | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-global-business-mobility-routes Legal framework for the Global Business Mobility routes, including Senior or Specialist Worker. |
| Appendix Skilled Occupations | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-skilled-occupations List of eligible SOC codes and RQF levels for GBM and other sponsored routes. |
| Going rates for eligible occupations | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-business-mobility-going-rates-for-eligible-occupations/global-business-mobility-going-rates-for-eligible-occupations Home Office salary thresholds for eligible roles. |
| Sponsor a Global Business Mobility worker | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sponsor-a-global-business-mobility-worker Official sponsor guidance for businesses employing workers under GBM routes. |
| Immigration Skills Charge | https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers/immigration-skills-charge Rules on when the ISC applies, rates payable, and exemptions. |
| Visa fees | https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees Current Home Office fees for visa applications. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/how-much-pay Details of the IHS, rates payable, and who must pay. |
| eVisa – set up UKVI account | https://www.gov.uk/evisa/set-up-ukvi-account How to create an account to access and manage your eVisa. |
| eVisa – view and share code | https://www.gov.uk/evisa/view-evisa-get-share-code-prove-immigration-status Service to view your eVisa and generate share codes for right to work or rent checks. |
| UKVCAS | https://www.gov.uk/ukvcas Biometrics appointment booking and document upload service for UK applications. |
| Find a visa application centre | https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre Check locations and procedures for overseas visa application centres (VACs). |
| ATAS certificate | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme When an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate is required for sensitive research roles. |
| Senior or Specialist Worker Visa – DavidsonMorris Guide | https://www.davidsonmorris.com/senior-or-specialist-worker-visa/ Practical guidance for employers and workers on applying for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa. |
| Senior or Specialist Worker Visa – Xpats.io Guide | https://www.xpats.io/senior-or-specialist-worker-visa/ Detailed overview of eligibility, process, and compliance for the Senior or Specialist Worker route. |
