Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
Transfer key personnel from your overseas company to the UK branch with confidence.
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa enables multinational companies to send skilled staff to their UK entity for temporary work assignments. Whether you are a global business transferring senior executives or technical specialists, E&S Consultancy UK Limited offers full guidance on securing this visa compliantly and efficiently.
What Is the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
This visa route is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) framework. It replaced the old Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa and is designed for high-level or specialist employees being transferred to a UK office of the same company for a defined period.
Who Is It For?
- This visa is ideal if:
- You work for a multinational company with operations in the UK
- You are a senior manager or technical expert with essential knowledge
- Your company wants to temporarily transfer you to the UK
- You have been employed overseas by the company for at least 12 months (or earn £73,900+)
Key Benefits
- Work legally in the UK for an approved UK company
- Bring family members (partner and children) with you
- No English test required (for most applicants)
- Multiple entries allowed throughout the visa period
- Suitable for project-based transfers or specialist roles
Visa Requirements
- To qualify for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, you must:
- Be registered and actively trading in the UK
- Have at least 12 months’ employment history with that employer (unless earning £73,900+)
- Be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-licensed sponsor
- Work in a job role listed on the Home Office’s eligible occupations list
- Be paid at least £52,500 per year or the “going rate” for the role
The UK business must:
- Hold a valid Skilled Worker or GBM Sponsor Licence
- Prove the role is genuine and necessary to UK operations
How We Help
- At E&S Consultancy UK, we support both employers and employees with:
- Eligibility assessments and strategy advice
- Assisting UK branches with sponsor licence acquisition or upgrades
- Drafting and assigning Certificates of Sponsorship
- Preparing and submitting visa applications for transferees and their families
- Advising on right-to-work compliance and audit readiness
- Planning long-term transition to other routes if needed (e.g. Skilled Worker)
Why Choose Us?
- Corporate Immigration Experts – We understand the nuances of cross-border talent mobility
- Multinational Business Support – From SMEs to large corporations
- Tailored Visa Strategy – We structure assignments in line with business needs and compliance requirements
- Full Family Visa Support – One point of contact for all dependants
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Senior or Specialist Worker visa?
It’s a UK visa for employees of multinational companies being transferred temporarily to the UK branch in a senior or specialist role.
2. How is it different from the Skilled Worker visa?
The Skilled Worker visa is for permanent hires into the UK workforce. The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is for temporary intra-company transfers without a direct path to settlement.
3. How long can I stay in the UK on this visa?
You can stay for up to 5 years in any 6-year period, or 9 years in any 10-year period if you earn £73,900 or more.
4. Can I bring my family with me?
Your spouse/partner and children can accompany you as dependants and live in the UK during your assignment.
5. Is there a minimum salary requirement?
You must earn at least £52,500 or the applicable going rate for your job, whichever is higher.
6. Can I switch to a Skilled Worker visa later?
Potentially, yes — if the UK employer meets the requirements. We can advise on eligibility and prepare your switch if appropriate.
7. Does this visa lead to settlement?
No, this visa does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). If permanent residency is your goal, we can guide you on suitable long-term routes.
Plan Your UK Transfer with Confidence
Whether you are sending a senior executive or a technical expert to support your UK operations, we ensure a smooth and compliant visa process.
Book a free consultation with E&S Consultancy UK Limited and let our team help you manage your Global Business Mobility visa needs with confidence and clarity.