The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa UK enables multinational companies to transfer key employees to their UK operations under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) framework. This comprehensive guide covers the 2026 requirements, including the updated £52,500 salary threshold, visa fees ranging from £769 to £1,751, and the complete application process. Whether you're a senior manager or specialist employee being transferred to a UK branch, this guide explains everything you need to know about this visa route that replaced the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa.
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa UK Overview 2026
The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is part of the UK's Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa framework, introduced on 11 April 2022 to replace the former Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa. This route allows multinational companies to transfer senior managers and specialist employees to their UK branches for temporary work assignments.
While this visa does not provide a direct path to UK settlement (ILR), it offers flexibility to transition into other immigration routes that do lead to settlement, such as the Skilled Worker visa. Partners and dependent children can accompany the primary visa holder to the UK.
What is the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is a UK work permit for employees of multinational companies transferring to a UK branch. You must be sponsored by a licensed UK employer linked to your overseas company, earn at least £52,500 (or the going rate), and have 12 months of overseas work experience unless you earn £73,900 or more.
This visa category is specifically designed for two types of workers being transferred to UK operations:
- Senior Managers: Employees in high-level management positions responsible for significant business decisions, resource allocation, and strategic direction
- Specialist Workers: Employees with advanced proprietary knowledge, specialised technical skills, or expertise essential to the company's UK operations
How Long Can You Stay on a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
The maximum stay depends on your salary: if you earn less than £73,900 annually, you can stay up to 5 years within any 6-year period. If you earn £73,900 or more (high earner), you can stay up to 9 years within any 10-year period. Each visa grant covers your assignment duration plus 14 days.
The visa duration is linked to your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) period, but subject to cumulative stay limits. Time spent on any GBM route counts towards your maximum allowed stay, including previous time on the ICT visa before April 2022.
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa Requirements
To qualify for a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa UK, you must meet specific eligibility criteria under the points-based immigration system. You need 60 points across three mandatory categories: sponsorship, job skill level, and salary threshold.
Points Requirements
Full Eligibility Criteria
- Age: Must be 18 years or older at the time of application
- Overseas Employment: 12 months continuous employment with your overseas employer or linked business (waived for high earners at £73,900+)
- Sponsor Link: UK sponsor must be linked to your overseas employer through common ownership, control, or a joint venture
- Genuine Vacancy: The job must be a genuine role not created primarily for visa purposes
- Financial Requirement: Show £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days (or sponsor certifies maintenance)
- TB Test: Required if residing in a listed country for 6+ months before applying
Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, there is no English language requirement for the Senior or Specialist Worker route, as applicants are existing employees being transferred within their organisation.
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa Fees 2026
The cost of a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa includes the application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and potentially the financial requirement. Employers also pay separate sponsorship costs that cannot be passed on to the employee.
Visa Application Fees
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
All Senior or Specialist Worker visa holders must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge to access NHS services during their stay:
- Adults (18+): £1,035 per year
- Under 18s: £776 per year
- 3-year visa example: £3,105 (adult) or £2,328 (under 18)
- 5-year visa example: £5,175 (adult) or £3,880 (under 18)
Employer/Sponsor Costs
Employers sponsoring Senior or Specialist Workers must pay the following costs, which cannot legally be passed on to or recovered from the employee:
- Visa application (outside UK): £769
- IHS (3 years × £1,035): £3,105
- Applicant total: £3,874
- CoS (employer): £525
- ISC (large sponsor, 3 years): £2,000
- Combined total: £6,399
How to Apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
The application process begins with your employer obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You must then apply within 3 months of the CoS being assigned, or it becomes invalid.
What is the Application Process?
Apply online through gov.uk using your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number. Pay the visa fee and IHS, then attend a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre. Standard processing takes 3 weeks from outside the UK or 8 weeks from inside the UK.
- Step 1: Employer obtains GBM sponsor licence (if not already held)
- Step 2: Employer assigns Certificate of Sponsorship with your details
- Step 3: Complete online application on gov.uk within 3 months of CoS
- Step 4: Pay visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Step 5: Book and attend biometrics appointment
- Step 6: Submit supporting documents
- Step 7: Receive decision (3 weeks standard / 8 weeks in-country)
Required Documents
- Valid passport: With at least one blank page for the visa
- Certificate of Sponsorship: Reference number from your employer
- Financial evidence: Bank statements showing £1,270 for 28 days (unless sponsor certifies maintenance)
- TB test certificate: If required based on country of residence
- ATAS certificate: If required for certain academic or research roles
- Criminal record certificate: For certain roles involving vulnerable people
Switching from Within the UK
If you're already in the UK on certain visa types, you may be able to switch to a Senior or Specialist Worker visa without leaving the country. However, you must still meet all eligibility requirements including the 12-month overseas work requirement.
You cannot switch from: Visitor visas, short-term student visas, parent of a child student, seasonal worker, domestic worker in a private household, or if you're on immigration bail.
Senior or Specialist Worker vs Skilled Worker Visa
Understanding the differences between the Senior or Specialist Worker visa and the Skilled Worker visa is essential for choosing the right immigration route:
- Minimum salary increased to £52,500 from July 2025 (or going rate)
- Visa fees range from £769 to £1,751 plus £1,035/year IHS
- 12 months overseas work experience required (waived for £73,900+ earners)
- No direct path to settlement—switch to Skilled Worker route if needed
- No English language requirement for this route
For official guidance and to start your application, visit the gov.uk Senior or Specialist Worker visa page. For current fee information, see the official Home Office fee table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Senior or Specialist Worker visa and the ICT visa?
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa replaced the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa in April 2022. While both visas facilitate employee transfers within multinational companies, the Senior or Specialist Worker visa operates under the Global Business Mobility framework with updated salary thresholds (£52,500 from July 2025) and offers more flexibility for switching to other visa categories. Existing ICT visa holders can continue until their visa expires or extend under the new GBM rules.
What is the minimum salary for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa in 2026?
From 22 July 2025, the minimum salary requirement is £52,500 per year or the going rate for your occupation code, whichever is higher. High earners at £73,900 or above are exempt from the 12-month overseas work requirement and can stay up to 9 years instead of 5 years.
Can I get settlement (ILR) on a Senior or Specialist Worker visa?
No, the Senior or Specialist Worker visa does not lead directly to UK settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). However, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you meet its requirements, and then apply for ILR after 5 years on that route. Time spent on the GBM route does not count towards settlement, so switching sooner is advisable if permanent residence is your goal.
How much does a Senior or Specialist Worker visa cost?
The visa application fee is £769 (up to 3 years) or £1,519 (over 3 years) from outside the UK, and £885 or £1,751 respectively from inside the UK. You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at £1,035 per year. For a 3-year visa from outside the UK, the total applicant cost is approximately £3,874. Priority processing adds £500 (5 days) or £1,000 (next day).
Do I need to take an English test for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa?
No, there is no English language requirement for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa. This is one of the key differences from the Skilled Worker visa, which requires applicants to demonstrate English at B2 level (from January 2026). The GBM route assumes that as an existing employee being transferred, you already have the communication skills necessary for your role.
How long can I stay on a Senior or Specialist Worker visa?
The maximum stay depends on your salary. If you earn less than £73,900 per year, you can stay up to 5 years within any 6-year period. If you earn £73,900 or more (high earner), you can stay up to 9 years within any 10-year period. After reaching these limits, you must spend time outside the UK before being eligible for another GBM visa.
Can my family join me on a Senior or Specialist Worker visa?
Yes, your partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of 2+ years) and dependent children under 18 can apply to join you in the UK. Each dependant must submit their own visa application and pay the relevant fees, including the IHS. Your partner can work in the UK without restrictions, and children can attend school.
What happens if my sponsor's licence is revoked?
If your sponsor's licence is revoked, you will be notified by the Home Office and given a grace period (usually 60 days) to find a new sponsor or switch to a different visa category. If you cannot do so within this period, your visa will be curtailed and you will need to leave the UK. Professional immigration solicitors can assist with finding alternative sponsorship or visa options.