• The UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa – part of Global Business Mobility Visa program is available to overseas workers who have a valid CoS – Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK sponsor and who meet the following eligibility criteria:
  • A valid CoS – Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK sponsor
  • Proof of employment that you have worked for the overseas employer for at least 12 months outside the UK
  • You could be exempted from minimum 12 months employment requirement with overseas employer, if you’re
    • Offered a job with salary of more than £73,900 per annum for Senior or Specialist worker job to the UK
  • Evidence that your position is on the UK’s list of eligible occupations
  • You must be paid minimum salary required for the job role you are undertaking i.e., at least £45,800 per year or as per the ‘going rate’ given for your job title or role type and whichever is higher will be considered as minimum requirement. Please note that annual going rate vary for each occupation code so ensure to verify most up-to-date going rate for your job type in the given going rates table.
  • Be able to support yourself and any dependents while you stay in the UK during your stay within UK
  • You may also need to provide additional documentation, such as a medical certificate or a police clearance certificate.

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a document that your employer will provide to you. It confirms that your employer has a job offer for you and that they can sponsor you for a visa. Your sponsor, which is your employer, will provide you with an electronic certificate of sponsorship that contains details about your intended role in the UK. This certificate is digital, not a physical document. To apply for your visa, you’ll require the reference number found on the certificate of sponsorship, and it’s essential to submit your visa application within three months of receiving this certificate.
• For those who held a Tier 2 (Intra-company transfer) Long-term Staff visa before April 6, 2011, there is no specific salary requirement. However, it’s still essential to receive payment at the ‘going rate’ for your job as outlined in the relevant guidelines. This applies if you’ve been in the UK under any of the following visas: Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa, Intra-company Transfer visa, or Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility).
• If you’ve held a previous Intra-company Transfer visa or a Tier 2 (Intra-company transfer) Long-term Staff visa, there have been some changes regarding eligible occupations for the UK Senior or Specialist Worker visa. Specifically, the following occupation codes have been removed from the list of eligible occupations: 3411 for Artists, 3412 for Authors, writers, and translators, 3413 for Actors, entertainers, and presenters, 3414 for Dancers and choreographers, and 3422 for Product, clothing, and related designers.
• If your current job falls within one of these occupation codes, you can continue working in your current position until your visa expires. You also have the option to extend your visa to continue working in the same job role. However, if you wish to switch to a different job, it must be on the list of eligible occupations, and you’ll need to apply to update your visa accordingly.
• Please note that above are most common and generic requirements. If you are considering applying for the UK Senior or Specialist Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa, it’s important to note that specific requirements can vary based on individual circumstances. If you wish to obtain your case specific professional advice and expert guidance tailored to your situation from our qualified team of immigration advisors, then do not hesitate to Contact us.

   

To obtain professional, most up-to-date, and accurate advice on your ‘Senior or Specialist Worker’ visa requirement you can contact our experienced, and accredited team of immigration consultants on 020 3911 1115 or send us your query using this form or email us on ukvisa@agclservices.com or request a call back by providing your contact details here and we will get back to you asap.

Essential documents required for the UK Senior or Specialist worker Visa

• When applying for the UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, there are certain mandatory documents that hold immense significance in establishing your eligibility for this visa category. To begin with, a valid passport is an absolute necessity. It’s crucial that your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the UK.
• Moreover, your sponsoring UK company plays a pivotal role in this process. They are responsible for providing you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), which is a digital document containing vital information about your employment and secondment. This document must demonstrate that your job position aligns with the UK’s list of eligible occupations, including your job title, occupation code, and an annual salary that meets the minimum requirement for your role. Additionally, it provides essential details about your employer, such as their name, address, contact information, and, most importantly, their UK sponsor license number.
• Financial sufficiency is another crucial aspect of your application. You need to prove that you have the necessary financial resources to support yourself during your UK stay, including any family members or dependents accompanying you. Typically, this is done through bank statements or proof of financial sponsorship.
• If you’re applying from a country where tuberculosis (TB) testing is mandatory, including the results of your TB test is imperative to ensure public health safety.
• It’s also possible that you may need to provide evidence of your employment with your employer for the past 12 months, which can include printed or online payslips, supported by a letter from your sponsor and bank statements.

Additional documents based on individual circumstances

• In addition to the mandatory documents, specific situations may require the submission of additional paperwork. For instance, you may be asked to provide a Criminal Record Certificate, depending on your background and the nature of your secondment.
• If you intend to bring your family members with you, marriage or civil partnership certificates, valid passports, and any other necessary documents for your dependents will be necessary.
• Depending on your unique circumstances, you might also need to provide additional documents, such as evidence of prior employment with your employer outside the UK, a valid ATAS certificate (if applicable), and accommodations arrangements.
• If your documents are not in English or Welsh, certified translations will be required.
• Lastly, it’s crucial to be transparent about your previous immigration history, especially if you have a history of previous immigration applications or visa refusals. Including relevant documents detailing your immigration history is essential for the assessment of your current visa application.

Ensuring documents precision

• The careful and accurate preparation of all submitted documents, whether mandatory or supplementary, is paramount. Adhering to the required standards, providing the necessary evidence, and furnishing comprehensive information are vital. This meticulous attention to documentation ensures that Visa Officers can make timely, informed, and accurate decisions regarding your application.

At AGCL Services, we are dedicated to assisting you in the preparation and submission of these documents, ensuring that your application is comprehensive and well-prepared. This significantly increases your chances of securing the necessary visa for you to work as a Senior or Specialist worker in the UK. Your success is our priority, and we are here to guide you through every step of the process.

Applying for the Senior or Specialist worker visa on your own

This visa is designed for senior managers or specialist employees being transferred to the UK from an overseas branch of the same company. You’ll need to meet specific eligibility criteria, such as holding a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, proving your qualifications, and showing evidence of employment with the company for a minimum period. Managing these steps without expert help can be complex, as the visa requires meticulous attention to detail.

Expert help to simplify your Senior or Specialist worker visa process

Alternatively, you can trust our team at AGCL Services to guide you through the process. We have extensive experience handling Global Business Mobility visa applications, and we ensure that every aspect of your Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is handled with care. From preparing the necessary documents to submitting the application, we make sure everything is in order, reducing your stress and ensuring compliance with all UK immigration regulations.

Contact us for Senior or Specialist worker visa assistance

To obtain professional, most up-to-date, and accurate advice on your visa requirement you can contact our experienced, and accredited team of immigration consultants on 020 3911 1115 or send us your query using this Contact Us Form or email us on ukvisa@agclservices.com or request a call back by providing your contact details here and one of our experts will reach out to you to discuss your visa needs.

Visa processing time for Senior or Specialist worker application

• The overall visa processing time for the UK Senior or Specialist Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa category varies depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the application and the time of year. However, as a general rule, applications from outside the UK are processed more quickly than applications from within the UK.

Procession time taken when applied from outside the UK

• The average processing time for Senior or Specialist Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa applications made from outside the UK is 3 weeks or 15 working days.

Processing time taken when applied from within the UK

• If you are already in the UK under a different visa category and wish to switch to the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, processing times can vary. Typically, it is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance of the expiration of your current visa to avoid any gaps in your legal status. The average processing time for Senior or Specialist Worker Visa applications from within the UK is up to 8 weeks.

   

Please note that these processing times are indicative, and it could be vary or take longer than standard applicable time depending on individual circumstances or due to some reasons i.e. missing documents, you may be asked to appear for interview, your criminal conviction, or they need more time to verify your documents.

Visa validity duration for Senior or Specialist worker visa

• You can stay in the UK for the period indicated on your certificate of sponsorship, plus an additional 14 days. Alternatively, you can stay for a maximum of 5 years, whichever is shorter.
• If needed, you have the flexibility to apply for an extension of your visa or apply for a new one multiple times, as long as you don’t exceed the maximum total stay allowed.
• If you are currently in the UK under an Intra-company visa or a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa, you have the option to apply for an extension to continue your stay as a Senior or Specialist Worker.
• The maximum total stay permitted for a Senior and Specialist Worker visa is as follows:
  • 5 years within any 6-year period if your annual salary is below £73,900.
  • 9 years within any 10-year period if your annual salary is £73,900 or more.
• It’s important to note that any time spent in the UK under certain other visas, such as the Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa, Intra-company Transfer visa, Graduate Trainee visa (Global Business Mobility), Secondment Worker visa (Global Business Mobility), Service Supplier visa (Global Business Mobility), or UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility), will count towards your maximum total stay calculation.
• This visa category does not directly lead to settlement in the UK, but applicants can switch to another immigration route that does.
• Understanding the duration of your stay is essential for planning your immigration status in the UK, ensuring that you comply with the visa conditions and make timely applications for extensions or new visas when needed.

Visa duration after extending your Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

• You can apply for an extension of your Senior or Specialist Worker visa from within the UK if the below conditions are met:

   

  • You are continuing the same job for which you were initially granted permission to enter or stay in the UK.
  • Your current job falls within the same occupation code as when you were initially granted your visa.
  • You are still employed by the same sponsoring employer who provided you with your current CoS.
  • You have not exceeded the maximum total stay allowed for your visa category.

Family member visas:

• It’s important to note that if you extend your visa, the visas of your partner or child will not be automatically extended. Their visas will remain valid until their original expiry dates. They have the option to apply for an extension either simultaneously with you or at any time before their current visas expire.

Travel restrictions:

• While your extension application is pending, you must refrain from traveling outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. Leaving the specified area before receiving a decision on your application could result in the withdrawal of your application.

Special considerations for previous visa holders:

• If you previously held an Intra-company Transfer visa or a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa, there are specific rules and considerations that apply when seeking an extension of your visa.

Occupation codes:

• For individuals with certain occupation codes, such as artists, authors, actors, dancers, or designers, it’s essential to be aware that some occupation codes have been removed from the list of eligible occupations for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa. If you are sponsored for a job with one of these removed occupation codes, you can extend your visa only if you continue to work in the exact same job. You are not allowed to switch to another job within the same occupation code or to a job in one of the other removed occupation codes.

Additional paid work:

• While holding a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, you have the opportunity to engage in additional paid work as long as you continue to perform the job you are being sponsored for. You are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week in a job that either belongs to the same occupation code and level as your main job or is listed on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list.
• Understanding the specific requirements and conditions for extending your Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is crucial to ensure a smooth and compliant application process.

Please note that this is just a general overview of the visa validity and extension options for the Senior or Specialist Worker (Global Business Mobility) Visa. Please discuss your case with one of our experienced consultants for more information and obtain specific guidance around your case.

Visa fees for UK Senior or Specialist worker visa

• Visa application fees are crucial to consider when applying for your visa, as they are determined by the length of your stay and whether you are applying from within or outside the UK. It’s essential to ensure that you meet the financial requirements associated with your visa application to avoid any complications in the process.
• The application fee for your Senior or Specialist Worker Visa varies based on your specific circumstances and the duration of your stay in the UK. i.e.

Visa application fees when applying from outside the UK

• If your intended stay in the UK is up to 3 years, the application fee is £719 per person.
• If your intended stay in the UK is more than 3 years, the application fee is £1,420 per person.

Visa application fees when applying from inside the UK (for extension, switch, or update)

• If your planned stay in the UK is up to 3 years, the application fee is £827 per person.
• If your intended stay in the UK is more than 3 years, the application fee is £1,500 per person.

IHS – Immigration Health Surcharge

• Healthcare Surcharge: You are required to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is typically £624 per year for each year of your stay in the UK. The IHS is a mandatory fee that provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) It’s important to check the exact amount you need to pay before submitting your application. You must pay the healthcare surcharge for each year that you are in the UK.

Other charges applicable for UK Senior or Specialist worker Visa

• The Biometric Enrolment fee: It’s a fee for providing biometric information, such as fingerprints and photographs, and is currently £19.20.
• Translation fees: If you need to have any documents translated into English, you will need to pay for the translation service.
• Courier fees: If you need to have your passport or documents couriered to you, you will need to pay for the courier service.
• Priority visa service: This service costs an additional £500 and guarantees a decision on your application within 5 working days.
• Super priority visa service: This service costs an additional £1,000 and guarantees a decision on your application by the end of the next working day.
• Please note that these fees are in addition to the standard visa application fee. The Priority and Super Priority services are designed to speed up the visa application process. However, it is important to note that there is no guarantee that your application will be processed within the specified timeframe.

In addition to the above fees, you may also need to pay for additional services, such as:

• English language test fees
• Tuberculosis test fees
• Medical certificate fees
• Police clearance certificate fees

Q.1  Can I apply for this visa category if I am self-employed?

If you are a self-employed person, you cannot apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa. To qualify for this visa, you must be an existing employee of an organisation that’s been approved by the Home Office as a sponsor.

Q.2  Can my family members join me on this visa?

Yes, family members, such as your spouse or dependent children, may be eligible to join you in the UK under certain conditions.

Q.3  Can I switch from other visa categories to Senior or Specialist Worker Visa category if I am already in the UK?

If you’re currently residing in the UK under a different visa category, you may have the opportunity to switch to a UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. It’s important to note that if you decide to switch your visa, the visas of your partner or child will not automatically transition along with yours. Their visas will remain valid until their original expiration dates. However, they have the option to apply for this visa either concurrently with you or before the expiry of their current visas. During the application process, it’s crucial not to travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until a decision on your application is reached. Leaving the country prematurely could result in the withdrawal of your application.

For example, you are allowed to switch from your current Student Visa to Senior or Specialist Worker Visa subject to meeting the eligibility requirements. Additionally, one of the following conditions must apply:

1. You have successfully completed the course you were sponsored to study.
2. Your job’s start date falls after the conclusion of your course.
3. You have engaged in PhD studies for a minimum of 24 months.

You will not be able to switch from within the UK if you are on the certain visa categories e.g., Visit visas, Short-term student visas, Parent of a Child Student visas, Seasonal worker visas, Domestic worker in a private household visa, Immigration bail, special permission to stay outside the immigration rules, such as compassionate grounds. If you’re in UK on one of these visa categories, you must leave the UK and apply for a UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa from abroad / your home country.

Q.4  Can I extend my Senior or Specialist worker visa?

You can apply for an extension of your Senior or Specialist Worker Visa from within the UK if the below conditions are met:

• You are continuing the same job for which you were initially granted permission to enter or stay in the UK.
• Your current job falls within the same occupation code as when you were initially granted your visa.
• You are still employed by the same sponsoring employer who provided you with your current CoS.
• You have not exceeded the maximum total stay allowed for your visa category.

Q.5  How long is the UK Senior or Specialist worker – Global Business Mobility Visa valid for?

The maximum total stay permitted for a Senior and Specialist Worker visa is as follows:

• 5 years within any 6-year period if your annual salary is below £73,900.
• 9 years within any 10-year period if your annual salary is £73,900 or more.

Q.6  Can I apply for settlement or ILR after certain number of years staying in the UK on a Senior or Specialist worker visa?

No, the UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa does not directly lead to settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. However, applicants can switch to another immigration route that does lead to settlement or ILR after completing the required period of stay in the UK.

Q.7  What are the advantages of being in the UK under the UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa category?

• You can bring your spouse or partner and children under the age of 18 to the UK
• Networking with professionals in your field
• Gaining valuable international work experience
• Contributing to your career development
• Exploring the vibrant UK culture and business environment.

Q.8  Which activities are ‘Allowed’ and ‘Not allowed’ when you are on UK Senior or Specialist worker visa?

• Under a UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, the visa holder is allowed to work for the UK sponsor in the job detailed in the Certificate of Sponsorship, study, travel in and out of the UK, and bring family members to the UK. However, the visa holder is not allowed to access public funds, work for a different employer, or engage in business activities outside of the job detailed in the Certificate of Sponsorship. You are also not allowed to apply to settle permanently in the UK while you are in UK on this visa.

Q.9  What is the minimum salary requirement for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?

• The minimum salary requirement for the UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is £45,800 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your occupation code, whichever is higher will be considered.

It’s essential to understand and adhere to the conditions and limitations of your ‘UK Senior or Specialist Worker’ Visa to maintain your legal status in the UK. Violating the terms of your visa can have serious consequences, including visa cancellation and potential removal from the country. If you have questions or need further clarification, it’s advisable to consult with one of our expert immigration advisors.

Navigating the UK immigration system can be complex, and it’s essential to have expert guidance throughout the process. At AGCL Services, our immigration experts are here to guide you through the process, ensuring that you understand visa fees, additional charges, priority services, FAQs, what you’re allowed and not allowed to do, and the advantages of holding this visa and are committed to helping you achieve your immigration goals and ensuring a smooth and successful application for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa.