Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

The Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) allows an overseas business to send an existing senior manager or specialist employee to work temporarily for a linked business in the UK. The UK business must hold a sponsor licence and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Who may be eligible

• Existing senior managers or specialist employees of a business with a linked UK entity.
• Employees who have worked for the business outside the UK for at least 12 months, unless they will be paid £73,900 a year or more.

Key requirements

• A valid CoS from the licensed UK entity for an eligible occupation listed in the Immigration Rules.
• Salary: at least £52,500 a year or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
• A genuine role and a genuine need for the transfer.
• Any financial requirement that applies in your circumstances, which may be met by the sponsor certifying maintenance.

Transitional rules may apply to people who have held permission continuously since before 4 April 2024 in certain occupations.

How long you can stay

Each grant is for the shorter of the CoS period plus 14 days or 5 years. Overall, you can spend no more than 5 years in any 6-year period on the route, or 9 years in any 10-year period if you are paid £73,900 or more. This route does not lead to settlement. If you want to stay long term, you may need to consider switching to a route such as the Skilled Worker visa, if you are eligible.

Information for sponsors

The UK business needs a sponsor licence covering the Global Business Mobility routes and must be linked to the overseas business in the way the Immigration Rules require. The CoS fee for this route is currently £525.

Recent and upcoming changes

Older guidance quoting lower salary figures is out of date. The current minimum is £52,500 or the going rate, whichever is higher. The latest changes to the Immigration Rules, which take effect from 8 October 2026, do not change this route. We check the position again before every application.

How the application works

1. The linked UK business confirms it holds a sponsor licence covering the Senior or Specialist Worker route, or applies for one.
2. The sponsor assigns a CoS, which gives you a reference number to use in your application.
3. You apply online and prove your identity, which may include attending an appointment.
4. The Home Office decides the application. You must not start work in the UK until you have permission to do so.

Documents and evidence commonly needed

• A valid passport or other travel document.
• Your CoS reference number.
• Evidence of your employment with the overseas business, such as payslips, where the 12-month requirement applies.
• Bank statements showing the required funds, unless you are exempt or your sponsor certifies maintenance.
• Any other documents the Home Office asks for, such as translations of documents not in English or Welsh.

Common problems we help with

• Showing the link between the UK and overseas businesses.
• Choosing between this route and the Skilled Worker route.
• Checking the occupation code, salary and overseas employment history.
• Planning around the maximum time limits.

How Stonebridge can help

We advise groups on the right route, help with the sponsor licence, check CoS details, and prepare and submit applications for transferring employees.

To plan a transfer, book a consultation.