The Global Business Mobility plays a central role in senior immigration UK enabling multinational organisations to transfer senior managers and specialist employees from an employer overseas to their UK operations. This visa route allows employees of overseas businesses to transfer to a UK branch or subsidiary, provided there is common ownership or control between the overseas and UK entities. The employer overseas must have a qualifying connection with the UK sponsor, ensuring that only those working for entities linked through ownership, control, or joint venture arrangements are eligible.
Senior immigration UK under the Global Business Mobility framework replaced the former Intra-Company Transfer route and introduced stricter compliance standards, revised salary thresholds, and clearer eligibility rules. The Senior or Specialist Worker visa replaced the intra company Tier 2 Intra-company Transfer (ICT) visa and opened to applications on 11th April 2022. The transition from the Tier 2 intra company transfer (ICT) visa to the Senior or Specialist Worker visa reflects regulatory changes and new requirements for business mobility, while continuing to allow multinational companies to transfer staff to a UK branch for skilled roles.
This comprehensive guide has been prepared to provide authoritative insight into senior immigration UK, covering how it works, who qualifies, how long applicants can stay, and what employers must do to remain compliant.
What is the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa under Global Business Mobility?
The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is a sponsored work route within the UK’s Global Business Mobility system. It allows overseas employees of multinational companies to be temporarily assigned to a UK entity that is linked by ownership or control. This visa is a cornerstone of senior immigration UK, supporting international business mobility while protecting the domestic labour market.
This UK work visa for senior employees applies only where the applicant remains employed by the overseas business but is assigned to work in the UK for a defined period. The UK entity must hold a valid sponsor licence and must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship confirming the role, salary, and assignment details. The role must be an eligible job, listed among eligible occupations, and meet the required job type and skill level as defined by the Home Office. Related job titles must correspond to the official occupation codes for visa eligibility.
Unlike settlement routes, senior immigration UK through this visa does not lead to indefinite leave to remain. It is a temporary route intended for structured assignments, project leadership, or specialist deployments rather than permanent relocation.
The Home Office assesses applications based on:
- The senior or specialist nature of the role
- The skill level of the position
- Salary compliance
- The genuineness of the vacancy
- Sponsor compliance history
For businesses, senior immigration UK under this route enables continuity across international operations. For employees, it provides lawful access to the UK labour market under a regulated framework. The application process requires close coordination between the employer overseas, the UK sponsor, and the individual applicant to ensure all requirements are met.
Global Business Mobility Visa UK Routes
There is a suite of visa categories designed to streamline the transfer of overseas workers to the UK for temporary assignments. These routes support the needs of multinational companies by enabling them to deploy key personnel to their UK operations, ensuring business continuity and the transfer of specialist skills. The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is a central visa category within this framework, specifically tailored for senior managers and employees with specialist expertise who are essential to business operations in the UK.
By offering a range of options under the Global Business Mobility routes, the UK aims to attract high-calibre talent and facilitate international business growth. Each route is structured to address different business scenarios, from senior or specialist worker transfers to graduate trainees and service suppliers. Immigration lawyers play a crucial role in advising both employers and employees on the most suitable worker visa, ensuring compliance with the latest immigration rules and helping to navigate the complexities of the application process. Whether you are a multinational company planning an intra company transfer or an individual seeking to work in the UK, understanding the available global business mobility routes is essential for successful business operations and legal compliance.
Switching into the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)
Switching into the Global Business Mobility route from within the UK is highly restricted, which is a critical consideration in senior immigration UK planning. In most cases, applicants must apply from outside the UK, even if they are already present under another visa category.
The Immigration Rules generally prohibit switching into this route from visas such as:
- Visitor
- Student
- Graduate
- Most temporary work routes
This restriction reflects the Home Office’s intention that senior immigration UK under the global business mobility route be used for overseas-to-UK transfers rather than in-country recruitment.
Employers must therefore plan assignments carefully, factoring in overseas application timelines and ensuring sponsorship arrangements are in place before the application is submitted. Incorrect assumptions about switching can result in refusal and operational disruption.
At Salam Immigration, we assess whether switching is legally permitted or whether an overseas application is required, ensuring that senior immigration UK strategies are compliant from the outset.
Which Occupations Are Included in Senior Immigration UK?
Only the roles are included that meet strict occupational and skill criteria. The role must be listed under an eligible occupation code and must be skilled to at least RQF Level 6, broadly equivalent to graduate-level work. Only eligible occupations and job types listed by the Home Office qualify, and related job titles must match the official occupation codes for the visa application to be valid.
Eligible roles typically include senior and specialist positions such as:
- Senior corporate managers and directors
- Finance and commercial leaders
- IT systems architects and senior developers
- Engineering and technical specialists
- Senior consultants within multinational organisations
Demonstrating specific expertise is crucial for meeting the requirements for senior or specialist roles, as the Home Office will assess whether the applicant’s skills and experience align with the eligible job criteria.
The Home Office assesses the actual duties of the role rather than relying solely on job titles. For senior immigration UK compliance, it is essential that job descriptions accurately reflect the responsibilities and seniority associated with the selected occupation code.
Incorrect occupation selection is one of the most common reasons for visa refusals and sponsor compliance action in senior immigration UK cases.
Duration of a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
The senior or specialist worker visa allows temporary residence in the UK, subject to strict maximum time and visa duration limits. The maximum time a person can stay in the UK under this visa depends on their salary level, which is a key aspect of senior immigration UK policy. This ensures the route is not used as a substitute for settlement pathways.
Initial permission is granted for the length of time stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship, up to the maximum stay allowed for your salary level. The maximum stay in the UK is up to 5 years for those earning under £73,900, or up to 9 years for those earning £73,900 or more. Extensions are possible, provided eligibility and sponsorship requirements continue to be met.
However, senior immigration UK rules impose cumulative stay in the UK limits:
- Standard earners (salary level under £73,900) may stay for a maximum of five years in any six-year period
- High earners (salary level £73,900 or more) may stay for up to nine years in any ten-year period
Time spent under previous Intra-Company Transfer or global business mobility routes may count towards these maximum time limits. Once the maximum period is reached, the individual must usually leave the UK.
Time spent under this route does not count towards settlement, which is a critical distinction.
Eligibility for Senior Immigration UK under the Specialist Worker Route
Eligibility for senior immigration UK under this route depends on both the sponsoring organisation and the applicant. The Home Office applies a dual assessment model, meaning failure on either side can result in refusal.
Meeting specialist worker visa requirements is essential for successful specialist worker visa applications, and legal assistance can help ensure all required documentation is properly prepared and submitted.
Employer Eligibility
For senior immigration UK sponsorship, the UK entity must:
- Hold a valid global business mobility sponsor licence
- Demonstrate a qualifying relationship with the overseas employer, typically established through common ownership, control, or joint venture arrangements
- Offer a genuine senior or specialist role
- Meet all sponsor compliance duties
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) must be issued by an A-rated sponsor and obtained within three months of the visa application.
The sponsor must also ensure that the role cannot be regarded as a routine or junior position created solely for immigration purposes.
Employee Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be an existing employee of the overseas business
- Hold a role skilled to RQF Level 6 or above
- Meet salary requirements
- Satisfy suitability requirements under the Immigration Rules
Most applicants must have completed at least 12 months of overseas employment, unless they qualify as a high earner. To be eligible for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have worked for their employer for at least 12 months unless they earn £73,900 or more. This requirement reinforces the integrity of senior immigration UK by limiting access to established personnel.
Applicants must also meet the financial requirement, which may include showing sufficient personal savings to support themselves upon arrival in the UK.
Certificate of Sponsorship in Senior Immigration UK
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is the foundation of any senior immigration UK application under the global business mobility route. It is an electronic document issued by the UK sponsor and contains all key information about the role and assignment.
For senior immigration UK compliance, the Certificate of Sponsorship must accurately reflect:
- Job title and occupation code
- Duties and responsibilities
- Salary and working hours
- Assignment dates
- Confirmation of the overseas–UK business link
Errors within the CoS frequently lead to refusals. Sponsors are also legally responsible for monitoring the worker and reporting changes throughout the sponsorship period.
At Salam Immigration, we provide end-to-end support to sponsors to ensure Certificates of Sponsorship meet Home Office standards and withstand compliance audits.
Minimum Salary Requirements for Senior Immigration UK
Senior Specialist Worker visa salary requirements are another central pillar. The Home Office requires applicants to be paid at or above both:
- The general minimum salary threshold for the route
- The “going rate” for the relevant occupation code
For the Senior or Specialist Worker visa, the minimum salary requirement is £48,500 per year or the ‘going rate’ for the role, whichever is higher. As of July 22, 2025, the minimum salary requirement for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa increased to £52,500 annually. The required salary level directly impacts eligibility and the maximum allowable period of stay, with different time limits depending on whether the applicant’s salary level is above or below the threshold. Specialist workers must ensure they meet these salary threshold adjustments to qualify for extensions or new applications.
Whichever figure is higher must be met. Only guaranteed gross pay can usually be counted, meaning bonuses and allowances are often excluded.
High earners benefit from exemptions relating to overseas employment duration and longer maximum stays, making salary planning a strategic element of senior immigration UK workforce management.
Job Skill Level Requirements
Senior immigration UK under this route requires the role to meet RQF Level 6. The Home Office evaluates the substance of the role, not the job title. This reflects the Home Office’s intention that this route be limited to senior managerial or specialist professional roles.
The assessment is based on the actual duties of the role, not simply the job title. The Home Office will consider whether the responsibilities align with the selected occupation code and whether the role genuinely requires graduate-level skills or specialist expertise.
Sponsors must ensure that job descriptions accurately reflect the seniority and complexity of the role. Misalignment between duties and skill level is a frequent cause of refusal and sponsor compliance issues.
Duration of Employment Requirement in Senior Immigration UK
A core requirement within senior immigration UK is the applicant’s prior employment history with the overseas business. This requirement reinforces the purpose of the route as a structured transfer mechanism rather than a general recruitment pathway.
In most cases, applicants must have been employed by the overseas entity for at least 12 continuous months immediately before the date of application. The employment must be genuine, paid, and directly linked to the sponsoring group of companies.
However, high earners are exempt from the overseas employment requirement. This exemption recognises that senior executives and highly specialised professionals may be recruited at a senior level without a lengthy employment history within the organisation. This distinction is particularly relevant in strategic cases involving executive appointments.
Evidence typically required includes employment contracts, payslips, tax records, and employer confirmation letters. Inadequate or inconsistent evidence is a frequent reason for refusal in senior immigration UK applications.
Maintenance and Support Funds Requirement
Financial self-sufficiency is another mandatory element of senior immigration UK eligibility. Applicants must demonstrate that they can support themselves upon arrival in the UK unless the sponsor certifies maintenance on their behalf. Applicants must have at least £1,270 in their bank account to support themselves when arriving in the UK, unless exempt.
Where required, the applicant must show that they have held the prescribed level of personal savings for a consecutive 28-day period prior to the application. These funds must be readily accessible and held in an approved financial institution.
Legal assistance can help applicants understand the financial requirements, including the need to show available funds of at least £1,270.
Alternatively, the UK sponsor may certify maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship. This option is commonly used in senior immigration UK cases, as it simplifies the application and reduces the evidential burden on the applicant.
Failure to meet the maintenance requirement, or submitting incorrect financial evidence, can result in refusal even where all other aspects of senior immigration UK eligibility are met.
UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa Required Documents
Document preparation is a critical stage in senior immigration UK applications. The Home Office expects all evidence to be clear, consistent, and aligned with the information provided on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
Typical documents include:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Employment contract and assignment letter
- Evidence of overseas employment
- Salary and remuneration evidence
- Maintenance funds evidence (if applicable)
- TB certificate (where required)
All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Inconsistent documentation is one of the most common causes of refusal under senior immigration UK routes.
At Salam Immigration, we conduct thorough document reviews to ensure that every application meets Home Office evidential standards.
How to Apply for Senior Immigration UK
Applications under senior immigration UK are submitted online using the Home Office digital application system. The process involves completing the application form, paying the relevant fees, and booking a biometric appointment. The application for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa is an online process that requires proving your identity.
Applicants must:
- Receive a valid Certificate of Sponsorship
- Submit the online visa application
- Upload supporting documents
- Attend a biometric appointment
- Await a decision from the Home Office
Biometric data is usually provided at a visa application centre overseas. Priority services may be available depending on the location of application.
Errors at any stage of the process can delay or derail senior immigration UK applications, making professional oversight particularly valuable. An experienced immigration team or immigration lawyers can help applicants navigate the application process, including online submissions and biometric appointments.
Legal Framework and Compliance Requirements
Senior immigration UK is governed by the UK Immigration Rules and associated sponsor guidance. Compliance is not optional and applies throughout the duration of sponsorship.
Sponsors must:
- Monitor attendance and work location
- Report changes in employment circumstances
- Maintain accurate records
- Cooperate with Home Office audits
Non-compliance can result in sponsor licence suspension or revocation, which can have severe consequences for all sponsored workers. Given the compliance risks involved, senior immigration UK sponsorship should be managed proactively and strategically.
Application Process and Processing Times
Processing times for senior immigration UK applications vary depending on location and service level selected. Standard processing typically takes several weeks, though priority services may significantly reduce waiting times. Applicants may also choose to pay an additional cost for premium processing services to expedite their visa application.
Delays may occur where:
- Additional information is requested
- Security or background checks are required
- Sponsor compliance concerns arise
Applicants should avoid making travel or relocation arrangements until a decision has been issued.
How Long Can You Stay Under Senior Immigration UK?
Standard earners are limited to five years in any six-year period, while high earners may stay for up to nine years in any ten-year period. Once these limits are reached, further permission under this route is not normally possible.
Importantly, time spent under senior immigration UK does not count towards settlement, and individuals seeking long-term residence must explore alternative visa routes where eligible. However, while the Senior or Specialist Worker visa itself does not lead directly to settlement, applicants may eventually qualify for settlement through other routes such as Long Residence.
Dependents and Family Members
Specialist worker visa holders under the Senior or Specialist Worker route can bring their family members to the UK, allowing them to maintain family unity during their assignment. Eligible dependents include spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under the age of 18. To qualify, family members must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as demonstrating that they have enough money to support themselves without recourse to public funds.
The main visa holder must hold a valid worker visa and provide evidence of sufficient income or maintenance funds to support their dependents. Each family member will need to submit a separate visa application and provide supporting documentation, including proof of relationship and financial resources. Immigration lawyers can assist with the preparation and submission of dependent visa applications, ensuring that all eligibility criteria are met and that the process is as smooth as possible. This support is invaluable in helping families join the main visa holder in the UK and ensuring compliance with all Home Office requirements.
Change Employers
Senior or Specialist Worker visa holders who wish to change employers while in the UK must follow a specific process to remain compliant with immigration rules. Changing employers is not automatic and requires the visa holder to submit a new visa application, supported by a fresh Certificate of Sponsorship from the new employer. The new employer must be an approved sponsor and meet all sponsor requirements under the Senior or Specialist Worker visa category.
To be eligible, the visa holder must continue to meet the criteria for the specialist worker visa, including the appropriate skill level and salary threshold. Immigration lawyers can provide expert guidance throughout the process, from assessing eligibility to preparing the new application and ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete. This professional support helps specialist worker visa holders transition smoothly between employers, minimizing disruption to their work and maintaining their legal status in the UK.
Settlement and ILR
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is a temporary immigration route and does not provide a direct pathway to settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. Time spent under this visa category does not count towards the qualifying period for settlement. However, specialist worker visa holders may be able to switch to other visa categories that do lead to settlement, such as the Skilled Worker route, provided they meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
Planning for long-term residence in the UK requires careful consideration of available immigration routes and their respective requirements. Immigration lawyers can offer tailored advice on the best options for achieving indefinite leave, taking into account the individual’s circumstances, career plans, and changes in immigration policy. They can also assist with the preparation and submission of settlement and ILR applications, ensuring that all necessary documentation is provided and that the application meets Home Office standards. This strategic guidance is essential for those seeking to make the UK their long-term home.
Recent Updates in Senior Immigration UK
Recent policy updates have tightened compliance standards and increased salary thresholds across senior immigration UK routes. These changes reflect the Home Office’s broader objective of ensuring that sponsored work routes are used appropriately and responsibly.
Employers must remain alert to changes in guidance, as non-compliance due to outdated practices is increasingly scrutinised.
Fee Structure Changes from April 2025
From April 2025, updated fee structures apply to senior immigration UK applications. These include increases to:
- Visa application fees
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Sponsor-related costs
Businesses must factor these costs into workforce planning to ensure continued compliance and affordability.
Speak to the UK’s Leading Immigration Lawyers for Senior Immigration UK Matters
As one of the leading immigration law firms in the UK, Salam Immigration provides expert legal advice and representation for individuals, families, and businesses navigating global business mobility visa routes. With over 20 years of experience and thousands of successful applications handled, our regulated Immigration Lawyers offer clear, strategic, and personalised guidance at every stage of the process.
Whether you require support with a sponsor Licence, senior employee transfers, complex visa applications, immigration appeals, or judicial review claims, our team is committed to delivering practical solutions and strong outcomes. From initial eligibility assessments to application submission and ongoing Home Office correspondence, we provide end-to-end legal support tailored to your circumstances.
If you are an employer seeking to sponsor senior overseas talent, or a professional requiring expert advice on senior immigration UK options, contact us today to book an initial assessment and speak directly with one of our experienced Immigration Lawyers.
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