What this visa is and who it's for
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is part of the Global Business Mobility routes. It is for senior managers or specialist employees of an overseas business who are being transferred to a UK branch that is linked to their employer. It replaced the old Intra-Company Transfer route.
It suits multinationals moving key staff into the UK temporarily, rather than people looking for a new UK job. You normally need to have worked for the overseas business for a qualifying period before you transfer (higher earners may be exempt) – check GOV.UK for the current rule.
The main requirements
Your sponsoring UK business handles much of the paperwork; you must meet the personal requirements. Salary thresholds change, so confirm the current figures on GOV.UK before relying on them.
- A genuine link between your overseas employer and the sponsoring UK business
- A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – a digital reference from the UK sponsor confirming your role
- A job that is at the required skill level and on the eligible occupation list
- A salary that meets the minimum and the going rate for the role (check GOV.UK)
- Usually, prior employment with the overseas business for the qualifying period (exemptions can apply to high earners)
Duration, dependants and settlement
The visa is usually granted in line with your assignment, up to a maximum total stay (longer for high earners) – check GOV.UK for the current limits. You can normally bring your partner and children under 18 as dependants.
Importantly, time on this route does not usually count towards settlement on its own. If your goal is to settle in the UK, you may need to switch to a different route, such as the Skilled Worker visa. A solicitor can map out a realistic long-term plan.
How Immigration Lawyers UK helps
Immigration Lawyers UK is a network of SRA-regulated immigration solicitors working on fixed fees, UK-wide. We act for both the transferring employee and the sponsoring business.
For employers, we advise on the sponsor licence, the linked-business requirement and assigning Certificates of Sponsorship correctly. For employees, we check eligibility, prepare your application and dependants' applications, and advise on switching routes if you later want to settle.
What to do next
If your company is transferring you to the UK, or you are an employer moving staff, the simplest first step is a free, no-obligation assessment.
Request a free call-back and a regulated solicitor will talk through the route, the linked-business test and your options, with a clear fixed fee before any work begins.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the old Intra-Company Transfer visa?
In effect, yes. The Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) replaced the Intra-Company Transfer route. It serves the same purpose – moving existing staff from an overseas business to a linked UK branch.
Can this visa lead to settlement?
Not usually on its own – time on this route generally does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain. If you want to settle, you may need to switch to a route such as the Skilled Worker visa. A solicitor can plan this with you.
Do I need to have worked for the company already?
Usually yes – you normally need a qualifying period of prior employment with the overseas business before transferring, although higher earners may be exempt. Check GOV.UK for the current rule, or ask us to confirm.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your partner and children under 18 can normally apply as your dependants to join or come with you, provided you can support them.