Section A: What is the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
Under the UK Immigration Rules, foreign national employees being assigned to a UK business that is linked to their overseas employer will need to apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa. The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is one of five Global Business Mobility (GBM) visas for overseas organisations looking to establish a UK presence or transfer talent temporarily to the UK.
1. What Does the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa Allow?
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is UK work visa route that allows holders to come to the UK to undertake the job role for which they’re being sponsored to do, typically for the duration of that role, plus a period of 14 days. Second jobs are not permitted under this route, unless the individual previously held permission as an Intra-Company Transfer or Tier 2 (ICT) migrant.
Visa holders can be accompanied by dependant family members, they can travel in and out of the UK during the visa validity period, and they can undertake study programmes in the UK, provided that studying does not interfere with their sponsored roles. They may also undertake voluntary work.
The maximum period of stay in the UK will depend on how much the Senior or Specialist Worker earns. For those being paid a gross salary of less than £73,900 per year, they’ll be able to remain in the UK for up to 5 years in any 6-year period. This will be calculated by looking at the cumulative permission under both the GBM and ICT routes. In contrast, for those working in the UK as a high earner, being paid a salary of £73,900 per year or more, they’ll be able to live and work in the UK for up to 9 years in any 10-year period.
The Global Business Mobility visa senior or specialist worker route does not provide a path to settlement in the UK. This means that the senior or specialist worker visa-holder will not be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain directly from this visa, although they may be able to switch into a different route, such as the Skilled Worker route, to enable them to settle in the UK long-term. Time spent on the GBM or predecessor ICT routes does not count towards the five-year Skilled Worker qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain if they later switch to Skilled Worker.
2. Who Can Sponsor a Senior or Specialist Worker?
To be able to sponsor an overseas worker on this route, the UK-based sponsor will first need to have a valid sponsor licence. This is the permission needed from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to be able to lawfully employ a transferring senior manager or specialist employee.
Once an organisation has been approved by UKVI as a sponsor on the Senior or Specialist Worker route that they can issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the worker for them to apply for the visa. Sponsors must hold an A-rated licence on this route to sponsor new workers.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
The Senior or Specialist Worker route is for temporary UK assignments only. It doesn’t offer a route to long-term permission or settlement, which employers will need to bear in mind when making UK-based workforce plans. If you anticipate longer term UK needs, plan early, usually for a switch to the Skilled Worker route. Remember also that time on GBM visa (or legacy ICT) does not count towards Skilled Worker ILR so an early switch can help the visa applicant onto the settlement path sooner.
Section B: Senior or Specialist Worker Visa Requirements
To apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, the applicant must be aged 18 or over and they must meet requirements in relation to sponsorship, skills, salary, financial maintenance and providing a TB test if the applicant is resident in a listed country for 6 months before applying.
1. General Requirements
The applicant must provide evidence that they meet the following:
a. Sponsorship Requirement: have a valid CoS from a UK licensed sponsor
b. Overseas Work Requirement: be currently working for the sponsor group and, where applicable, meet the minimum overseas work requirement
c. Job Requirement: be doing a job that is on the list of UKVI’s eligible occupations
d. Salary Requirement: be paid the minimum eligible salary required for their job role
e. Financial requirement: be able to support themselves on arrival in the UK, where applicable
f. TB Testing: provide a tuberculosis test certificate if from a listed country
To be eligible for a GBM senior or specialist worker visa, an applicant must be awarded 60 points under three main headings: sponsorship (20 points); a job at an appropriate skill level (20 points); and a salary for that job at the required level (20 points).
a. Sponsorship Requirement
To obtain the requisite 20 points for sponsorship, the following requirements must be met:
a. the applicant must have a valid CoS for the job they’re planning to do — this must confirm their name, that they’re being sponsored as a senior or specialist worker, details of their job and salary, a start date for the job which is no more than 3 months post-application, and unless the applicant is applying as a high earner, confirming that they’ve worked outside the UK for the sponsor group for the period required;
b. the UK sponsor must be authorised by the Home Office to sponsor a senior or specialist worker, and the sponsor must have paid in full any required Immigration Skills Charge. For example, the ISC is not payable where an application is made from outside the UK for a period of less than 6 months, and it is not payable where a worker has switched from a student route to this route and you are assigning a CoS to extend their stay on the new work route.
b. Overseas Work Requirement
To be eligible for sponsorship for a senior or specialist worker visa — unless the applicant is applying as a high earner, being paid a gross annual salary of at least £73,900 — they must be working for a linked overseas employer and have done so for a minimum of 12 months. If the applicant is earning at least £73,900 per year, there is no minimum time requirement, although they must be working for the sponsor group when they apply.
The Home Office must also be satisfied that the job offer in the UK is genuine, rather than a sham created so that the applicant can apply for leave. Equally, the Home Office must not have reasonable grounds to believe that the job the applicant is being sponsored to do amounts to the hire of that individual to a third party who is not the sponsor, or contract work to undertake an ongoing routine role or service.
c. Job Requirement
To obtain the requisite 20 points for a job at an appropriate skill level, the applicant must be sponsored for an eligible role at or above a minimum skill level for a GBM senior or specialist worker. This means that it must be a job listed by the Home Office as eligible for the Global Business Mobility routes.
Specifically, a Senior or Specialist Worker role must always use a code in Appendix Skilled Occupations (Table 1, 2 or 3), which are skilled to RQF 6. Roles below Agenda for Change band 5 are not eligible under the GBM routes.
The Home Office must also be satisfied that the occupation code selected by the sponsor is the appropriate code, and not one chosen either because the most appropriate code is not eligible under the GBM routes or has a higher going rate than the proposed salary. In determining whether the code is correct, the Home Office will consider whether or not the sponsor has a genuine need for the job described, whether the applicant has the appropriate skills, qualifications and experience needed to do that job, and the sponsor’s history of immigration compliance, including paying its sponsored workers appropriately.
d. Salary Requirement
When it comes to the appropriate salary for a senior or specialist worker, the applicant’s proposed pay must be at least the general salary threshold of £52,500 or the specified ‘going rate’ for their occupation, whichever is the higher. Each occupation code has its own annual rate, as set out in the going rates table for eligible occupations on the Home Office website. Only the first 48 hours of work per week can be counted towards meeting the general salary threshold.
e. Financial Requirement
Under the financial requirement, the applicant must be able to show funds of £1,270 or, alternatively, the sponsor must certify that they will maintain and accommodate the senior or specialist worker for the first month of employment. The requirement to show funds will arise either if the applicant is applying for a visa from overseas or making an in-country application but has only been living in the UK for less than 12 months.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Visa applicants and their employers will have to grapple with the complex visa requirements, with arguably the most challenging criterion relating to the minimum salary. Only the first 48 hours a week count towards the general threshold, so overtime can’t be relied on to make up any shortfall.
Another risk point is selecting the SOC code. It’s for the employer to select the most appropriate SOC code, based on the job duties rather than job title. Should this be challenged by the Home Office – which is not uncommon – evidence will be needed to support the decision. If the Home Office is not satisfied the code is appropriate, or the role is found to be ineligible, expect a visa refusal and potential compliance action.
Section C: Senior or Specialist Worker Sponsor Requirements
To obtain a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, the applicant will need to be sponsored by a Home Office approved employer authorised to sponsor this category of worker. Sponsorship under this route operates on the principle that the UK business receiving the worker will be the sponsor licence holder, where applicants would need to demonstrate that they have a receiving business, a sending business and that there’s a relationship between the two.
To sponsor a worker under the GBM senior or specialist worker route, a business must first hold an A-rated sponsor licence. Businesses should therefore be taking steps to apply for a sponsor licence, if not already on the register of licensed sponsors, or to add senior or specialist workers to their existing licence. Only once permission has been granted by the Home Office can the UK employer assign a valid CoS to a prospective overseas transferee.
To be eligible to apply for a senior or specialist worker sponsor licence, the sponsor must be operating lawfully in the UK and linked by common ownership or control or, alternatively, by a joint venture agreement, with an overseas business.
To be linked by common ownership or control to the overseas business, the sponsor must be able to show, for example, that one entity holds sufficient shares in the other to have more than half the voting rights in that other entity, or that both entities have a common parent entity. In cases where the link between the overseas business and proposed sponsor is through a joint venture agreement, UKVI must be satisfied that the worker will be working as part of that agreement before accepting that the applicant can sponsor that worker.
However, there are various ways in which a UK-based and linked overseas business can demonstrate common ownership and control, as well as many forms of joint venture, where applicable, with different evidence required to show that the venture is in operation. The proposed sponsor will also need to show that they can offer genuine employment which meets the relevant skill-level and salary requirements for the senior or specialist worker route. As such, it is best to seek expert advice and assistance from a specialist in sponsor licence applications to help navigate the various evidential requirements and maximise the prospects of a successful outcome from UKVI first time round.
With a sponsor licence in place, the sponsor then assigns the worker a CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) for their visa application. The CoS contains information about the work that the individual will be doing in the UK. It will also contain a unique reference number to enable the new recruit to apply for a visa, where an application will need to be submitted within 3 months of getting their CoS, otherwise they will need to be assigned a fresh certificate.
The sponsor will be able to assign a valid CoS once they have been approved by UKVI for a senior or specialist sponsor licence and been granted access to the Home Office sponsorship management system (SMS). However, before assigning a CoS using their SMS account, the sponsor must be satisfied that the worker meets the relevant immigration requirements.
It costs £525 to assign a CoS to a Senior or Specialist worker.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Employers without a sponsor licence are going to have to secure one first. This is not a light touch process. Get ready for your HR compliance systems, processes and documents to be examined by the Home Office, and you’ll need to show you can meet all the sponsor requirements before you submit and invite scrutiny. A refused licence application will delay recruitment and could well trigger a cooling off period before you can reapply. It’s best to get the licence application right first time.
Section D: Apply for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
The Global Business Mobility visa senior or specialist worker application process is similar to that required under the former ICT route. The applicant will need to complete an online visa application, using their CoS reference number. It’s important to note that the sponsorship certificate must not have been issued more than 3 months prior to the date of application and confirm a start date of no more than 3 months after the date of that application.
The applicant will also need to pay the relevant fee and submit various detailed documents in support and, depending on where they’re from and the type of passport they have, they may need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken. Where an appointment has been scheduled, the applicant can take their supporting documents with them to be scanned.
If a GBM senior or specialist worker visa is successfully granted, the applicant will be permitted to work in the UK in the job for which they have been sponsored. They will also be permitted to undertake voluntary work and, subject to certain conditions, study in the UK.
1. Supporting Documents
The applicant must provide evidence to prove eligibility, including:
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Sponsorship Reference Number | Provided by your employer |
| Passport or Identity Document | Valid passport or other document showing identity and nationality |
| Job Title and Annual Salary | Information about your job title and annual salary |
| Job’s Occupation Code | The occupation code for your job |
| Employer and Sponsor Licence Number | Name of employer and their sponsor licence number (found on the certificate of sponsorship) |
| Personal Savings Evidence | Bank statements showing enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK (unless your employer supports you) |
| Proof of Relationship (if applicable) | Proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they are applying with you |
| Tuberculosis Test Results | Required if you are from a listed country |
| Certificate of Sponsorship Copy | Request a copy from your employer if you do not have one |
| Evidence of Employment Outside the UK | Proof of employment with your employer outside the UK, if applicable |
| ATAS Certificate (if applicable) | Valid ATAS certificate if your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher |
| Blank Passport Page | A blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to provide biometric information |
| Certified Translation | Certified translation of any documents not in English or Welsh |
Based on the specific circumstances, the following may also be required:
| Additional Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Evidence of Employment Duration | Proof of working for your employer outside the UK for at least 12 months if earning less than £73,900 a year |
| Proof of Payment by Employer | Can include printed payslips, online payslips with a supporting letter, bank statements, or building society pass book |
| No Minimum Time Requirement | No need to show 12 months of employment if earning £73,900 a year or more |
2. Processing Times
The GBM senior or specialist worker visa typically takes up to 3 weeks to be processed for overseas applications, and 8 weeks for in-country applications. Priority processing may be available for an additional fee. For £500, the Priority Service gives a decision on the Senior or Specialist Worker visa within 5 working days. For a faster outcome, the Super Priority Service costs £1,000 and provides a decision by the end of the next working day after biometrics have been submitted, or within 2 working days if the appointment is at a weekend. Applicants will be advised when submitting their application if they can opt for a fast-track service.
3. Switching to the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
If an overseas national is already in the UK on a different visa route, they may be able to switch to the senior or specialist worker visa without having to leave the country. The only exceptions to this rule are where an individual is in the UK as any one of the following:
a. as a standard or other type of visitor
b. as a short-term student
c. as the parent of a child student
d. as a temporary seasonal worker
e. as a domestic worker within a private household, or
f. outside of the Immigration Rules.
However, to be eligible to switch into the senior or specialist worker route, the applicant must still meet all of the relevant requirements of this route, including the 12-month overseas work requirement, where applicable. However, the 12 months of overseas work does not have to have been continuous, so long as it was accumulated during a period of continuous work for an eligible business, either in or out of the UK, before the application.
For example, where an applicant has worked for the sponsor group for 3 years, during which time they regularly moved between offices in the UK and overseas, they would satisfy the overseas work requirement, provided at least 12 months was spent working outside of the UK and the applicant is still working for the sponsor group when they apply.
4. Senior or Specialist Worker Visa Costs
To apply for a GBM senior or specialist worker visa, there are various costs involved. In addition to being able to show funds, where applicable, the applicant will also need to pay an application fee and the annual immigration health surcharge.
The cost of applying for a senior or specialist worker visa from overseas is £769 for a CoS valid for up to 3 years and £1,519 for a CoS for more than 3 years. When applying from inside the UK to switch into the senior or specialist worker route, or to extend any existing grant of leave, the fee is £885 for a CoS of up to 3 years and £1,751 for a CoS of more than 3 years.
| Application Fees for Senior or Specialist Worker Visa | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application Type | Up to 3 Years (£) | More than 3 Years (£) |
| Applying from Outside the UK (per main applicant & dependant) | £769 | £1,519 |
| Extending or Switching from Inside the UK (per main applicant & dependant) | £885 | £1,751 |
The visa applicant will also be liable to pay what is known as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS is an annual fee set at £1,035 for a successful visa-holder to be able to access the UK’s National Health Service. For example, for a senior manager or specialist employee looking to work in the UK for 3 years without any dependants, the IHS will be £3,105.
In addition to the fee for applying for a licence to sponsor senior or specialist workers, the sponsoring organisation will also be liable to pay a fee of £525 for each CoS assigned to a migrant worker, together with the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC). The ISC is a charge based on the size and charitable status of the sponsoring organisation, together with the length of time the visa-holder will be in the UK, using the start and end dates on the CoS.
For small or charitable sponsors, the ISC is £364 for the first 12 months’ leave, plus £182 for each additional 6-month period. For medium or large sponsors, this is £1,000 for 12 months, plus £500 for each additional 6 months. The sponsor will be classed as a small sponsor if two of the following criteria apply: its annual turnover is £10.2 million or less; its total business assets are worth £5.1 million or less; and/or it has 50 employees or fewer. This charge, together with the fee to assign the CoS, must be paid in full to enable an applicant to be eligible to apply for a senior or specialist worker visa.
The cost to apply for a sponsor licence will also depend on the size and charitable status of the sponsoring organisation. The fee to apply for a senior or specialist work sponsor licence is £574 for small or charitable sponsors, or £1,579 for medium or large sponsors.
5. Application Tips
One common mistake applicants make is failing to thoroughly check the eligibility criteria before beginning the application process. It is essential to ensure that the job offer meets the required salary threshold and that the applicant possesses the necessary qualifications and experience. Issues with establishing eligibility can lead to delays or a refused visa.
Another frequent error involves incomplete or incorrect documentation. All required documents must be provided, and they must be up-to-date and accurate. This includes the Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer, proof of qualifications, and evidence of sufficient funds. Double-checking all documentation before submission can prevent delays and complications.
Submitting the application without paying the correct fees is another pitfall. The application fees vary depending on the length of stay and whether the application is made from inside or outside the UK. It is important to calculate these fees accurately and ensure that all payments are made in full at the time of submission.
For those applying from within the UK, switching or extending their visa, understanding the specific requirements for these processes is vital. Each type of application has distinct requirements, and misunderstanding these can lead to errors. Seeking advice or thoroughly reviewing the guidelines can clarify these differences.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
The sponsorship and visa application process has multiple stages which you should map out to be clear on timescales and actions. Some timeframes are fixed, e.g. the CoS has to be issued no more than 3 months before the application and the role’s start date has to be within 3 months of the application.
Section E: Visa Duration & Extensions
A senior or specialist worker will be granted a visa for whichever is the shortest of 14 days after the end date of the job detailed on their CoS or 5 years after the start date of that job. However, the period of permission UKVI will grant to a senior or specialist worker if they make a successful application for either entry clearance or permission to stay in the UK will also depend on whether they have had previous permission on any of the GBM routes.
Under the maximum stay rules, senior or specialist workers are subject to a maximum cumulative visa period of 5 years in any 6-year period, unless they are a high earner in receipt of at least £73,900 per year. A high-earner will be allowed to stay in the UK for up to 9 years in any 10-year period. These maximum periods include time spent in the UK on any one of the five GBM routes, including the predecessor Intra-Company route.
While this category of visa is designed for overseas workers undertaking temporary work assignments in the UK, a Senior or Specialist Worker visa-holder will be able to apply to extend this visa from within the UK — provided they continue to meet the Global Business Mobility visa senior or specialist worker eligibility requirements. Existing ICT visa-holders will also be able to apply to extend their stay under the new GBM senior or specialist worker rules, provided they too meet the relevant requirements.
Importantly, however, the senior or specialist worker route does not provide a visa-holder with a path to settlement in the UK, where they would need to switch into the skilled worker route if they were looking to make a life in the UK on a permanent basis. Time spent on the GBM or predecessor ICT routes does not count towards the five-year Skilled Worker qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain if the worker later switches to Skilled Worker.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Watch the stay cap. This route is intended for temporary assignments only, and time in the UK across all GBM routes and legacy ICT all count and are totalled together. Plan for extensions and return assignments so as to keep continuity while staying below the ceiling. If ongoing UK presence is likely, model a timely switch to the Skilled Worker route.
Breaching the cap rule and exceeding the stay limit invites scrutiny and risks negative notes on the worker’s immigration record.
Section F: Can Dependents Join Senior or Specialist Workers?
Both partners and dependent children can accompany or join a GBM senior or specialist worker visa-holder. However, to be eligible to come to the UK under this route, there are again various eligibility requirements, including a relationship and financial requirement.
For the unmarried partner of a senior or specialist worker, the couple must have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage or a civil partnership for at least two years. Further, any previous relationship of the applicant or primary visa-holder must have permanently broken down, and the couple must not be so closely related that they wouldn’t be allowed to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK. The relationship must also be genuine and subsisting, where both parties intend to live together throughout the applicant’s stay.
In the case of dependent children, the applicant must be the child of a parent who has been, or is at the same time being granted, permission on the GBM senior or specialist worker route, or as a partner of a senior or specialist worker. The applicant’s parents must be applying at the same time or have permission to be in the UK, other than as a visitor, unless:
a. the parent is the sole surviving parent or has sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing
b. the parent who doesn’t have permission as a senior or specialist worker is a British citizen or a person with a right to enter or stay in the UK without restriction, and is, or will be, ordinarily resident in the UK, or
c. there are serious and compelling reasons to grant the child leave.
There must be suitable arrangements already in place for the child’s care and accommodation in the UK. The child must also be aged under 18 at the date of their application, and if the child is aged 16 or over, they must not be leading an independent life.
In respect of the financial requirement, a certain level of funds must usually be held by either the applicant and/or the GBM senior or specialist worker visa-holder or parent. This is set at £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child and £200 each for any subsequent children. Alternatively, the employer of the primary visa-holder can confirm on the CoS that they’ll maintain and accommodate any dependants up to the end of their first month in the UK. If the partner or child has been in the UK with permission for 12 months or more at the date of application, they do not need to show funds.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Family logistics can disrupt assignments if not planned for and ideally managed alongside the primary visa application. Engage early with the worker and their family, and support them through the process to compile the correct documentation and meet deadlines.
Section G: Summary
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa offers a valuable immigration route for overseas businesses seeking to bring skilled professionals to the UK, facilitating the movement of senior personnel and specialists, ensuring that businesses can benefit from the expertise and knowledge to contribute directly to their UK-based projects.
The eligibility criteria and application process for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa are, however, complex. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including having a valid job offer from a licensed UK employer, meeting salary thresholds, and proving their qualifications and experience, with supporting documentation required to evidence eligibility.
Given the complexity of the process, seeking professional assistance can be highly beneficial, for tailored guidance on the visa requirements and ensuring applications are complete and accurate.
Section H: Need Assistance?
DavidsonMorris are specialists in UK business immigration, with substantial experience and recognised expertise in advising employers and workers on UK employment sponsorship, sponsor licence applications and management, and visa applications such as the Senior or Specialist Worker GBM visa. We work with employers to provide expert guidance on global mobility programmes and UK immigration options and to support with all types of UK Home Office applications.
For specialist immigration advice to support your talent mobility and business operations, contact us.
Section I: Senior or Specialist Worker Visa FAQs
What is the GBM senior or specialist worker visa?
The GBM Senior or Specialist Worker visa is for senior managers and specialist employees assigned to a UK business linked to their overseas employer to carry out a temporary work assignment in the UK.
Does the GBM visa need sponsorship?
Yes. You must be sponsored by a UK employer authorised for this route and assigned a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number. The sponsor must hold an A-rated licence to sponsor a new worker on this route.
How long does it take to get a GBM visa?
Standard processing is around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and around 8 weeks inside the UK. Faster priority options may be available for an additional fee, subject to local availability.
How much is a specialist worker visa UK?
Fees are £769 for permission up to 3 years and £1,519 for more than 3 years when applying outside the UK, or £885 and £1,751 respectively when applying inside the UK. You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at £1,035 per year.
Who is eligible for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
Eligibility includes a confirmed job with a licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation at the required skill level and salary, and meeting any route-specific requirements such as the overseas work requirement where applicable.
How long does the application process take?
Most applicants receive a decision within the standard timescales above, though actual timelines can vary. Priority services can shorten the decision period if offered for the application location.
What documents are required for the application?
You will need a valid passport, your CoS reference number from the sponsor, evidence of personal funds if required or maintenance certified by the sponsor, and any role-specific evidence such as an ATAS certificate if applicable. Formal qualifications are only provided where relevant or requested. There is no English language requirement on this route.
Can I bring my family with me on this visa?
Your partner and dependent children under 18 can apply as dependants if they meet the relationship and financial requirements. Each dependant must make a separate application.
Can the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa be extended?
Yes, provided you continue to meet the route requirements and remain sponsored for the same role with eligible pay, within the maximum stay limits for the route.
Can I switch to a different visa category from the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
You may be able to switch in the UK to another route, such as Skilled Worker, if you meet that route’s rules. Time spent on GBM or the predecessor ICT routes does not count towards the Skilled Worker 5-year ILR period.
Section J: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Senior or Specialist Worker Visa | A UK work visa under Global Business Mobility for employees assigned to a UK entity linked by common ownership or control (or a qualifying joint venture), sponsored in an eligible RQF 6 role. Does not lead to settlement. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | An electronic record with a unique reference number assigned in the Sponsor Management System by a licensed sponsor, confirming the sponsored role details. Not a paper certificate. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Route-specific rules covering sponsorship, an eligible occupation at RQF 6, salary meeting the higher of £52,500 or the going rate, and the overseas work requirement where applicable. No English language requirement. |
| Dependants | A partner and children under 18 who can apply to join or accompany the main applicant if relationship and financial requirements are met. |
| Healthcare Surcharge | The Immigration Health Surcharge payable per year of permission to access the NHS. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | UK permanent residence allowing work and stay without time limit. Time on this route does not count towards ILR. |
| Job Offer | The sponsored role in the linked UK entity described on the CoS, which must be genuine and at the required skill level and salary. |
| Licensed UK Employer | A Home Office approved sponsor holding a sponsor licence authorised for this route (A-rated to sponsor new workers). |
| Proof of Qualifications | Evidence of qualifications or experience only where relevant to the role or requested; not a set requirement on this route. |
| Sponsorship | The act of a licensed UK sponsor assigning a CoS and meeting sponsor duties, including record-keeping, reporting and paying any applicable Immigration Skills Charge. |
| Switching Visa Categories | Applying in the UK to change to another route (for example, Skilled Worker) if that route’s rules are met; some categories cannot switch. |
| Visa Extension | Applying in the UK to extend stay on this route within the maximum stay limits, maintaining sponsorship, role and pay. |
| Work Rights | Permission to work only for the sponsoring employer in the sponsored role, to travel, study and undertake voluntary work. No second job unless the worker previously held ICT permission. |
| Processing Time | Typical decision times are around 3 weeks outside the UK and around 8 weeks in the UK, with paid priority options where available. |
| Salary Requirements | Pay must meet the higher of £52,500 or the going rate for the occupation. Only the first 48 hours worked per week count towards the general threshold. |
| English Language Proficiency | Not required for applications on the Senior or Specialist Worker route. |
| Visa Application Fee | The Home Office fee payable for the application, which varies by CoS length and whether applying inside or outside the UK. |
Section K: Additional Resources and Links
| Resource | URL | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Senior or Specialist Worker visa – overview | https://www.gov.uk/senior-specialist-worker-visa | Official route overview, eligibility, conditions, and stay limits. |
| Apply from outside the UK (SSW) | https://www.gov.uk/senior-specialist-worker-visa/apply-from-outside-the-uk | Application process, documents, fees, and switching/extension info. |
| Immigration Rules – Appendix GBM (SSW) | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-global-business-mobility-routes | Legal rules for GBM routes including Senior or Specialist Worker. |
| Appendix Skilled Occupations | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-skilled-occupations | Eligible SOC 2020 codes and skill levels for GBM and other routes. |
| GBM going rates for eligible occupations | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-business-mobility-going-rates-for-eligible-occupations/global-business-mobility-going-rates-for-eligible-occupations | Role-specific salary “going rates” for SSW and other GBM routes. |
| Sponsor a Global Business Mobility worker | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sponsor-a-global-business-mobility-worker | Home Office sponsor guidance for GBM routes. |
| Immigration Skills Charge | https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers/immigration-skills-charge | When ISC applies, rates, exemptions, and compliance rules. |
| Visa fees | https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees | Official fee calculator for UK visa application charges. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/how-much-pay | Current IHS rates and who must pay. |
| eVisa: set up UKVI account | https://www.gov.uk/evisa/set-up-ukvi-account | How to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa. |
| eVisa: view and get share code | https://www.gov.uk/evisa/view-evisa-get-share-code-prove-immigration-status | Prove right to work/rent using your digital status. |
| UKVCAS (inside UK biometrics) | https://www.gov.uk/ukvcas | Book biometrics appointments and upload supporting documents. |
| Find a visa application centre (overseas) | https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre | Locate VACs and check local arrangements outside the UK. |
| ATAS (if applicable) | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme | When an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate is needed. |
