Senior / Specialist Worker Visa

What is the Senior or Specialist Worker route?

This route under Appendix Global Business Mobility allows employees of overseas linked entities to work in a UK branch or subsidiary. It replaced much of the old Intra-company Transfer (ICT) scheme. Permission is tied to your sponsor and role type (senior manager, specialist, or graduate trainee).

Who may qualify

You may qualify if you have worked for the overseas group for the required period (usually 12 months, with a shorter period for very high earners), the UK entity holds a sponsor licence, and the role meets salary and eligibility rules. Maximum stay limits apply over rolling periods.

Settlement and switching

This route does not usually lead directly to ILR in the same way as Skilled Worker. Many assignees later switch to Skilled Worker or another route if eligible. We map long-term options when you plan your assignment.

Group relationship and employment history

Evidence may include contracts, payslips, and organisational charts showing the link between overseas and UK entities and your employment history with the group.

Certificate of Sponsorship and salary

The UK sponsor assigns a CoS for a senior, specialist, or graduate trainee role. Minimum salaries are set in the Rules (as of 2026, figures such as £48,100 for senior/specialist roles are common — we confirm the threshold for your category).

Role seniority or specialism

Job descriptions and reporting lines should show the role is genuinely senior or requires specialist knowledge not readily available in the UK labour market, as required by the route.

How to apply

Apply online with your CoS reference, passport, and evidence of overseas employment. Biometrics are required. Some applicants apply from outside the UK; in-country rules depend on your current leave.

Costs & processing time

Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge depend on visa length. Priority services may be available. Home Office fees change over time — we confirm costs as of 2026 before submission. Processing times vary by location.

Common reasons applications are refused

• Insufficient evidence of employment with the overseas group

• Salary or role type does not meet Senior/Specialist Worker rules

• CoS details inconsistent with job description or SOC code

• Maximum stay in the route would be exceeded

• UK sponsor licence not valid or not linked to the correct entity

Related guidance: Skilled Worker Visa, Health & Care Worker Visa, Scale-Up Worker Visa, and Settlement & ILR.