Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

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How much it costs

When you apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, you’ll need to have enough money to:

  • pay the application fee - the standard fee ranges from £719 to £1,636 depending on your circumstances
  • pay the healthcare surcharge - this is usually £1,035 per year
  • support yourself when you arrive in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

You’ll be told how much you need to pay when you apply.

Application fee

If you’re applying from outside the UK, the fee depends on whether you’ll be in the UK for:

  • up to 3 years - £719 per person  
  • more than 3 years - £1,420 per person

If you’re applying from inside the UK to extend, switch or update your visa, the fee depends on whether you’ll be in the UK for:

  • up to 3 years - £827 per person  
  • more than 3 years - £1,636 per person

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay - this is usually £1,035 per year. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK. 

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:

  • you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more
  • your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270

Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your employer can support you instead

Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your employer will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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