To be eligible for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa you need to: have a valid certificate of sponsorship from your employer have worked for your employer outside the UK do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations be paid the minimum eligible salary required for your job Getting a certificate of sponsorship Your employer - also known as your sponsor - will give you a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ with information about the work you will do in the UK. It’s an electronic record, not a paper document. You’ll need the reference number from the certificate of sponsorship for your visa application. You must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship. If your employer is not currently licensed to sponsor people to work in the UK, they can apply for a sponsor licence if they’re eligible. How long you need to have worked for your employer outside the UK If you’re earning less than £73,900 a year you must have worked for your employer outside the UK for at least 12 months. If you’re earning £73,900 a year or more, there is no minimum time requirement. Check if your job is eligible Before you can find out if your job is eligible, you need to know its 4-digit occupation code. You can get this from your employer or your certificate of sponsorship. When you know your occupation code, check list of eligible occupations to see if it’s eligible for your visa type. If you’ve previously had an Intra-company Transfer visa or a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa The following occupation codes have been removed from the list of eligible occupations for this visa: 3411: Artists 3412: Authors, writers and translators 3413: Actors, entertainers and presenters 3414: Dancers and choreographers 3422: Product, clothing and related designers If you’re already sponsored in one of these occupation codes you can continue working in your job until your visa expires. You can also extend your visa to continue working in the exact same job. If you do not want to continue working in one of the occupations above, you can switch your job if it is on the list of eligible occupations . If your job changes you must apply to update your visa . Salary requirements You must be paid at least £48,500 or the ‘going rate’ for your job - whichever is higher. Each occupation code has its own annual going rate. Check the going rate for your job in the going rates table . If you had a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa before 6 April 2011 There is no salary requirement if you’ve been in the UK since 6 April 2011 on any of the following visas: Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa Intra-company Transfer visa Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) You must still be paid the ‘going rate’ for your job.

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’.

Documents you'll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need to provide: your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality your job title and annual salary your job’s occupation code the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number - this will be on your certificate of sponsorship evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK , for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you) proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country Ask your employer for a copy of your certificate of sponsorship if you do not have one. Other documents you might need Depending on your circumstances, you might be asked to provide: evidence you’ve worked for your employer outside the UK a valid ATAS certificate if your employer tells you that you need one because your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher You’ll need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre. You’ll be told if you need to do this when you apply. If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation . Evidence you’ve worked for your employer outside the UK If you earn less than £73,900 a year you might be asked to show you’ve worked for your employer outside the UK for at least 12 months. If you’re asked, you’ll need to show you’ve been paid by your employer over this time period. You can provide: printed payslips online payslips supported by a letter from your sponsor signed by a senior staff member bank or building society statements a building society pass book If you earn £73,900 a year or more, there is no minimum time requirement.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa. Check which documents you’ll need to apply . Proving your identity As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have. You’ll either: use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a visa application centre You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. If you do need an appointment: the visa application centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application you may have to travel to get to your nearest centre (this could be in another country) Apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now Continue your application You can sign back in to your application if you’ve saved it. Find out how to sign in to your account . How long it takes to get a decision Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks. You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) . You can ask to cancel your application . You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. You’ll get an email with the decision on your application . This will explain what you need to do next.

You can usually apply to extend your Senior or Specialist Worker visa from inside the UK if all of the following are true: you have the same job as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK your job is in the same occupation code as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK you’re still working for the employer who gave you your current certificate of sponsorship you have not reached the maximum total stay Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically extend if you extend yours. If they do not extend their visa, it will be valid until its original end date. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires. You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. If you previously an Intra-company Transfer visa or a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa There are different rules if you want to extend your visa and you previously had an Intra-company Transfer visa or a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa. If you’re an artist, author, actor, dancer or designer The following occupation codes have been removed from the list of eligible occupations for this visa: 3411: Artists 3412: Authors, writers and translators 3413: Actors, entertainers and presenters 3414: Dancers and choreographers 3422: Product, clothing and related designers If you’re already sponsored to do a job with one of these occupation codes, you can extend your visa if you are working in the exact same job. You cannot: change to another job in the same occupation code change to another job in one of the other occupation codes that have been removed from the list of eligible jobs Taking on additional work You can do additional paid work as long as you’re still doing the job you’re being sponsored for. You can work up to 20 hours a week in a job that’s either: in the same occupation code and at the same level as your main job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list If your job changes You’ll need to apply to update your visa . Fees Check how much it costs for your type of visa. Proving your identity and providing supporting documents As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have. You’ll either: use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. Apply to extend your Senior or Specialist Worker visa You must apply online before your current visa expires. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now Continue your application You can sign back in to your application if you’ve saved it. Find out how to sign in to your account . How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date. You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) . You can ask to cancel your application . Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. You’ll get an email or a letter with the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Update your visa if your job changes

You’ll need to apply to update your Senior or Specialist Worker visa if your job changes to a different occupation code. You must have the same employer or be employed by an organisation that is owned by your employer. Your partner or children will need to apply separately to update their visa. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires. If you previously had an Intra-company Transfer visa or a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa The following occupation codes have been removed from the list of eligible occupations for this visa: 3411: Artists 3412: Authors, writers and translators 3413: Actors, entertainers and presenters 3414: Dancers and choreographers 3422: Product, clothing and related designers You cannot change jobs if both are true: you’re sponsored to do a job with one of these occupation codes you want to continue working in a job with one of these occupation codes If you want to change your job and work in one of the occupations above, you may be eligible for a different UK visa . If you do not want to continue working in one of the occupations in the table, you can apply to update your visa. Your new job must be on the list of eligible occupations . Fees Check how much it costs for your type of visa. You’ll also need to have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken. There’s no fee for this. Eligibility and documents you’ll need to apply Your new job must meet the eligibility requirements and you’ll need a new certificate of sponsorship. You’ll only need to provide other evidence again if you’ve been in the UK for less than one year. When to apply to update your visa You can apply to update your visa up to 3 months before the start date of your new job. You can continue working in your current job while your new application is being considered - as long as you apply before your current visa expires. You should not start your new job until you’ve got confirmation of your new permission. You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. Proving your identity and providing supporting documents As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have. You’ll either: use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point You’ll be told how to do this when you apply. You’ll also be told how to provide your supporting documents if you need to. Apply to update your Senior or Specialist Worker visa You must apply online. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now Continue your application You can sign back in to your application if you’ve saved it. Find out how to sign in to your account . How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date. You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) . You can ask to cancel your application . Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. You’ll get an email or a letter with the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Switch to a Senior or Specialist Worker visa

You might be able to apply to change (‘switch’) to a Senior or Specialist Worker visa if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa. You must meet the eligibility requirements . Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically switch to this visa if you switch yours. If they do not switch their visa, it will be valid until its original end date. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires. You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. Switching from a Student visa If you’re currently in the UK on a Student visa, you must meet eligibility requirements and one of the following must apply: you have completed the course you were sponsored to study your job start date is after your course has finished you have studied for a PhD for at least 24 months Who cannot apply to switch You cannot apply to switch to a Senior or Specialist Worker visa if you’re currently in the UK: on a visit visa on a short-term student visa on a Parent of a Child Student visa on a seasonal worker visa on a domestic worker in a private household visa on immigration bail because you were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules , for example on compassionate grounds You must leave the UK and apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories. Fees Check how much it costs . Proving your identity and providing supporting documents As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have. You’ll either: use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. Apply to switch to a Senior or Specialist Worker visa Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now Continue your application You can sign back in to your application if you’ve saved it. Find out how to sign in to your account . How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date. You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) . You can ask to cancel your application . Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. You’ll get an email or a letter with the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

Overview

A Senior or Specialist Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job at your employer’s UK branch.

This visa has replaced the Intra-company Transfer visa, previously the Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa.

If you are on a graduate trainee programme, you’ll need to apply for a Graduate Trainee visa.

Eligibility

To qualify for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, you must:

be an existing employee of an organisation that’s been approved by the Home Office as a sponsor
have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the work you will do in the UK
do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
be paid at least £48,500 per year

Check if you’re eligible.

How long you can stay

You can stay in the UK with a Senior or Specialist Worker visa for whichever is shorter of:

the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days
5 years

You can apply to extend your visa or apply for another one as many times as you like up to the maximum total stay.

If you’re already in the UK with an Intra-company visa or a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa you can apply to extend your stay as a Senior or Specialist Worker.

The maximum total stay allowed for a Senior and Specialist Worker visa is:

5 years in any 6 year period if you’re paid less than £73,900 a year
9 years in any 10 year period if you’re paid £73,900 a year or more

Any time you spend in the UK on one of the following visas will be included in your maximum total stay:

Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa
Intra-company Transfer visa
Graduate Trainee visa (Global Business Mobility)
Secondment Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
Service Supplier visa (Global Business Mobility)
UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

Example

You worked in the UK on a Senior or Specialist Worker visa for 3 years, but for the last 6 months have been working in Sweden. You are paid less than £73,900 a year.

The maximum time you could now stay in the UK on a Global Business Mobility visa is 2 years. At the end of that time you would need to spend another 6 months outside the UK before you would be eligible for a Global Business Mobility visa.

If you had a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa before 6 April 2011

You can stay in the UK for as long as your employer is sponsoring you if you’ve been in the UK since 6 April 2011 on any of the following visas:

Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa
Intra-company Transfer visa
Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

There is no maximum stay.

How to apply

You must apply online.

How you apply depends on whether you’re:

outside the UK and are coming to the UK
inside the UK and you want to extend your stay as a Senior or Specialist Worker
inside the UK and switching from a different visa

Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.

How much it costs

You, your partner or children will each need to:

pay the application fee
pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay
prove you have enough personal savings

Check how much it costs.

How long it takes

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

What you can and cannot do

With a Senior or Specialist Worker visa you can:

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
study
bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible
do voluntary work
travel abroad and return to the UK

You cannot:

apply for most benefits, public funds, or the State Pension
change jobs unless you are eligible and you update your visa
have a second job - unless you’ve previously had an Intra-company Transfer visa or a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long term Staff visa
apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’)

If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Senior or Specialist Worker visa.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

Overview

Eligibility

How long you can stay

If you had a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa before 6 April 2011

How to apply

How much it costs

How long it takes

Getting a decision

What you can and cannot do

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Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

Overview

Eligibility

How long you can stay

If you had a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa before 6 April 2011

How to apply

How much it costs

How long it takes

Getting a decision

What you can and cannot do

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Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK