Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
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 Your application will be withdrawn if you do.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.
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.