Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1825 days
- Processing time
- 3 weeks (outside UK), 8 weeks (inside UK)
- Fee
- £769 (up to 3 years) or £1,519 (over 3 years)
- Validity
- Up to 5 years per grant (5 years in 6-year period if under £73,900; 9 years in 10-year period if £73,900+)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For existing employees of multinational companies transferring to their UK branch. Minimum salary: £52,500 or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. If earning under £73,900: must have 12 months prior employment with sponsor. If earning £73,900+: no minimum employment period. Maximum cumulative stay: 5 years in any 6-year period (under £73,900) or 9 years in any 10-year period (£73,900+). Does not lead to settlement. Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year.
Eligibility
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Age
Must be at least 18 years old
Min age: 18
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Employment
Must be an existing employee of a multinational company transferring to a UK branch. Job must be in an eligible occupation paying at least £52,500 or the going rate. 12 months prior employment required if earning under £73,900
Required status: Existing employee of multinational sponsor for 12+ months (or earning £73,900+)
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Financial
Must have at least £1,270 available or employer must certify maintenance
Minimum funds: £1,270
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements showing funds held for 28 consecutive days, or employer certification; Minimum amount: £1,270
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.gov.uk/senior-specialist-worker-visa; Location: Visa application centre or UK Immigration: ID Check app
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment; Amount: £769 (up to 3 years) or £1,519 (over 3 years)
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Sponsorship certificate
Certificate name: Certificate of Sponsorship; Sponsor type: Licensed employer (multinational company)
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Tuberculosis test
Test type: Chest X-ray at approved clinic (if from designated country); Validity months: 6
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Health surcharge
Amount: £1,035 per year; Applicant category: Main applicant and dependants
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer's UK branch
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Online application
Apply online up to 3 months before your start date
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
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Biometrics
Prove your identity at a visa application centre or via the UK Immigration: ID Check app
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Processing wait
Wait for a decision on your application