Senior or Specialist Worker Visa vs Skilled Worker Visa
Most UK work visa roles fall under either the Skilled Worker visa or the Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility route). Choosing the correct path is crucial, whether you’re an employer looking to sponsor a worker or an applicant exploring your options. But understanding the difference between the two can be confusing.
That’s why getting professional guidance can make all the difference. At ISUK, our immigration experts are highly experienced in UK visa routes and can help you determine which visa best fits your situation. Whether you’re applying for the first time or switching routes, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Call us today on +2080162308 or contact us online to get started.
Most UK work visa roles fall under either the Skilled Worker visa or the Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility route). Choosing the correct path is crucial, whether you’re an employer looking to sponsor a worker or an applicant exploring your options. But understanding the difference between the two can be confusing.
That’s why getting professional guidance can make all the difference. At ISUK, our immigration experts are highly experienced in UK visa routes and can help you determine which visa best fits your situation. Whether you’re applying for the first time or switching routes, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Call us today on +2080162308 or contact us online to get started.
What is the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is a UK immigration route designed for foreign employees who are being transferred to a UK branch of their overseas employer. It falls under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa category, which includes five different visa types for overseas businesses.
This visa allows skilled workers to temporarily work in the UK for a company that is linked to their employer abroad, either through common ownership or a joint venture. It is commonly used when an international business wants to transfer experienced staff or specialist knowledge to their UK operations without the need for permanent relocation.
It’s an essential route for companies seeking to attract talent, maintain business continuity, or support their expansion efforts in the UK.
To be eligible for the Global Business Mobility Senior or Specialist Worker visa, you must meet the following requirements:
You must be 18 years or older and currently employed by an overseas business affiliated with your UK sponsor. The connection can be through common ownership, control, or a joint venture.
In most cases, you must have worked for that overseas business for at least 12 months before applying unless you’re a high earner making £73,900 or more per year, in which case this requirement is waived.
You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK sponsor, showing the job you’re coming to do in the UK. The job must be:
- Genuine
- At the required skill level
- Paying a salary of at least £48,500 per year or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher
Your UK sponsor must also have paid the Immigration Skills Charge.
You must be able to support yourself financially without public funds and, if required, provide a valid tuberculosis (TB) test certificate.
Please note that the exact documents and conditions may vary depending on your specific case. For optimal results, it’s advisable to consult with an immigration expert or attorney.
When applying for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, you must be able to cover the application fee, pay the healthcare surcharge, and prove that you have enough funds to support yourself in the UK.
The application fee depends on whether you are applying from within or outside the UK, as well as the duration of your intended stay. The healthcare surcharge must also be paid each year you are in the UK.
Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds saved to support yourself upon arrival. This amount must have been in your bank account continuously for a set number of days before applying. You may not need to show these funds if you’ve already been in the UK on a valid visa for a specific period or if your employer agrees to cover your initial living costs. In that case, this must be confirmed on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Your partner and children must also demonstrate that they can financially support themselves, unless your sponsor also covers their expenses.
For the latest costs and thresholds, it’s best to check the official UK government website or speak to a qualified immigration adviser.
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You must apply for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa online. The application process is straightforward, but it requires you to follow a few key steps.
First, gather all the necessary documents, including your Certificate of Sponsorship, passport, job details, and proof of financial means. Your employer will provide you with the Certificate of Sponsorship, which is a key requirement.
Next, visit the official UK government website and begin your online application. You’ll create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. You don’t have to complete the form all at once; you can save it and return to finish later.
As part of your application, you must prove your identity. The method you use depends on your nationality and the type of passport you hold. You’ll either:
- Use the UK Immigration: ID Check mobile app to scan your passport and take a photo
OR - Go to a visa application centre to give your fingerprints and photo (called biometric information)
If you need an appointment, the centre may temporarily hold your passport. You may also need to travel to a centre in another country if there’s none nearby.
After you’ve submitted your application and documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks. In some cases, you can pay extra for a quicker result.
Once a decision is made, you’ll receive an email explaining the outcome and what to do next.
If you need to update or cancel your application after submitting it, you can contact UKVI. You’ll only receive a refund if your application hasn’t yet started processing.
The length of your Senior or Specialist Worker visa depends on your job details and the time you have previously spent in the UK under similar visa routes. You’ll be granted a visa for whichever is shorter: either 14 days after the end date of your job listed on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), or up to 5 years from the job’s start date.
There are also maximum stay limits under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) rules. If you earn less than £73,900 per year, you can stay in the UK for up to 5 years within any 6 years across all GBM visa categories, including previous Intra-Company Transfer visas. However, if you are a high earner (earning £73,900 or more per year), you can stay for up to 9 years within any 10 years.
Even though this visa is meant for temporary work assignments, you can apply to extend your stay from within the UK, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements. This also applies to those who hold an ICT (Intra-Company Transfer) visa and wish to extend their stay under the new GBM rules.
It’s important to note that the Senior or Specialist Worker visa does not lead to settlement (permanent residency) in the UK. If you wish to settle, you’ll need to switch to the Skilled Worker route, which offers a path to permanent residency.
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Yes, both partners and children can join or accompany someone on a Senior or Specialist Worker visa under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) route. However, there are specific rules they must meet.
For partners, the relationship must be genuine and ongoing. If the couple is not married, they must have lived together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least 2 years. Any previous relationships must have ended permanently, and they must not be closely related in a way that would prevent marriage or a civil partnership in the UK.
For dependent children, they must be under 18 years old at the time of application. The child must either:
- Be applying with both parents, or
- Have one parent already in the UK (not as a visitor) and the other applying at the same time.
In some cases, a child may still qualify even if only one parent is applying, for example:
- If that parent has sole responsibility or is the only surviving parent
- If the other parent is a British citizen or has settled status
- If there are serious and compelling reasons for the child to come
The child must also have suitable care and housing arrangements in the UK. If they are 16 or older, they must not be living independently of their parents or guardians.
Financial Requirement
To bring dependents, the applicant or their sponsor must usually show proof of funds:
- £285 for a partner
- £315 for the first child
- £200 for each additional child
Alternatively, the employer can confirm on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that they will cover these costs for the first month in the UK.
This ensures that families joining a Senior or Specialist Worker have the support and stability they need while living in the UK.
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You can usually apply to extend your Senior or Specialist Worker visa from inside the UK, as long as:
- You’re still doing the same job as when you were first granted the visa.
- Your job has the same occupation code.
- You’re working for the same employer who gave you your current Certificate of Sponsorship.
- You haven’t reached the maximum stay limit for this visa route.
If your partner or children are with you in the UK, their visas will not automatically extend when you extend yours. They must apply separately, either at the same time as you or before their current visa expires.
Do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.
Special Rules for Previous Visa Holders
If you previously held an Intra-company Transfer visa or a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa, different rules may apply to your extension.
Creative Jobs No Longer Eligible
Some creative jobs (like artists, authors, actors, dancers, and designers) are no longer eligible for this visa. If you already have a visa under one of these roles, you can extend it only if you’re staying in the same job. You cannot switch to another job in these removed occupation codes.
Doing Extra Work
You’re allowed to do extra paid work, up to 20 hours per week, as long as you continue your main sponsored job. The extra work must be either:
- In the same occupation code and level as your main job, or
- On the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list
If You Change Jobs
If you change your job or occupation code, you’ll need to apply to update your visa.
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You must apply online before your current visa expires. You can start your application, save it, and return to complete it at a later time.
During the process, you’ll need to prove your identity, either by:
- Using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or
- Attending a UKVCAS service point to provide your fingerprints and photo
You’ll be told exactly what to do based on your nationality and passport.
Processing Time and After You Apply
You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date. It might take longer if:
- Your documents need extra checks
- You’re asked to attend an interview
- You have any personal issues, like a criminal record
You can pay an additional fee for a faster decision.
If you need to change or cancel your application after submitting it, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). You’ll only get a refund if your application hasn’t been processed yet.
Once a decision is made, you’ll receive an email or letter explaining the next steps.
If your job changes to a different occupation code, you must apply to update your Senior or Specialist Worker visa. You must still be employed by the same employer or by a company they own. Your partner or children will also need to apply separately to update their visas.
Some creative roles (like artists, authors, actors, dancers, and designers) have been removed from the list of eligible occupations. If you’re in one of these jobs and want to change to another removed occupation, you can’t do it under this visa; you may need to apply for a different visa type. If your new role is eligible, you must apply online and get a new Certificate of Sponsorship.
You can apply to update your visa up to 3 months before your new job’s start date. You must not start the new job until your updated visa is approved; however, you can continue working in your current job while you wait. You must also stay in the UK while your application is being processed travelling abroad will cancel your application.
As part of your application, you’ll prove your identity either through the UK Immigration: ID Check app or by attending a UKVCAS appointment to provide biometric details. A decision usually takes up to 8 weeks, and faster options may be available for an extra fee.
You’ll receive an email or letter with the decision and instructions on what to do next.
If you’re already in the UK on another visa, you may be able to switch to a Senior or Specialist Worker visa if you meet the eligibility criteria. Your partner or children must also apply separately, as their visas won’t switch automatically. You cannot switch if you’re on a visit visa, short-term student visa, seasonal worker visa, or any other specific temporary visa route.
If you’re on a Student visa, you can switch if you’ve completed your course, your job starts after your course ends, or you’ve been studying a PhD full-time for at least 24 months. Applications must be submitted online, and you must prove your identity either through the UK Immigration app or by visiting a visa centre. You’ll usually receive a decision within 8 weeks and must not travel while waiting; otherwise, your application will be cancelled.
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we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
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At ISUK, we simplify and streamline the UK visa process for a stress-free experience. Whether you’re applying for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, switching routes, extending your stay, or bringing your family, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
We offer personalised advice tailored to your unique situation, help you prepare the necessary documents, and handle the technical aspects of your application. If UKVI requires additional information, we will respond promptly to ensure your case progresses smoothly.
We also assist with dependent applications, ensuring your partner and children can join or stay with you in the UK without hassle.
Contact us today at +2080162308 or online to speak with a trusted immigration adviser. Your UK journey starts here, and we’re with you all the way.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my Senior or Specialist Worker visa from inside the UK?
Yes, you can extend your visa from within the UK if you’re still in the same job, with the same employer, and your job remains in the same occupation code. You must also not have exceeded the maximum allowed stay under this visa route.
Can my partner or children join me on a Senior or Specialist Worker visa?
Yes, dependents (partners and children) can join or accompany you, but they must meet particular relationship and financial requirements. They must apply separately, and their visas do not automatically extend or switch if yours does.
Can I switch to a Senior or Specialist Worker visa from another visa in the UK?
Yes, you can switch from another visa if you meet the eligibility requirements. However, some visa holders (e.g., visitors, short-term students, seasonal workers) are unable to switch and must apply for a new visa from outside the UK.
Do I need to update my visa if I change jobs?
Yes, if your new job has a different occupation code, you must apply to update your visa. Your new job must meet the eligibility criteria, and you need a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer.
Can I do additional work while on this visa?
Yes, you can work up to 20 hours a week in a second job if it falls under the same occupation code and level as your main job, or if it’s listed on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list.
How can ISUK help me with my visa application?
ISUK offers expert guidance for every step of your visa journey. From personalised advice and document checks to application support and dependent visa assistance, our team ensures a smooth and stress-free process.
