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Secure Your Future as a Senior or Specialist Worker in the UK
UK immigration policy continues to evolve to attract global talent and enrich its workforce. The Global Business Mobility Visa for Senior or Specialist Workers represents a significant step in this direction. Designed to supersede the previous Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa route, this visa offers a streamlined process for high-ranking and specialist employees to work in the UK.
UK Global Business Mobility Visa – Senior or Specialist Worker
This visa category caters to individuals holding a senior role or possessing specialist knowledge within their organization. As part of the changes in UK immigration law, the Senior or Specialist Worker category of the Global Business Mobility Visa has replaced the former Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) route. The visa is tailored to serve the specific needs of senior and specialist employees who aim to contribute to the UK workforce.
Eligibility and Criteria
Applicants seeking the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa must satisfy the following requirements:
- Hold a senior or specialist position within the company, with knowledge and skills beneficial to the UK economy.
- Have an employer who will sponsor their visa application.
While holding a senior position or possessing specialist knowledge and having a sponsor are fundamental, there are additional nuanced requirements to successfully secure the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa. These detailed specifications ensure a smooth transition of global talent to the UK. Let’s delve into these specific requirements:
How Immtell Facilitates the Process
Immtell’s seasoned immigration consultants specialize in simplifying the UK visa application process. Our team will assist you at each step, ensuring you meet all criteria, increasing the likelihood of a successful application. We provide custom services to suit your unique needs, delivering exceptional support throughout your visa application journey.
FAQs
Senior or Specialist Worker sponsored visas are usually granted for an initial period of either up to 3 years or up to 5 years. This is usually in line with the duration indicated on UK work permit – the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned to you.
If your Senior or Specialist Worker sponsorship continues, it is possible to apply for work visa extensions from within the UK for up to a total of 5 years or 9 years, the latter applies if at the time of extension your gross salary package is a minimum of £73,900 – the current ‘high earner’ threshold.
It is possible to apply to switch visa category from within the UK into this visa type, if you are not currently in the UK holding one of the following visa types:
- Visitor visa
- Short-Term Student visa
- Parent of a Child visa
- Seasonal Worker visa
- Domestic Worker visa
- Any Discretionary visa
Please however note that you may still need to meet the requirement to have worked for your employer outside of the UK for the required period, unless exempt.Â
Unfortunately, the Senior or Specialist Worker visa does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. Following the maximum time permitted in the UK, you will usually be required to leave the UK.
Spouses or partners and children under the age of 18 may apply for visas to accompany you to the UK as your ‘dependants’. Your spouse or partner should be permitted to work.
It is permitted to switch into the Senior or Specialist Worker immigration category from within the UK if you were last granted long term visa, i.e. not a short term student or visitor visa. In all other circumstances, initial applications should be submitted from outside of the UK, either from your country of nationality or legal residence.
UKVI aim to process visas as follows:
Visa applications submitted outside of the UK:
- Standard processing: 15 working days
- Priority Service processing: 5 working days
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Visa applications submitted inside the UK:
- Standard processing: 8 weeks
- Priority Service processing: 5 working day
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Important: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) do not guarantee processing times and delays do occur. We advise that you do not book any non refundable travel until your visa has been approved and your work visa is in your possession. Priority services can be suspended without notice and may not be available at the time of application.
The UKVI application fee is as follows:
Applying outside of the UK:
- Visa up to 3 years duration: £625; or
- Visa more than 3 years (max 5) duration: £1,235
Applying inside of the UK:
- Visa up to 3 years duration: £719; or
- Visa more than 3 years (max 5) duration: £1,423
In addition, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which is £624 per year of the visa duration.
Our professional fee will depend on the level of service you require. Please see the options below or contact us for further information.
Your Visa Journey Made Easier with Immtell
Applying for a UK visa is often a daunting process. At Immtell, we aim to make this process smoother and more understandable. Our team of experts is ready to provide personalized advice and guidance based on your specific circumstances. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in applying for the UK Global Business Mobility Visa for Senior or Specialist Workers.
Regulated to provide immigration advice in the UK. Registration number: F202200109