Specialist Worker Visa UK – Eligibility, Rules & Application Guide (2025)

The Specialist Worker visa, part of the UK’s Global Business Mobility routes, enables overseas businesses to transfer senior managers and specialist staff to their UK branch.

Quick Summary:

Process & time: CoS → online form → fees & IHS → biometrics/app → decision in weeks; priority may be available
Key requirements: GBM sponsor, correct skill level, salary meets threshold and going rate, 12 months overseas unless high earner, maintenance met
Minimum salary threshold - £52,500 (from July 2025)
Sponsorship required from a UK employer with a GBM licence
Does not provide a direct path to ILR - switching to another UK route is required
Eligibility: Sponsored job with approved GBM employer, salary and skill met, compliant immigration history; English not required for this route

Documents: CoS, passport, proof of overseas employment and pay, employer letter, TB certificate if needed, proof of funds if not certified
Cost: Application fee varies, IHS per year, Immigration Skills Charge paid by sponsor, biometrics/app fee if applicable
Apply: Use CoS to apply online, pay fees, verify identity, upload evidence, submit
Must have 12 months overseas employment (unless high earner)
Recent update: Minimum salary set at £52,500 from July 2025; check role going rates before applying

1. What is the Specialist Worker Visa?
2. Eligibility Requirements for the UK Specialist Worker Visa
3. Is the Specialist Worker Visa UK For You?
4. Application Process for the UK Specialist Worker Visa
5. Duration & Conditions of Stay
6. What You Can and Cannot Do
7. Specialist Worker vs. Skilled Worker Visa
8. Switching & Future Pathway
9. Visa Costs & Fees
10. Dependants on the UK Specialist Worker Visa
11. Latest Specialist Worker Visa Rules & Updates (2025)
12. Practical Tips for Specialist Worker Visa Applicants and Employers
13. Frequently Asked Questions

ACCREDITATION

What is the Specialist Worker Visa?

The UK Specialist Worker visa is part of the Global Business Mobility routes, designed to help multinational companies transfer senior managers and specialist staff into their UK branches. This route replaced the Intra-Company Transfer visa in 2022. While the specialist worker visa application provides an effective way to work in the UK for a set period, it does not lead directly to settlement (ILR). Instead, applicants often switch later to long-term visas for residency.

The Specialist Worker visa eligibility requires applicants to have overseas employment with the sponsoring company (usually 12 months unless classed as a high earner) and meet the specialist worker visa requirements such as minimum salary thresholds and sponsorship from a licensed UK employer.

Choosing this visa allows companies to strengthen their UK presence while employees gain valuable experience abroad, making it one of the most practical Specialist worker visa benefits for global businesses.

Replaced ICT Visa

The UK Specialist Worker visa replaced the Intra-Company Transfer route in 2022 under Global Business Mobility.

Temporary but Flexible

This route allows you to work in the UK branch of your employer but does not directly lead to settlement.

Sponsorship Required

You need a UK employer with a valid GBM licence to apply for a Specialist Worker visa.

For Multinational Transfers

Designed for senior managers and skilled staff, making it one of the most practical Specialist worker visa benefits.

Eligibility Requirements for the UK Specialist Worker Visa

To qualify for the UK Specialist Worker visa, applicants must meet the following requirements. These are the essential Specialist Worker visa eligibility criteria set by the Home Office under the Global Business Mobility framework:

Employment with an Overseas Company
You must currently work for a company outside the UK that is linked to the UK branch through a genuine corporate relationship.
12 Months Overseas Experience (unless high earner)
Applicants usually need at least 12 months of overseas employment, unless earning £73,900 or more annually, which removes this requirement.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
A valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer with a Global Business Mobility sponsor licence is mandatory. This is one of the core UK Specialist Worker visa requirements.

Minimum Salary Threshold
You must be paid at least £52,500 per year (or £17.13 per hour) from July 2025, unless exempt under high earner provisions.
Eligible Job Role
The job offered must meet the Skilled Occupations criteria, typically at RQF Level 6 or above.
Financial Maintenance Funds
You must show proof of at least £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days unless your sponsor certifies support.

Health & Age Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and may need a TB test depending on their country of residence.

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Is the Specialist Worker Visa UK For You?

Ideal For

Senior managers and specialist staff transferring to a UK branch under the UK Specialist Worker visa.
Professionals who meet the specialist worker visa eligibility criteria, including 12 months overseas employment (or £73,900+ high-earner exemption).
Applicants earning at least £52,500 per year, satisfying the specialist worker visa requirements.
Individuals backed by a licensed UK sponsor ready to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Professionals seeking medium-term assignments in the UK, up to 5 years, with extensions.

Not Ideal For

Individuals with no prior link to an overseas company or UK branch.
Applicants who do not meet the specialist worker visa requirements for salary, role, or sponsorship.
Jobseekers applying independently without employer backing (this is not a self-application route).
Those unwilling to maintain sponsor compliance or meet UK Home Office reporting rules.
People seeking a direct route to settlement (ILR), since the UK Specialist Worker visa does not provide.

Note: Applicants without employer backing or who are seeking a direct path to settlement should explore other routes such as the Skilled Worker visa.

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Application Process for the UK Specialist Worker Visa

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your UK employer issues a valid CoS under the Global Business Mobility sponsor licence.
Online Application & Fees

You can apply online through the gov.uk portal, pay the visa application fee, and cover the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Prepare Documents

Submit all required evidence, including your passport, CoS details, salary confirmation, proof of 12 months overseas employment (unless a high earner), TB test results if applicable, and maintenance funds.
Biometrics / ID Check

Attend your biometric appointment at a visa application centre or use the UK Immigration ID Check App where available.
Decision Waiting Time

Standard processing: 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, or 8 weeks if applying from inside. Faster priority and super priority services may be available at an extra cost.

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Duration & Conditions of Stay

Stay Duration

Stay Duration

Your permission to stay is based on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) period, with an additional 14 days added after the contract ends.
Maximum Stay Limits

Maximum Stay Limits

If you earn less than £73,900 per year, you can stay for up to 5 years in any 6-year period. If you earn £73,900 or more, you can stay up to 9 years in any 10-year period.
Extensions

Extensions

You may extend your UK Specialist Worker visa provided you remain with the same sponsor, meet all Specialist Worker visa requirements, and stay within the maximum time limits.
Conditions of Stay

Conditions of Stay

You must only work for your sponsoring employer in the role listed on your CoS. Study and voluntary work are permitted, but you cannot take second jobs or access public funds.

What You Can and Cannot Do

Understanding the dos and don’ts of the Specialist Worker visa is essential to avoid breaching UK immigration rules:

Allowed

Work in the role specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Travel freely in and out of the UK during your visa validity.
Study alongside your sponsored employment.
Volunteer or take part in unpaid work.
Bring your partner and children as dependants if eligible.

Not Allowed

Claim public funds or access state pensions.
Switch employers or job roles without a new Specialist Worker visa.
Apply directly for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Take up extra jobs outside your sponsored role.
Overstay beyond your permitted visa duration.

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Specialist Worker vs. Skilled Worker Visa: At a Glance

Feature	Senior / Specialist Worker Visa	Skilled Worker Visa
Settlement (ILR)	No direct route. Must switch to another visa to qualify.	Eligible for ILR after 5 years.
English Test	Not required.	Required (speaking, reading, writing, listening).
Salary Threshold	£52,500+ (or higher “going rate”).	£41,700+ (varies with discounts and job type).
Employer Scope	Same corporate group only. UK sponsor must hold GBM licence.	Any UK employer with a Skilled Worker licence.
Overseas Work Requirement	12 months overseas employment (waived if £73,900+).	None — can be hired directly by a UK sponsor.

Switching & Future Pathways for the UK Specialist Worker Visa

The UK Specialist Worker visa does not provide a direct route to indefinite leave to remain (ILR). To secure permanent residency, applicants generally need to switch to a long-term route such as the Skilled Worker visa, which offers ILR after five years.

Key points to note:

Employers often sponsor Skilled Worker visas instead when long-term relocation is intended.
The Specialist Worker visa UK is better suited for temporary staff transfers under the Global Business Mobility visa framework.

UK Specialist Worker Visa Costs & Fees (2025 Update)

When applying for the Specialist Worker visa UK, it is important to understand the full financial commitment.

Application fee: £719–£1,420 depending on the length of stay.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year.
Maintenance funds: At least £1,270, unless certified by your sponsor.
Family costs: £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, £200 for each additional child.

These costs do not include relocation expenses or solicitor fees, which applicants are encouraged to budget for before starting their Specialist Worker visa application. Visa costs also vary depending on the length of stay and family size.

Dependants on the UK Specialist Worker Visa

The UK Specialist Worker visa allows you to bring a partner and children under 18 as dependants, provided you can prove your relationship and meet the Specialist Worker visa requirements for financial maintenance.

Dependants’ rights include:

The ability to work or study in the UK without restrictions.
Access to the same duration of stay as the main applicant.

This makes the visa particularly appealing for families relocating under the global business mobility visa specialist worker route.

Latest Specialist Worker Visa Rules & Updates (2025)

From 22nd July 2025, the global business mobility visa salary threshold for Specialist Workers increased to £52,500 (£17.13 per hour). This change reflects the UK’s focus on higher-paid, specialist roles.

Important updates:

Greater Home Office scrutiny of Global Business Mobility visas, requiring stricter compliance from employers.
A trend towards using the Skilled Worker visa for staff who may later qualify for settlement.

Employers and applicants must stay updated on the Specialist Worker visa eligibility rules to avoid unexpected delays or refusals.

Practical Tips for Specialist Worker Visa Applicants and Employers

Applicants and HR teams can improve success rates by following best practices:

Confirm your UK sponsor holds a valid Global Business Mobility licence.
Ensure the job role is on the eligible occupation list for UK Specialist visa (RQF Level 6+).
Collect strong documentation: Certificate of Sponsorship, salary proof, and overseas employment history.
Consider whether a Skilled Worker visa is more suitable if ILR is a goal.
Seek solicitor guidance to reduce risks and ensure full compliance with Specialist Worker visa requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a senior or specialist worker visa UK?

The Senior or Specialist Worker visa UK is part of the Global Business Mobility route. It replaced the ICT visa and allows multinational companies to transfer senior managers and specialist staff to UK branches. It is a temporary route that does not lead directly to ILR but provides flexibility for international firms. Many businesses use it to meet urgent skills needs. Understanding Specialist Worker visa eligibility and requirements is crucial before applying.

What is an ICT visa in UK?

The ICT visa, also known as the Intra-Company Transfer visa, was the predecessor of the current Global Business Mobility visa Specialist Worker route. It allowed international companies to move employees from overseas offices to UK branches. Since 2022, it has been replaced by the Specialist Worker visa UK, which follows updated salary thresholds and employment rules. While ICT visas are no longer issued, applicants can apply for a Specialist Worker visa under the GBM framework.

Who is eligible for ICT visa/senior or specialist worker visa in the UK?

Eligibility for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa UK requires current employment with a company linked to a UK sponsor. You must show at least 12 months of overseas employment unless you are a high earner (£73,900+). Applicants also need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship and must meet the Specialist Worker visa requirements including job role at RQF Level 6+. Meeting the UK senior worker visa requirements ensures compliance and avoids rejection.

Is UK ICT visa still available?

The old ICT visa is no longer available in the UK. It was replaced by the Specialist Worker visa UK under the Global Business Mobility framework in April 2022. Now, companies transfer senior or specialist staff through this updated route. If you previously held an ICT visa, you cannot extend it; instead, you need to apply for a Specialist Worker visa. The change reflects new UK Service Supplier visa requirements and salary thresholds.

How to apply for an intracompany transfer visa?

While the ICT visa is no longer available, you can apply for a Specialist Worker visa under the Global Business Mobility route. The process involves obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK employer, proving eligibility, meeting the Specialist Worker visa requirements, and applying online. You’ll need to pay application fees and the health surcharge. This visa is suitable for international companies sending staff to UK offices. Guidance from a solicitor ensures compliance and smooth processing.

Who is eligible for senior care visa in the UK?

The senior care visa is part of the Skilled Worker route, not the Specialist Worker visa UK. To qualify, applicants must have a UK sponsor in the health and social care sector, meet minimum salary thresholds, and pass the English test. Unlike the Global Business Mobility Senior Worker visa, this visa offers a direct path to ILR. Employers use it to address shortages in adult care roles, which remain on the UK shortage occupation list.

What is the visa for specialised workers?

The main visa for specialised workers in the UK is the Specialist Worker visa under the Global Business Mobility framework. It enables multinational companies to transfer staff with expert skills into UK roles. Applicants must meet Specialist Worker visa eligibility rules, including salary and overseas employment requirements. This visa is different from the Skilled Worker visa because it does not lead directly to ILR. Still, it provides businesses with flexible solutions for international mobility needs.

What are the different types of UK work visas?

The UK offers several work visa routes depending on skills and circumstances. The Specialist Worker visa UK (part of the Global Business Mobility visa) allows senior and specialist staff transfers. The Skilled Worker visa enables applicants to work long-term and leads to ILR. Other options include the Innovator Founder visa, Health and Care Worker visa, and Service Supplier visa. Each has unique eligibility requirements, with some tied to the eligible occupation list for UK visas.

Can you extend the Senior or Specialist Worker visa?

Yes, you can extend the Senior or Specialist Worker visa UK if you continue with the same employer and do not exceed the maximum stay. Typically, the cap is 5 years in 6 for regular earners and 9 years in 10 for high earners. This is considered a Global Business Mobility visa extension. Extensions depend on keeping the same contract and meeting the global business mobility visa salary threshold requirements set by the Home Office.

Does the Senior or Specialist Worker visa lead to UK ILR?

No, the Senior or Specialist Worker visa does not lead directly to ILR. It is designed for temporary assignments under the Global Business Mobility visa specialist worker category. If settlement is your goal, you must switch to a Skilled Worker visa, which allows ILR after 5 years. While the Specialist Worker visa has benefits for mobility, long-term planning should involve routes like the Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder visa to secure UK residency.

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