Senior or Specialist Worker

The Senior or Specialist Worker route is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) framework, which replaced the Intra-Company Transfer route in 2022. It allows multinational companies to send established senior managers or specialist employees to their UK branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.

To qualify under this route, the worker must have been employed by an overseas entity that is linked to the UK sponsor for at least 12 months (though this requirement may be waived in certain circumstances). They must be transferring to a specific role in the UK that requires their seniority or specialist expertise.

The worker must be paid at least the required salary threshold and be sponsored by a UK entity that holds a valid GBM sponsor licence. The UK employer must assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before the application is made.

This route is initially granted for up to five years, with extensions possible. It does not lead directly to settlement, though those who later obtain a Skilled Worker Visa may count prior time towards ILR.

Senior or Specialist Workers may bring dependants to the UK, who are also entitled to work. This is an important advantage for longer transfers.

Terence Ray Solicitors advises both UK employers and transferring employees on the requirements of this route, from obtaining sponsor status to processing individual visa applications efficiently.

Call 020 3367 1430 or email info@trsolicitors.co.uk.