Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

What it is

For existing employees of an overseas business being transferred to a UK branch or linked entity in a senior or specialist role. Replaced the Intra-company Transfer visa.

Key facts

Category: Work
Duration: Up to 5 years per grant; max 5 years in any 6-year period (or 9 in 10 for high earners)
Processing time: 3–8 weeks
Maximum validity: 5 years
Extendable: Yes
Path to permanent residence: No
Dependants: Yes
How to apply: Online
Health insurance: Not required

Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.

Fees

Application fee (up to 3 years): GBP 819
Health surcharge: GBP 1,035 per year
Proof of funds (main applicant, held for at least 28 consecutive days…): GBP 1,270
Application fee (more than 3 years): GBP 1,618
Application fee (up to 3 years): GBP 943
Application fee (more than 3 years): GBP 1,865

Key requirements

Existing employee of a Home Office-approved sponsor
Certificate of sponsorship for an eligible role
Earn at least £52,500 per year
Work in an eligible occupation
Meet the overseas employment history requirement

Working on this visa

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship […] You cannot: […] have a second job - unless you’ve previously had an Intra-company Transfer visa or a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long term Staff visa…

Bringing family

Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.

Money you must show

main applicant, held for at least 28 consecutive days…

Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 19 July 2026.