Overview
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa route is part of the UK’s Global Business Mobility scheme, aimed at enabling established employees of multinational companies to work in a UK branch or subsidiary. This visa route is designed for senior managers or specialist employees being transferred to the UK.
Key Features and Eligibility Criteria:
Sponsorship:
- Applicants must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK sponsor. The sponsor must be authorized to sponsor the Senior or Specialist Worker visa category.
Job Role:
- The job must be genuine and require skills at an appropriate level (RQF Level 6 or above). The role should be for a senior manager or specialist employee.
Employment History:
- Applicants must have worked for the sponsoring company outside the UK for at least 12 months prior to their application. This requirement is waived if the applicant’s annual salary is £73,900 or more.
Salary:
- The minimum salary requirement for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa is £45,800 or the ‘going rate’ for the job, whichever is higher. This threshold ensures that the role is a senior or specialist position.
Points-Based System:
- The visa operates under the points-based system, requiring applicants to score a total of 60 points. Points are awarded for sponsorship, job role, and salary.
Application Process:
Certificate of Sponsorship:
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from the UK employer, detailing the job role, salary, and other relevant information.
Online Application:
- Complete the online visa application form, pay the application fee, and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Biometrics:
- Submit biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application center.
Supporting Documents:
- Provide necessary documents such as a valid passport, proof of employment, financial evidence if needed, and other relevant documents
Duration and Extensions:
- Initial Duration: The visa is usually granted for the duration of the job as stated in the Certificate of Sponsorship, up to a maximum of 5 years.
- Maximum Stay: The total stay in the UK cannot exceed 5 years in any 6-year period.
- Extensions: Applicants can extend their visa up to the maximum stay limit.
Conditions and Restrictions:
- Dependants: Visa holders can bring their spouse, partner, and children under 18 as dependants, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Work Restrictions: Visa holders can only work for their sponsoring employer in the role specified in the Certificate of Sponsorship.
- No Public Funds: Visa holders cannot access public funds.
Key Benefits:
- Business Continuity: Facilitates the transfer of key personnel within multinational companies, ensuring business continuity and growth.
- Career Development: Provides opportunities for senior managers and specialists to gain international experience and advance their careers.
FAQ (Frequently asked questions):
The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, part of the Global Business Mobility route, allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job at your employer’s UK branch. This visa has replaced the Intra-company Transfer visa.
- To qualify for a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, you must:
- Be an existing employee of an organisation approved by the Home Office as a sponsor.
- Have a certificate of sponsorship from your employer with details about the work you will do in the UK.
- Do a job that is on the list of eligible occupations.
- Be paid at least £45,800 per year.
- The costs associated with the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa are:
- Application fee: £625 per person.
- Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year.
- Proof of funds: You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK.
- Under the current rules, if a couple has children or other dependants, the threshold increases:
- For the first child, an additional £3,800
- For each additional child, an extra £2,400
- You can stay in the UK for the shorter of the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days (about 2 weeks).
- 5 years.
Yes, you can apply to extend your visa or apply for another one as many times as you like up to the maximum total stay. The maximum total stay allowed is:
5 years in any 6-year period if you’re paid less than £73,900 a year.
9 years in any 10-year period if you’re paid £73,900 a year or more.
Yes, your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependants if they are eligible. They will also need to pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge.
You must apply online from outside the UK. As part of your application, you will need to prove your identity and provide your documents. You will usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
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