What is a GBM specialist or senior worker visa?

One of five Global Business Mobility (GBM) visas, the specialist and senior workers visa is intended for foreign companies seeking to establish a presence in the United Kingdom or transfer personnel there.

This visa supersedes the previous Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa as part of the UK’s points-based immigration system.

Applications for ICT visas are no longer accepted, though current ICT visa holders remain unaffected.

Visa requirements for senior or specialist workers at GBM

Applicants must meet several criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an authorised UK sponsor.
• Have been employed by the overseas linked employer for at least 12 months unless earning £73,900 or more.
• Meet the minimum skill level and salary requirements (£45,800 or the market rate, whichever is higher).
• Provide proof of financial resources (£1,270 unless covered by the sponsor).
• Provide a tuberculosis test certificate if applicable.

Application procedure for the GBM specialist or senior worker visa

Applicants must apply online using their CoS reference number, ensuring the certificate is issued no more than three months before the application date.

Supporting documents, a fingerprint scan, and a photograph may be required.

• Passport or travel document.
• Job title, annual salary, and occupation code.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Proof of financial resources, if required.
• Tuberculosis test certificate, if applicable.

What is the procedure for applying for dependents of senior or specialised personnel?

Dependents, including spouses, partners, and children under 18, may apply alongside or after the primary visa holder.

Financial requirements apply:

• £285 for a spouse or partner.
• £315 for the first child.
• £200 for each additional child.

What is the application fee for a GBM specialist or senior worker visa?

Application fees vary based on the length of stay:

• £719 for up to 3 years (outside UK applications).
• £1,420 for more than 3 years.
• £827 for up to 3 years (extensions within the UK).
• £1,500 for more than 3 years.

Processing period for an application for a GBM senior or specialist worker visa

Processing times are typically:

• Up to 3 weeks for overseas applications.
• Up to 8 weeks for in-country applications.

What is the duration of a GBM senior or specialist worker visa?

Visa duration aligns with the work assignment plus 14 days, not exceeding the maximum stay limits of:

• 5 years within a 6-year period.
• 9 years within a 10-year period for high earners (£73,900+ annually).

Prolonging a GBM specialist or senior worker visa

Visa holders may extend their stay if their UK assignment continues and they meet eligibility requirements.

Maximum stay limits apply.

Does the GBM senior or specialist worker visa lead to UK residency?

This visa is a temporary work permit and does not lead to permanent settlement.

Applicants may transition to other routes, such as the Skilled Worker visa, for settlement.

FAQs on senior or specialised worker visas

FAQs on senior or specialised worker visas (continued)