UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa - Global Business Mobility Visa

Your UK employer must:

• Hold a valid Sponsor Licence under the Senior or Specialist Worker route.
• Assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before you apply.
• Ensure that your role meets the salary and skill level requirements.
• Fulfil sponsorship duties, including reporting changes in your employment.

Required Documents for a UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

To apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, you must provide:

• A valid passport (with at least one blank page).
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your UK employer.
• Evidence of your employment history (if required).
• Bank statements or financial proof, if necessary.

If you are from a country where tuberculosis (TB) testing is required, you must also provide a TB test certificate.

How to Apply for a UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

Step 1: Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your UK sponsor must issue a CoS before you apply. This is a unique reference number linked to your role and employer.

Step 2: Check if You Can Use the UK Immigration: ID Check App

Some applicants do not need to attend a visa application centre and can verify their identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.

You can use the app if:

• You are applying from outside the UK.
• You hold a biometric passport from an eligible country.

If eligible, you will be prompted to use the app during the online application process.

Step 3: Apply Online

• Complete your application through the official UK government website.
• Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

If you cannot use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, you must book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to:

• Provide fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information).
• Submit any additional required documents.

Step 5: Await a Decision

• Standard processing time: 3 weeks.
• Priority processing (optional): 5 working days for an extra £500.

Once approved, you will receive:

• A digital status if you used the ID Check app.
• A visa vignette in your passport if you applied via a VAC.

Visa Application Fee:

• £769 (if staying up to 3 years).
• £1,519 (if staying more than 3 years).

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

• £1,035 per year

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee:

• Paid by the UK employer (£525 per worker).

Immigration Skills Charge (ISC):

• £364 per year (for small sponsors).
• £1,000 per year (for medium/large sponsors).

Can You Switch to Another Visa?

The UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa does not lead to settlement, but you may be able to switch to a different visa, such as the:

• Skilled Worker Visa, if you receive a qualifying job offer.
• Innovator Founder Visa, if you plan to start a business in the UK.

How Immtell Can Help

Applying for a UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa requires careful preparation to ensure compliance with Home Office requirements. Immtell provides expert support to help:

• UK businesses secure a Senior or Specialist Worker Sponsor Licence.
• Workers complete their visa application accurately.
• Ensure contracts meet Home Office eligibility requirements.
• Assist with visa extensions and compliance advice.