The UK government has unveiled a new visa program aimed at attracting top talent from around the globe. The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) route, is designed to streamline the process for senior managers and specialist workers in multinational companies to transfer to the UK. This visa replaces the previous Intra-company Transfer (ICT) visa and offers a more efficient system for skilled professionals to work in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Employment with a Registered Sponsor
- Applicants must work for a company registered with the UK Home Office as a sponsor.
- A valid certificate of sponsorship is mandatory.
Eligible Occupation and Salary
- The job must be listed as an eligible occupation for this visa.
- The applicant must earn at least £48,500 per year.
This visa is particularly suited for senior managers, specialists, and other skilled professionals in multinational firms. Current ICT visa holders in the UK can switch to this new visa without leaving the country. However, individuals on a Graduate Trainee program must apply for a separate Graduate Trainee visa.
Duration and Extensions
The visa duration is determined by the details in the certificate of sponsorship and has the following limits:
- Earnings Below £73,900: Maximum stay of 5 years.
- Earnings £73,900 or Above: Maximum stay of 9 years.
Applicants can extend their stay under this visa if already in the UK on an ICT visa. However, the total duration of related visas will count toward the maximum stay limit. For example, someone earning less than £73,900 who has already worked in the UK for three years can extend their stay for two additional years before they must leave the UK for six months.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online and include:
- Application Fee and Healthcare Surcharge
- Proof of Personal Savings
Processing times:
- Outside the UK: Decisions are typically made within three weeks.
- Inside the UK: Decisions usually take up to eight weeks.
Applicants can apply up to three months before their intended start date in the UK. Dependants, such as spouses or children, can also apply to join the visa holder in the UK if they meet eligibility criteria.
What Visa Holders Can Do
Senior or Specialist Worker visa holders are allowed to:
- Work in the specified role for their sponsor.
- Study in the UK.
- Travel in and out of the UK.
- Bring eligible dependants.
- Participate in voluntary work.
However, restrictions include:
- No access to most public benefits or the State Pension.
- No job changes unless the new role qualifies for this visa.
- No second jobs unless specific criteria are met.
- Cannot apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) without fulfilling additional requirements.
Sponsorship and Salary Details
A valid sponsorship certificate is critical, confirming the employer’s registration with the UK Home Office and the details of the job.
The salary requirements are:
- A minimum of £48,500 or the "going rate" for the occupation, whichever is higher.
- Applicants earning £73,900 or more are not required to have prior employment outside the UK with their employer.
- For those earning less than £73,900, at least 12 months of prior employment outside the UK with the same employer is required.
Exceptions apply for individuals switching from an ICT visa or Tier 2 (ICT) Long-term Staff visa issued before April 6, 2011.
Conclusion
The new Senior or Specialist Worker visa represents a significant opportunity for skilled professionals to enhance their careers in the UK. It simplifies the process for multinational companies to transfer talent while contributing to the UK economy.
For complete details on eligibility, application procedures, and requirements, visit the official GOV.UK Senior or Specialist Worker visa page.
This update is intended to provide accurate and essential information for individuals considering this new UK visa opportunity.