Official UK Government Updates
For accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official UK Government source:
Core Eligibility
To qualify for the 60 points required for this route, you must meet the following:
- Sponsorship: A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer linked to your overseas employer by common ownership or control.
- Overseas Employment: You must have worked for the overseas company for at least 12 months outside the UK, unless you earn £73,900 or more per year.
- Skill Level: The role must be at RQF Level 6 (Bachelor’s degree equivalent) or above.
- Financial Maintenance: You must show at least £1,270 in personal savings held for 28 consecutive days, unless your sponsor certifies your maintenance on the CoS.
2026 Salary Requirements
Following the 2025 and early 2026 updates, the salary thresholds for this route have increased. You must be paid the higher of the following:
| Requirement | 2026 Threshold |
| General Salary Threshold | £52,500 per year |
| Occupation Going Rate | 100% of the pro-rated going rate |
- Calculation: These thresholds are based on a maximum of 48 hours per week.
- High Earners: If you earn £73,900 or more, you are exempt from the 12-month prior employment rule and can stay in the UK for a longer cumulative period.
2026 Costs and Fees
The application fee depends on the length of your assignment and where you apply from.
| Visa Duration | Outside UK Fee | Inside UK (Extension) |
| Up to 3 years | £769 | £885 |
| More than 3 years | £1,519 | £1,751 |
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): You must pay £1,035 per year for each year of your visa.
- Immigration Skills Charge (ISC): This is paid by the employer. For large sponsors, it is £1,320 for the first year, plus £660 for each additional 6 months.
Duration and Stay Limits
- Maximum Stay
- Standard Earners (under £73,900): You can stay for up to 5 years in any 6-year period.
- High Earners (£73,900 and over): You can stay for up to 9 years in any 10-year period.
- Extensions: You can extend your visa as many times as you like, provided you do not exceed the maximum stay limits mentioned above.
Key Restrictions
- No English Requirement: Unlike the Skilled Worker route, you do not need to prove your English language proficiency for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa.
- No Settlement: This route does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). If your goal is permanent residency, you would typically need to switch to the Skilled Worker route, though time spent as a Senior or Specialist Worker will not count toward the 5-year residency requirement for settlement.
- Work: You are only permitted to work for your sponsor in the role described on your CoS, though you can do voluntary work and study.
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
Professional guidance for your Senior or Specialist Worker (Global Business Mobility) visa transition.
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Important Information Regarding Our Fees
Service Fees: Our quotes are for professional consulting only and exclude Home Office fees, IHS, biometrics, and third-party costs.
Estimated Quotes: Prices shown are indicative. Final fees depend on case complexity, urgency, and the specific scale of your documentation.
Disclaimer: All prices mentioned are exclusive of VAT.
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