UK Opens Global Business Mobility Visa for Senior & Specialist Workers

London – The UK government has unveiled a new visa option under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) route, designed to streamline the process for senior managers and specialist employees from multinational companies to work in the UK.

The Senior or Specialist Worker visa, which replaces the previous Intra-company Transfer (ICT) visa, aims to simplify the transfer of skilled workers to UK branches of their employers.

Eligibility Criteria

The new visa targets senior managers, specialists, and highly skilled workers within multinational corporations. To qualify, applicants must fulfill several requirements:

• They must be employed by a company registered as a sponsor with the UK Home Office and possess a certificate of sponsorship from their employer.
• The job role must be on the UK’s list of eligible occupations, and the minimum salary requirement is set at £48,500 per year.
• The visa also allows current Intra-company Transfer or Tier 2 (ICT) visa holders to switch to the new Senior or Specialist Worker visa without leaving the UK. Additionally, individuals participating in a Graduate Trainee program must apply for a separate Graduate Trainee visa. More comprehensive eligibility details are available on the official GOV.UK website.

Duration and Extensions

The duration of the visa depends on the specifics outlined in the certificate of sponsorship, but it is generally capped at five years. For those earning less than £73,900 annually, the maximum stay is five years. Workers earning £73,900 or more may remain in the UK for up to nine years.

Applicants already in the UK on an Intra-company Transfer visa can extend their stay under the new visa, although time previously spent in the UK on related visas counts towards the total maximum duration. For example, if a worker earning under £73,900 has already lived in the UK for three years, they may stay for only two more years before needing to exit the UK for six months to reset eligibility.

Application Process and Costs for the global business mobility visa

Applications for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa must be submitted online. The total cost includes an application fee, a healthcare surcharge, and proof of sufficient personal savings.

Applicants can apply up to three months before their intended start date. Decisions for applicants outside the UK are typically made within three weeks, while those applying from within the UK can expect a decision in around eight weeks. The process varies depending on whether the applicant is extending a current stay, switching from another visa, or applying from outside the UK.

Family members, including partners and children, can apply to join the visa holder in the UK as dependants if eligible.

Rights and Restrictions

Visa holders can:

• Work for their sponsoring employer in the role specified on their certificate of sponsorship.
• Study in the UK.
• Bring eligible dependants to the UK.
• Travel in and out of the country.
• Engage in voluntary work.

However, restrictions apply. Visa holders cannot:

• Access most public benefits or the State Pension.
• Change jobs without updating their visa and ensuring the new role is eligible.
• Take on a second job unless they were previously on an Intra-company Transfer or Tier 2 (ICT) visa.
• Apply for permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) unless they meet further criteria.

Sponsorship and Salary Details

A valid certificate of sponsorship from the employer is mandatory for the visa application. The employer must be a registered sponsor with the UK Home Office, and the certificate should outline the role details and confirm the employment terms.

Applicants earning below £73,900 must have worked for their employer for at least 12 months outside the UK. This requirement is waived for those earning £73,900 or more. However, all applicants must meet the minimum salary threshold of £48,500 or the “going rate” for their job.

For workers who held an Intra-company Transfer or Tier 2 (ICT) Long-term Staff visa before April 6, 2011, salary requirements are waived, though they must still receive the occupation’s going rate.

For more details on eligibility, application procedures, and restrictions, visit the GOV.UK website.