Senior or Specialist Worker Visa FAQs

January 1, 2026

This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (Inter-company Transfer) long-term staff visa. The senior or specialist worker visa is for senior managers or specialist workers in an organisation who are being transferred to the UK from an overseas entity of a UK company to undertake specific work.

This route does not lead to settlement, but it does allow for dependants to join the main applicant.

Length of Stay on a Senior or Specialist Worker visa:

In the Senior or Specialist Worker visa, the maximum period of leave is a cumulative total of 5 years in any 6-year period or 9 years in any 10-year period for high earners.

This visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to work an eligible job at your employer’s UK branch. 

  • Be an existing employee of an organisation that’s been approved by the Home Office as a sponsor.
  • Have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the work you will do in the UK.
  • Work in a job role that’s on the list of eligible occupations.
  • Be paid at least £52,500.
  • Have worked for your employer outside of the UK for at least 12 months – an exception applies if you are earning more than £73,900, in which case there is no minimum time requirement for employment. 

Please note that entry requirements may differ if you are traveling from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

Yes, subject to meeting eligibility requirements, you can apply for your partner and children aged under 18 to join you as your dependants.  

In the Senior or Specialist Worker visa, the maximum period of leave is a cumulative total of:

  • 5 years in any 6-year period for those earning less than £73,900 per annum; or
  • 9 years in any 10-year period for high earners, earning over £73,900 per annum

This visa does not provide a direct route to settlement/ ILR in the UK. However, it may be possible to switch to an alternative visa from within the UK, that would allow you to qualify for settlement. 

It takes 3 weeks if applying from overseas. For an additional fee, you can prioritise your application and receive an expedited decision.

Yes. You will need to attend an appointment at your nearest visa centre to have your photograph taken and to submit your fingerprints. This is for your visa.

How can we help

We have significant experience in preparing visa applications for individuals who wish to move to the UK for work and business purposes. For assistance please contact us.

Contact us to speak with one of our experienced immigration specialists and find out how we can support you.

Usof Shah
Legal Director, Immigration
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This reflects the law and market position at the date of publication and is written as a general guide. It does not contain definitive legal advice, which should be sought in relation to a specific matter.

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