The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is the UK’s main intra-company transfer route — for employees moving to a UK business linked to their overseas employer. Part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) family, it replaced the old ICT visa. This 2026 guide covers eligibility, salary, how long you can stay, and the settlement catch.
What is it for?
It lets a multinational transfer an existing employee to a UK entity that’s linked to their overseas employer by common ownership, control or a joint venture. It replaced the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa in April 2022.
Requirements
- a job offer from a linked UK business with a Certificate of Sponsorship for an eligible role;
- usually having worked for the overseas business for a qualifying period (around 12 months), unless you’re a high earner;
- salary of at least £52,500 a year or the going rate — whichever is higher (raised from £45,800 in July 2025).
How long can you stay?
Up to 5 years in any 6-year period for most workers, or up to 9 years in any 10-year period if you earn £73,900 or more.
The settlement catch
This route does not lead to settlement, and time on it does not count towards the 5-year Skilled Worker qualifying period if you later switch. If settlement is your goal, the Skilled Worker route is usually the better fit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Senior or Specialist Worker visa?
A Global Business Mobility route for employees transferred to a UK business linked to their overseas employer — the former ICT visa.
What salary is required?
At least £52,500 a year or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher.
How long can I stay?
Up to 5 years in any 6-year period, or up to 9 years in any 10-year period if you earn £73,900 or more.
Does it lead to settlement?
No — it’s not a route to ILR, and the time doesn’t count towards Skilled Worker settlement.
Do I need to have worked for the company already?
Usually yes — around 12 months for the overseas business — unless you’re a high earner.
How must the businesses be linked?
By common ownership or control, or a joint venture agreement, between the UK and overseas entities.
