Immigration and Asylum
When an overseas company needs to transfer an employee to the UK, the correct route depends on the assignment and the relationship between the businesses. Senior or Specialist Worker replaced the former Intra-company Transfer route. SJS can help assess the proposed transfer and the sponsorship and visa evidence it needs.
Understanding your next steps
Senior or Specialist Worker is intended for eligible work at an employer's UK branch. Graduate training, service contracts and other assignments can fall under different Global Business Mobility categories. The label used by the company does not determine the immigration route.
We look at the sponsoring business, the employee's overseas employment, the UK role, salary and certificate of sponsorship. This helps identify whether the proposed arrangement meets the relevant requirements before travel and relocation plans are finalised.
These routes have limits on the time a person can spend in the UK. Senior or Specialist Worker does not normally lead directly to settlement. If a permanent move is the objective, it is sensible to consider the options at the beginning.
A clear way forward
Provide the corporate relationship, your current role, employment history, UK duties and intended assignment dates.
We review the sponsorship position, the role and any prior time spent in the UK on transfer or mobility routes.
We agree the application work and explain the documents needed from both the individual and the business, including eligible dependant applications.
Planning ahead
The cost depends on the assignment, sponsor arrangements and number of applicants. Our quotation will distinguish legal fees from sponsorship costs, Home Office charges and any healthcare surcharge.
Coordinate the application with the employer's sponsorship process. Previous UK assignments can affect the permitted length of stay, so provide a complete immigration history before setting a relocation timetable.
Read our published Price Guide, then contact us to confirm the work you need and the costs involved.
View Price GuideUseful to know
The current Senior or Specialist Worker route sits within Global Business Mobility. Different rules apply to graduate trainees and other types of business assignment.
No. The sponsor, role, salary and applicant must meet the immigration requirements. A certificate of sponsorship and the required supporting evidence are needed.
Senior or Specialist Worker does not normally provide a direct route to settlement. An alternative route may need consideration if the intention is a permanent UK move.
Yes. Time on relevant mobility or transfer routes can count towards maximum stay limits. Bring earlier visas and the dates you spent in the UK.
General information about UK immigration. Contact us for advice about your circumstances.
SJS Solicitors · Balham
