SENIOR OR SPECIALIST WORKER VISA

Since December 31, 2020, the United Kingdom is no longer a member of the European Union. This has caused significant changes to the free movement of people from Europe that was in effect until that date.

In principle, for continuous stays of less than 90 days and activities related to tourism and business (visiting clients or suppliers, attending fairs or congresses, etc.), no visa is required.

For any other activity or stays longer than the aforementioned 90 days, Spaniards will need to apply for a visa.

What You Need to Know

✅ A Senior or Specialist Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do eligible work at your employer’s branch in the UK.

✅ This visa has replaced the Intra-Company Transfer visa, formerly known as the Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa.

✅ If you are on a graduate training programme, you will need to apply for a Graduate Trainee visa.

Visa Duration

📅 The visa duration refers to the period during which the visa is in effect and therefore can be used for travel.

📅 The visa duration coincides with the length of the stay.

Maximum Stay and Number of Entries and Exits

•  You can stay in the UK with a Senior or Specialist Worker visa for the shorter of the following:
  • The time on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days.
  • 5 years.

Can It Be Extended?

•  You can apply to extend your visa or apply for another as many times as you wish up to the maximum total stay allowed.

Processing Time

•  You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you’re due to start work in the UK. This date is on your certificate of sponsorship.
• As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
•  You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll know if you need one when you start your application.
•  Once you’ve applied online, proven your identity, and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

3 weeks if you’re outside the UK.

8 weeks if you’re inside the UK.

• If you need to attend an appointment, you may be able to pay for a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether you’re outside or inside the UK.

Application Fees

• The official fee charged by the UK government’s Immigration Department for a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is approximately €820 for stays of up to 3 years, and approximately €1,620 for stays longer than 3 years. These amounts are approximate and based on the current exchange rate from British pounds to euros.

⚠️ Please note that this fee does not include any additional charges for agency services or legal assistance. These fees may vary depending on the agency or legal advisor assisting with your visa application.