Are you a senior manager or a specialist worker? Do you want to help your company grow in the United Kingdom? The UK Senior Manager Visa can help you move to the UK for work. This visa is also called the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa. It is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) category. In 2026, the UK has made some important changes to this visa. There are new rules for salary and everything is now digital. This guide explains everything in simple words. It covers what you need, costs, how to apply, and more. This will help you avoid problems and make your move easy.
What is the UK Senior Manager Visa in 2026?
The Global Business Mobility Visa has replaced the old Intra-Company Transfer visa. The Senior or Specialist Worker route is for workers who already work for a company outside the UK. They can move to the company’s UK branch or linked business. This visa is for short stays. It helps senior managers or specialist workers do important jobs in the UK.
Key Features of the Visa
- Purpose: It is for temporary work. You come to the UK to help with company projects or growth.
- Official Name: Senior or Specialist Worker Visa.
- Changes in 2026: The UK now uses only digital eVisas. You do not get a physical card or sticker in your passport anymore. Your visa status is online.
This visa is good for companies that need to move key staff quickly. There is no need for an English language test, which makes it faster than some other visas.
Eligibility & Requirements: The Full Guide
To get this visa in 2026, you must meet clear rules from the UK Home Office. You need to score enough points for sponsorship, job skill, and salary. If you do not meet them, your application will be refused.
Main Requirements
- Sponsorship Licence: Your UK company must have an A-rated sponsor licence. This allows them to hire workers from outside the UK.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer gives you a digital CoS. It has details about your job and salary.
- Job Skill Level: The job must be at a high level, like graduate level (RQF Level 6 or above). Check the eligible job codes.
- Work Experience: You must have worked for your overseas company for at least 12 months. This is before you apply.
Special Tip for High Earners
If your salary will be £73,900 or more per year, you do not need the 12 months of work experience.
- Company Link: The overseas company and the UK company must be linked. For example, one is a branch, subsidiary, or they have common owners.
These rules make sure only real company transfers happen. It stops misuse of the visa.
Salary & Financials: 2026 Costs
In 2026, salary rules are stricter because of cost of living changes. You must earn enough to support yourself in the UK.
Minimum Salary in 2026
You must earn the highest of these:
- £52,500 per year (general minimum).
- The ‘going rate’ for your job code (based on official data).
Your salary is checked carefully. Only pay for up to 48 hours a week counts if you work more.
Main Costs Table
| Fee Type | 2026 Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | £719 (for up to 3 years) / £1,420 (over 3 years) |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year |
| Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) | £1,320 per year (for large companies) |
| Financial Maintenance | £1,270 (savings you must show, held for 28 days) |
About the Immigration Health Surcharge
You must pay the IHS. It gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). This is free healthcare like for UK people.
These costs add up. Plan with your employer. They often pay some fees, like the sponsor charges.
Process & Compliance: The 2026 Digital Way
In 2026, the UK uses only eVisas. No more physical permits. Everything is online.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Assign the CoS: Your employer uses their online system to give you a CoS.
- Create UKVI Account: You make a digital account to check your visa status.
- Give Biometrics: Use the app to scan your ID, or go to a centre for fingerprints and photo.
- Wait for Decision: Normal time is 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, or 8 weeks from inside. You can pay extra for fast decision (1-2 days).
Priority Services
If you need it quick, pay more for priority. It can give a decision in 24-48 hours. This digital system makes things faster in the long run. But you must keep your account safe.
Strategy & Limitations: Important Things to Know
This visa is fast and easy in some ways. No English test needed. But it has limits.
Maximum Stay Rules
- Normal: Up to 5 years in any 6-year period.
- For high earners (£73,900+): Up to 9 years in any 10-year period.
No Path to Permanent Stay
This visa does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Time on this visa does not count for settlement.
How to Stay Longer Permanently
If you want to settle in the UK, switch to a Skilled Worker Visa later. Start the settlement clock then.
Cooling-off Period
If you reach the max stay, you may need to leave the UK for some time before coming back on another similar visa.
Plan your long-term goals early. Talk to an expert if you want to stay forever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I bring my family?
Yes. Your partner and children can come as dependants. They can work and study in the UK.
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Do I need an English language test?
No. This visa does not require it. That is different from the Skilled Worker visa.
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What if my company is new in the UK?
Use the UK Expansion Worker Visa instead. It is for setting up a new branch. One senior person can come first.
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How long can I extend?
You can extend if you still meet the rules. But watch the maximum stay limits.
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What documents do I need?
Common ones: Passport, CoS, proof of work experience, company link documents, and salary proof.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The UK Senior Manager Visa is great for companies moving key staff to the UK. It is quick, no English test, and good for growth. But in 2026, higher salaries and digital rules mean you must prepare well.
To start:
- Check your job code and salary.
- Make sure company documents are ready.
- Talk to an immigration expert for help.
Would you like help with a checklist or salary check for your job?
Disclaimer:
This guide is for information only. It is not legal advice. Always check the official GOV.UK website for the latest rules before you apply. Rules can change.