For a country where tech companies have generated approximately $1 trillion, AI companies in the UK keep seeking to hire more AI experts via the senior or specialist worker visa to promote their self-sufficiency in digital resources.
Where an AI company with a branch in the UK is designing and developing AI tools, they will need the services of an expert versed in such algorithms and models to build them.
Such expertise can be so rare that it cannot be sourced locally, or even if it can, the company would need an expert who is already knowledgeable about the company’s business operations, hence the need to transfer such employees from abroad to the UK.
Where this is the case, the best visa route for such AI experts seeking employment in the UK would be the senior or specialist worker visa. This article will help AI experts understand why this visa route is the best for them by explaining the eligibility criteria and application process.
Understanding the Senior Worker Visa: A Pathway for AI Professionals to the UK
What AI professionals need to know before applying for a UK work visa
An AI expert can either come to the UK through the Skilled Worker visa or the Senior or Specialist Worker visa. Where he/she is coming through the company he/she is currently working for, the appropriate route would be the senior or specialist worker visa.
Under the Global Business Mobility Scheme, AI companies in the UK can temporarily transfer AI experts from their overseas branch to the UK through the Senior or Specialist Worker visa.
If the company is on a short-term project and urgently needs the expertise and knowledge of the AI expert, the streamlined process of this visa ensures that they don’t experience unnecessarily delay before the employee can get to the UK.
Although this visa does not provide a pathway to permanent residency, it is beneficial for UK businesses as it gives them access to the expertise they need for a project without the obligation of a long-term commitment.
Types of AI roles that qualify for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa include Machine Learning Engineers, Robotics Engineers, Data Scientists, Software Engineers specializing in AI, AI Product Manager, AI Researcher, AI Ethics Specialist, MLOps Engineer etc.
Most times, applicants ask, ‘Since I’m transferring to the same company, do I still need a job offer from the UK employer?’
The answer is Yes. Whatever role the applicant is to occupy, it is important that they have a job offer from the UK-approved sponsor.
Top Considerations for AI Experts Planning to Relocate to the UK in 2025
After the AI expert has received the job offer from the Home Office-approved, they have to ensure that the job role has the appropriate Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. The relevant codes for AI professionals can be found on the official list at the Home Office’s official website.
The SOC code is important because it confirms the salary rate for the role you are about to take. When you’ve confirmed the salary rate for that role, ensure that it aligns with what your UK employer is offering to pay you for the role you are about to occupy.
Note that there is a new entrant salary discount that allows AI companies to pay you less than ‘going rate’ for the AI role you were hired for, for at least four (4) years. This only applies where, although specialized, you are a new hire at the company.
However, the salary still has to meet a minimum of 70% of the going rate for AI roles or at least 30,960 (immigration authorities always go with the highest amount).
Another thing to consider for AI Experts is their ability to communicate properly in English at a CEFR level. To prove their English language proficiency, AI experts can submit results from approved tests such as Pearson PTE Academic UKVI and IELTS for UKVI.
Applicants from certain countries or those with a degree taught or researched in English that they can use as proof of English are usually exempted from this requirement.
If you are going to the UK through this visa, it means that you are going to be actively earning during your stay, however, you are required to have sufficient funds that can support you and your family (if you’re going with them) for a period of at least one month.
Your criminal and immigration record has to be as clean as a whistle. The UK immigration authorities are very particular about granting criminals or miscreants access to their country, hence any dent on your record can significantly affect your application.
Step-by-Step Guide to Relocating to the UK With a Senior Worker Visa for AI Specialists
To apply for this visa, depends on certain factors such as if you are applying from outside the UK and are coming to the UK, from within the UK and either wish to extend your stay on that same visa or switch from a different visa.
Before you begin your application, it is important that you have secured your CoS from your employer. Then gather all documents required for both your profession as an AI expert and general requirements for the visa application.
After that, you can now begin your application on the Home Office’s official website – either you are applying from outside the UK, extending your visa, or switching to this visa type.
You will be required to pay an application fee ranging from £769 to £1,751 (depending on your circumstances), an immigration healthcare surcharge of £1,035 annually and proof of funds worth £1,270 (except you are exempted).
Note that if you are extending, switching or updating your visa, you will have to pay an application fee ranging from £885 per person to £1,751 per person (depending on your situation).
The required documents you will need for your senior or specialist worker visa application as an AI expert include your current passport or other valid travel identification, your English language test result, bank statements, police clearance certificate, TB test results, educational certificates, professional qualifications, marriage and birth certificates (if you are going with family members), etc.
