The Global Business Mobility visa is an umbrella category of five different types of UK work visas. These visas are designed for employees of overseas companies to undertake specific types of work or assignments in the UK.
As each of the Global Business Mobility visas have their own eligibility and application requirements, the GBM rules can quickly become complex. However, with professional advice, these routes can form a valuable part of an organisation’s talent recruitment and mobility programme and UK-based development strategies.
In this guide, we explain what the Global Business Mobility visa is, together with the eligibility requirements and length of stay under each subcategory. We also set out the sponsorship rules for overseas employers to sponsor workers for a GBM visa.
Section A: What is the Global Business Mobility Visa?
The Global Business Mobility visa is a combined category of five sponsored work routes for workers from overseas companies to work in the UK temporarily. When introduced, the Global Business Mobility visa reformed and expanded on previous UK work and business visas, with the aim of allowing non-UK organisations to pursue UK-based opportunities by enabling overseas companies to deploy certain types of workers to carry out specific types of work.
The five visas under the Global Business Mobility route are:
|
UK Global Business Mobility Visas |
|
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Description |
| Senior or Specialist Worker | For employees with specialist knowledge transferring to a UK branch. |
| Graduate Trainee | For graduates on specialised training programmes in a UK branch. |
| UK Expansion Worker | For employees setting up a new UK presence for an overseas company. |
| Service Supplier | For individuals delivering specific services to a UK client under a contract. |
| Secondment Worker | For employees temporarily assigned to work in a UK branch. |
Each visa has its own requirements:
1. Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
The Senior or Specialist Worker route is for senior managers and specialist employees being assigned to a UK business that’s linked to their employer overseas and who wish to undertake a temporary assignment in the UK. This route replaced the Intra-Company Transfer route in April 2022.
To be eligible for this specific route, an applicant must:
a. be working for the sponsor group and have worked for that group outside the UK for a cumulative period of at least 12 months, unless they’ll be working in the UK as a high earner being paid a gross salary of £73,900 per year or more
b. have been issued a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job they’re proposing to do, issued by an employer that’s authorised by the UK Home Office to sponsor a Senior or Specialist Worker and who has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge in full
c. have sponsorship for an eligible job at or above an appropriate minimum skill level, with an annual salary of at least £45,800 or the ‘going rate’ for that job, whichever is higher.
If the applicant is successful, permission will be granted for either 5 years after the start date of the job set out in the Certificate of Sponsorship; 14 days after the end date of this job; or the date at which the applicant will have had cumulative permission on the Global Business Mobility and the Intra-Company routes totalling 5 years in any 6-year period, or 9 years in any 10-year period if applying as a high earner — whichever is the shortest.
Read our comprehensive guide to the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa here >>
2. Graduate Trainee Visa
The Graduate Trainee route is for overseas workers on a graduate training course leading to either a senior management or specialist position and required by their employer to do a UK work placement. This route replaced the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee route.
To be eligible for this specific route, an applicant must:
a. be currently working for the sponsor group at the time of the application and have worked for that group outside the UK for a continuous period of at least 3 months prior to the date of their application
b. have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job they’re proposing to do, issued by an employer that’s authorised by the UK Home Office to sponsor a Graduate Trainee
c. have sponsorship for an eligible job at or above an appropriate minimum skill level, with a salary of at least £24,220 per year, or the ‘going rate’ for that job, whichever is higher, with clearly defined progression toward a managerial or specialist role within the sponsor organisation as part of a structured graduate training programme.
If successful, permission will be granted for either 1 year after the start date of the job set out in the Certificate of Sponsorship; 14 days after the end date of this job; or the date at which the applicant will have had cumulative permission on the Global Business Mobility and the Intra-Company routes totalling 5 years in any 6-year period — whichever is the shortest.
You can read our full guide to the Graduate Trainee Visa here >>
3. UK Expansion Worker Visa
The UK Expansion Worker route is for overseas workers looking to undertake temporary assignments in the UK, where the worker is either a senior manager or specialist employee being assigned to the UK to assist with the expansion of the business. This route replaced the Representative of an Overseas Business route and can only be used when the business hasn’t yet begun trading in the UK. If the business already has an established UK presence, workers should apply under the Senior or Specialist Worker route instead.
To be eligible for this specific route, an applicant must:
a. be currently working for the sponsor group and have worked for that group outside the UK for a period of at least 12 months, unless they’ll be working in the UK as a high earner, or are an Australian national working for an Australian business, or are a Japanese national seeking to establish a UK branch or subsidiary under the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
b. have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job they’re proposing to do, issued by an employer that’s authorised by the UK Home Office to sponsor a UK Expansion Worker.
c. have sponsorship for an eligible job at or above an appropriate minimum skill level, with a salary of at least £42,400 per year up until 11 April 2023 or £45,800 from 12 April 2023, or the ‘going rate’ for that job, whichever is higher.
If successful, permission will be granted for either 1 year after the start date of the job set out in the Certificate of Sponsorship; 14 days after the end date of this job; the date at which the applicant will have had continuous permission as a UK Expansion Worker totalling 2 years; or the date the applicant will have had cumulative permission on the Global Business Mobility routes totalling 5 years in any 6-year period — whichever is the shortest.
Read our complete guide to the UK Expansion Worker Visa here >>
4. Service Supplier Visa
The Service Supplier route is for contractual service suppliers employed by overseas service providers, or self-employed independent professionals based overseas, looking to undertake temporary assignments in the UK to provide services covered by a UK international trade agreement. This route replaced the contractual service supplier and independent professional provisions under the Temporary Work – International Agreement route.
To be eligible for this specific route, an applicant must:
a. be currently working as or for an overseas service provider that will provide services to their UK sponsor and have worked in that capacity outside the UK for a cumulative period of 12 months
b. have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job they’re proposing to do, issued by an employer that’s authorised by the UK Home Office to sponsor a Service Supplier, and who has a relevant Home Office registered contract with an overseas service provider on which the applicant will work in the UK
c. have sponsorship for an eligible job at or above an appropriate minimum skill level, or instead have a university degree or equivalent level technical qualification and experience
d. meet the nationality requirement for a Service Supplier.
If successful, permission will be granted for either 14 days after the end date of the job set out in the Certificate of Sponsorship; the date at which the applicant will have had cumulative permission on the Global Business Mobility and Intra-Company routes totalling 5 years in any 6-year period; or the maximum single assignment period for the applicant in question, being either 6 or 12 months — whichever is the shortest.
Read our comprehensive guide to the Service Supplier Visa here >>
5. Secondment Worker Visa
The Secondment Worker route is for overseas workers looking to undertake temporary assignments in the UK, where the worker is being seconded to the UK as part of a high value contract or investment by their overseas employer.
To be eligible for this specific route, an applicant must:
a. be currently working for an overseas business that has a Home Office registered contract with their UK sponsor and have worked for that business outside the UK for a cumulative period of at least 12 months
b. have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job they’re proposing to do, issued by an employer that’s authorised by the UK Home Office to sponsor a Secondment Worker, and who has a Home Office registered contract with an overseas business on which the applicant will work
c. have sponsorship for an eligible job at or above an appropriate minimum skill level.
If successful, permission will be granted for either 1 year after the start date of the job set out in the Certificate of Sponsorship; 14 days after the end date of this job; the date at which the applicant will have had continuous permission as a Secondment Worker totalling 2 years; or the date the applicant will have had cumulative permission on the Global Business Mobility and Intra-Company routes totalling 5 years in any 6-year period — whichever is the shortest.
You can read our full guide to the Secondment Worker Visa here >>
Section B: Applying for a Global Business Mobility Visa
Applying for a Global Business Mobility visa involves several steps. First, you’ll need to identify which visa category is most suitable for your circumstances and that you meet the relevant visa conditions. This depends on your role within the company and the purpose of your stay in the UK. Once you have identified the correct visa category, you will need to gather the necessary documents. This typically includes a valid passport, a completed application form, proof of financial support, and a job offer from a UK-based company, along with other evidence specific to the visa you are applying for.
The next step is to submit your application and pay the visa fee. You can usually do this online or through a visa application centre. It is important to ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete, as any errors or omissions could lead to delays or refusal of your application.
After submitting your application, you will need to wait for a decision. Processing times can vary, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date. If your application is successful, you will be notified of the decision and issued with a visa.
1. Global Business Mobility Application Fees
| Visa Application | Fee – Overseas Applications | Fee – In-country Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – up to 3 years – main applicant and dependants | £719 | £827 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – more than 3 years – main applicant and dependants | £1,420 | £1636 |
| Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee – main applicant and dependants | £298 | £298 |
| Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier – main applicant and dependants | £298 | £298 |
| Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker – main applicant and dependants | £298 | £822 |
| Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker – main applicant and dependants | £298 | £822 |
2. Global Business Mobility Visa Processing Times
The standard processing time for Global Business Mobility (GBM) visas is 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK, or 8 weeks for applications made in the UK. However, it is important to understand that this is a target, and actual processing times can vary.
To expedite the visa application process, the UK government offers priority services. The priority service typically reduces processing times to five working days, while the Super Priority Service provides the fastest processing time, usually by the end of the next working day. Additional fees apply for these options; priority processing costs an additional £500, while super priority is £1000 in addition to the visa application charge. The availability of priority services can change, however, and you will be advised when you apply if you can use these services.
Processing times for UK visas can vary due to a range of factors, including the volume and complexity of applications. Applicants should take advice or consult the official UK government website for the most accurate and up-to-date information before submitting an application.
Many factors can influence the processing time of your GBM visa application. The completeness of the application is crucial; ensure that all required documents are submitted accurately. Timely submission of biometric data can also expedite the process. If your application requires further scrutiny, it may take longer to process. Additionally, fluctuations in the workload at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) can impact processing times.
Read more about UK visa processing times here >>
Section C: Extending a Global Business Mobility Visa
While the Global Business Mobility visa is designed for overseas workers to undertake temporary work assignments in the UK, some of the GBM visas allow the holder to apply to extend their visa, subject to the visa’s specific conditions. Under the current rules, only the Graduate Trainee visa prohibits extensions. This means that Service Supplier, Senior or Specialist Workers, Expansion Workers and Secondment Workers may be able to extend their visa, provided the continue to meet the visa eligibility requirements and that the holder does not exceed the relevant visa maximum period of stay.
TO remain in the UK for longer than the initial period of stay, the visa holder may look to switch to a different immigration category, depending on their circumstances could include a family visa or a different work visa. Take professional advice on your options.
Read our comprehensive guide to UK visa options here >>
Section D: Dependants
Applicants may be accompanied or joined by a partner and any dependent children under a Global Business Mobility visa. However, to be eligible to come to the UK under this route, the spouse or partner of the primary visa holder will need to satisfy various eligibility requirements, including a relationship and financial requirement. Any child applicant will also need to satisfy additional age and care requirements.
Check the conditions of the GBM visa you will be applying under for the specific requirements to apply as a GBM visa dependant.
Section E: Sponsoring a Global Business Mobility Visa Worker
To obtain any one of the new Global Business Mobility visas, a migrant worker will need to be sponsored by a Home Office approved licence-holder, authorised to sponsor the specific category of worker in question. These categories include senior or specialist workers, graduate trainees, UK expansion workers, service suppliers and secondment workers.
Only once the sponsor has obtained a licence from the UK Home Office for the relevant GBM route, can they then issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to confirm that the relevant visa conditions are met, and to enable the migrant worker to apply for a visa and, provided that individual is successfully granted entry clearance or leave to remain as a GBM worker, to undertake the job role as set out in their CoS.
There are various route-specific eligibility requirements that must be met before a migrant worker will be granted a GBM visa, although sponsorship is required under all five routes. This includes the UK expansion worker route, which replaces the sole representative provisions of the previously unsponsored representative of an overseas business route.
Likewise, the senior and specialist worker visa, and the graduate trainee visa, replace the intra-company transfer (ICT) routes, whilst the service supplier route replaces the provisions for independent professionals and contractual service suppliers on the international agreement route. In contrast, the secondment worker route is a new route to enable overseas workers to be seconded to the UK temporarily as part of a high value contract or investment.
There are transitional arrangements for existing sponsor licence-holders. This means that where the sponsor held a licence on a relevant predecessor route before 11 April 2022, the new route may be automatically added to their licence. However, where any licence isn’t covered by the route-specific transitional arrangements — or where the sponsor didn’t hold a valid licence prior to 11 April 2022, or they’re now looking to sponsor a worker under a previously unsponsored or new route — they will need to apply for Home Office approval.
1. Global Business Mobility Visa Sponsor Requirements
If your organisation doesn’t already have a sponsor licence, you will need to apply for Home Office approval before you can sponsor a Global Business Mobility visa worker. To be eligible for a GBM sponsor licence, you must meet various route-specific requirements, including:
a. you must be able to offer genuine employment in the UK that meets the relevant skill and any salary requirements of the GBM route in question;
b. have a qualifying overseas business link, although the nature of this link depends on the route, for example, to sponsor a senior or specialist worker, the UK sponsor and overseas business must be linked by common ownership or control, whilst for a secondment worker licence you must have an eligible overseas contract for either goods or investment worth no less than £10 million per year or £50 million in total;
c. if applying on the UK expansion worker route, you must also meet the additional requirements for that route. This means that you must be able to show via a UK ‘footprint’ and credible plans, that you intend and are capable of establishing a new UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary within a period of two years, and have an established overseas trading presence, which has been active and trading for at least three years.
In addition to meeting any route-specific requirements for the category of worker you are looking to sponsor, you must also be able to establish that you:
a. are a genuine organisation that’s operating lawfully in the UK, although you must not have an existing active trading presence in the UK if applying on the UK expansion worker route;
b. are honest, dependable, reliable, and haven’t behaved in a way that is not conducive to the public good, where the Home Office will have regard to the key personnel named in your application and any person involved in the day-to-day running of the business;
c. are capable of carrying out all your sponsor duties, where the Home Office will have regard to your current human resources and recruitment practices, and may conduct a site visit.
If you don’t meet all of the specific and general requirements, your application for a Global Business Mobility visa sponsor licence will be refused. You may also not be eligible to re-apply for at least six months although, in certain circumstances, this cooling-off period can be longer.
Section F: Summary
In summary, the term “Global Business Mobility Visa” does not refer to a single visa, but rather serves as an umbrella term encompassing various specialist routes tailored for specific types of workers and temporary work assignments for overseas employers. Each subcategory – the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, Graduate Trainee Visa, UK Expansion Worker Visa, Secondment Worker Visa, and Service Supplier Visa – caters to different professional needs and business scenarios. Given the complex eligibility criteria and procedural requirements associated with these visas, it is highly recommended to seek professional advice. This can help to avoid potential issues, delays, or negative implications for business plans and operations.
Section G: Need Assistance?
DavidsonMorris are UK business immigration specialists. We support employers with all aspects of corporate immigration to meet their UK talent needs through international recruitment and global mobility. By seeking expert advice from an immigration specialist at the earliest possible opportunity, prospective and existing sponsors can maximise the chances of successful Home Office applications.
For advice and guidance for your organisation, contact us.
Section H: Global Business Mobility Visa FAQs
What is Global Business Mobility visa?
The Global Business Mobility visa is an umbrella term for five different types of visas for employees of overseas companies who need to work in the UK for a specific purpose. Each of the visas has its own specific rules, and eligibility and application requirements.
Do I need a sponsor licence for the Global Business Mobility visa?
Employers must have an appropriate type of sponsor licence to sponsor workers for one of the Global Business Mobility visas.
How long can I stay in the UK on a Global Business Mobility visa?
The length of stay depends on the specific visa category you apply for. Some visas are for short-term assignments, while others allow for longer stays.
Can I bring my family with me on a Global Business Mobility visa?
In most cases, you can bring your family members to the UK with you on a Global Business Mobility visa, provided they apply for their own visas as dependants.
Can I switch from one Global Business Mobility visa to another?
It might be possible to switch between some Global Business Mobility visa categories, but this depends on your specific circumstances. Take professional immigration advice on your situation.
Do I need a job offer to apply for a Global Business Mobility visa?
The specific requirements vary depending on the visa type, but most Global Business Mobility visa categories require a job offer from a UK-based company.
Section I: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Global Business Mobility Visa | A visa category for international businesses and professionals to work and expand operations in the UK. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | A document issued by a licensed UK sponsor to confirm that they have offered a job to the applicant. |
| Eligibility Criteria | The set of requirements that an individual or business must meet to qualify for the visa. |
| Processing Times | The average duration it takes for a visa application to be processed and a decision made. |
| Application Fees | The costs associated with submitting a visa application, including the healthcare surcharge. |
| Dependants | Family members, such as spouses, partners, and children, who can accompany the primary visa holder. |
| Healthcare Surcharge | A fee paid by visa applicants to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). |
| Sponsoring Business | The UK-based company or organisation that provides a Certificate of Sponsorship to the visa applicant. |
| Senior or Specialist Worker Visa | A subcategory of the Global Business Mobility Visa for senior or specialist professionals. |
| Graduate Trainee Visa | A subcategory of the Global Business Mobility Visa for individuals participating in graduate training programmes. |
| UK Expansion Worker Visa | A subcategory of the Global Business Mobility Visa for workers involved in expanding a business to the UK. |
| Secondment Worker Visa | A subcategory of the Global Business Mobility Visa for workers being seconded to the UK. |
| Service Supplier Visa | A subcategory of the Global Business Mobility Visa for workers providing a service under contract in the UK. |
| Proof of Funds | Documentation showing that the applicant has sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in the UK. |
| Biometric Appointment | A required appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo as part of the visa application process. |
| Visa Extension | The process of applying to extend the duration of an existing visa. |
| Visa Appeal | The process of challenging a visa refusal decision through legal or administrative means. |
| UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) | The government department responsible for managing the UK’s visa system. |
Section J: Additional Resources
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
Comprehensive information on all UK visa categories and immigration rules.
Global Business Mobility Visa Details
https://www.gov.uk/global-business-mobility-visa
Specific details and guidance on the Global Business Mobility Visa.
Apply for a UK Visa
https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa
Step-by-step guide to applying for a UK visa, including online application form.
Visa Fees
https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees
Up-to-date information on visa application fees and other related costs.
Documents Required for UK Visa
https://www.gov.uk/visa-documents-required
List of documents you need to provide when applying for a UK visa.
UK Department for International Trade
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-international-trade
Support and advice for businesses looking to expand into the UK market.
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
