The Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa serves as a comprehensive framework for international businesses seeking to establish or expand their presence in the UK. This specialised visa category encompasses five distinct routes, each designed to facilitate different aspects of corporate mobility and international staff deployment. In this blog post we have collected the most relevant information to create a comprehensive Global Business Mobility Visa Guide 2024.
What is the Global Business Mobility Visa?
The GBM visa programme enables overseas organisations to:
- Transfer existing employees to UK operations
- Set up new British branches or subsidiaries
- Deploy staff for specific business assignments
- Support strategic UK expansion plans
Each pathway within the GBM framework has unique eligibility criteria and duration limits. Whilst the requirements can be intricate, these visas offer valuable opportunities for international businesses to develop their UK presence effectively.
Sponsorship Requirements
Overseas employers must hold valid sponsorship licences to support GBM visa applications. This ensures compliance with UK immigration regulations whilst facilitating legitimate business mobility needs.
Understanding the specific requirements for each route is crucial for successful applications. Many organisations find that professional guidance helps navigate these pathways effectively, making them an integral part of their UK market entry and talent mobility strategies.
Five Visa Routes
The Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa programme modernises the UK’s approach to international business migration. Launched to streamline previous work visa categories, it offers five distinct pathways for overseas workers to contribute to UK operations temporarily.
The Five GBM Visa Routes Explained
- Senior or Specialist Worker
- Designed for experienced professionals with specialist knowledge
- Enables transfers to established UK branches
- Supports high-level expertise deployment
- Graduate Trainee
- Facilitates international training programmes
- Supports graduate development in UK operations
- Nurtures emerging talent across borders
- UK Expansion Worker
- Supports new market entry initiatives
- Enables establishment of UK business presence
- Crucial for international growth strategies
- Service Supplier
- Permits delivery of contracted services to UK clients
- Supports international service agreements
- Enables specialist project delivery
- Secondment Worker
- Allows temporary UK assignments
- Facilitates knowledge exchange
- Supports cross-border collaboration
This reformed visa framework offers greater flexibility for international businesses whilst maintaining robust immigration controls. Each route has specific eligibility criteria and duration limits, designed to match different business needs and scenarios.
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa (formerly Intra-Company Transfer) enables experienced professionals to undertake temporary UK assignments within their organisation’s British operations.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Work History and Salary
- Minimum 12 months’ overseas employment with sponsor group
- Exception: High earners (£73,900+ annually) require no prior service
- Minimum salary threshold: £45,800 or position’s ‘going rate’, whichever is higher
Sponsorship Requirements
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship from Home Office-approved employer
- Sponsor must have paid required Immigration Skills Charge
- Role must meet minimum skill level criteria
Visa Duration
Permission granted for whichever is shortest:
- Up to 5 years from job start date
- 14 days after job end date
- Time limit based on cumulative stay:
- Standard applications: 5 years in any 6-year period
- High earners: 9 years in any 10-year period
This specialist route supports international businesses in deploying senior talent whilst maintaining compliance with UK immigration regulations.
Graduate Trainee Visa Guide
The Graduate Trainee visa facilitates structured training programmes for international graduates pursuing senior management or specialist roles. This pathway, which replaced the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee route, enables valuable UK work experience as part of professional development.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Work Experience
- Minimum 3 months’ continuous employment with sponsor group overseas
- Must be current employee at time of application
- Clear progression path towards specialist or management position
Salary Requirements
- Minimum annual salary: £24,220
- Must meet or exceed position’s ‘going rate’
- Part of structured graduate training programme
Sponsorship
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship required
- Sponsor must be Home Office-approved
- Role must meet skill level requirements
Duration of Stay
Visa granted for shortest of:
- One year from job start date
- 14 days after job end date
- Time remaining within 5-year limit (calculated over 6-year period)
This route offers international organisations a powerful tool for developing future leaders through UK-based training opportunities.
UK Expansion Worker Visa
The UK Expansion Worker visa enables senior managers and specialists to establish new British business operations. This route, which replaced the Representative of an Overseas Business visa, specifically supports companies without an existing UK trading presence.
Note: Businesses with established UK operations should consider the Senior or Specialist Worker route instead.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Work Experience
- Standard requirement: 12 months’ overseas employment with sponsor group
- Exemptions apply for:
- High earners
- Australian nationals working for Australian businesses
- Japanese nationals under UK-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement
Salary Thresholds
- Minimum annual salary: £45,800
- Must meet or exceed position’s ‘going rate’
Sponsorship
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship required
- Sponsor must hold specific UK Expansion Worker licence
- Role must meet skill level requirements
Visa Duration
Permission granted for shortest of:
- One year from job start date
- 14 days after job end date
- Two-year maximum as UK Expansion Worker
- Five-year limit within any six-year period across GBM routes
This specialist pathway supports international businesses in their crucial initial UK market entry phase.
Service Supplier Visa
The Service Supplier visa facilitates temporary UK work assignments for overseas professionals delivering contracted services under international trade agreements. This route covers both employed contractual service suppliers and self-employed independent professionals.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Professional Experience
- Minimum 12 months’ cumulative work experience with overseas service provider
- Must be current employee or established independent professional
- Services must align with UK trade agreement provisions
Qualification Requirements
Either:
- Role meeting minimum skill level criteria, or
- University degree/equivalent technical qualification with relevant experience
Sponsorship Criteria
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship required
- UK sponsor must be Home Office-approved
- Registered contract between UK sponsor and overseas provider
- Must meet specific nationality requirements under trade agreements
Duration of Stay
Visa granted for shortest of:
- Assignment period (6 or 12 months maximum)
- 14 days after contract end date
- Time remaining within 5-year limit (calculated over 6-year period)
A specialist route that enables international service delivery whilst maintaining compliance with UK trade commitments.
Secondment Worker Visa
The Secondment Worker visa enables overseas professionals to undertake UK assignments linked to high-value contracts or investments. This specialist route facilitates temporary transfers whilst maintaining compliance with UK immigration regulations.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Work Experience
- Minimum 12 months’ cumulative employment with overseas employer
- Must be current employee at application time
- Connected to registered high-value contract/investment
Sponsorship Requirements
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship essential
- UK sponsor must hold specific Home Office approval
- Registered contract between UK sponsor and overseas business
- Role must meet minimum skill level criteria
Duration of Stay
Permission granted for shortest of:
- One year from job start date
- 14 days after assignment end date
- Two-year maximum as Secondment Worker
- Five-year limit within any six-year period across GBM routes
This pathway allows international businesses to fulfil significant UK contracts whilst developing cross-border expertise.
How to Apply for a Global Business Mobility Visa
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Choose Your Visa Category
- Assess your role and UK assignment purpose
- Select from five specialist routes
- Confirm eligibility requirements
- Verify sponsorship arrangements
2. Document Preparation
Essential items include:
- Valid passport
- Completed application form
- Financial evidence
- Sponsorship certificate
- Role-specific documentation
- Qualification certificates (where required)
3. Submit Application
- Apply online via UK government portal
- Pay relevant visa fees
- Book biometric appointment
- Submit supporting documents
4. Application Timeline
- Standard processing: Usually 3 weeks
- Priority services available
- Apply up to 3 months before start date
- Allow time for document gathering
Top tip: Start preparation early to ensure smooth processing and avoid delays.
Next Steps
Successful applicants receive:
- Entry clearance vignette
- Biometric Residence Permit (upon UK arrival)
- Clear validity dates and conditions
Need help with your application? Our immigration solicitors offer application support throughout the process.
Global Business Mobility Visa Fees 2024
Application Costs Overview
Senior or Specialist Worker
Up to 3 years
- Overseas application: £719
- UK application: £827
Over 3 years
- Overseas application: £1,420
- UK application: £1,636
Standard Routes (£298 Overseas)
- Graduate Trainee
- Service Supplier
UK-Based Routes
£298 Overseas / £822 UK-based
- UK Expansion Worker
- Secondment Worker
Additional Costs to Consider
- Healthcare Surcharge
- Priority services (if required)
- Biometric enrolment
- Document translation
- Professional certification
Note: Fees apply to both main applicants and dependants. All costs current as of 2024.
Need a detailed cost breakdown for your specific situation? Our immigration experts can provide tailored guidance.
Global Business Mobility Visa: Processing Times
Standard Processing Times
Overseas Applications
- Standard service: 3 weeks
- Most straightforward applications processed within this timeline
UK Applications
- Standard service: 8 weeks
- Processing begins after biometric appointment
Priority Services
Priority Service
- Processing time: 5 working days
- Additional cost: £500
- Available for most GBM routes
Super Priority Service
- Processing time: Next working day
- Additional cost: £1,000
- Subject to availability
Factors Affecting Processing
Key considerations:
- Application completeness
- Document accuracy
- Biometric submission timing
- UKVI workload volumes
- Complexity of application
Optimising Your Application
Speed up processing by:
- Submitting all required documents
- Following format requirements
- Booking biometrics promptly
- Using priority services when available
- Ensuring accurate information
Note: Processing times and priority service availability may vary. Check current UKVI guidance before applying.
Extending Your GBM Visa
Extension Options
Eligible Routes
- Senior or Specialist Worker
- UK Expansion Worker
- Service Supplier
- Secondment Worker
Non-Extendable Route
- Graduate Trainee visa (maximum 1 year)
Extension Requirements
Key criteria:
- Continued eligibility under original visa conditions
- Valid sponsorship maintenance
- Meeting salary thresholds
- Within maximum stay limits
- Employer’s ongoing UK presence
Time Restrictions
Duration Limits
- Senior/Specialist Worker: 5 years in 6-year period
- High earners (£73,900+): 9 years in 10-year period
- UK Expansion Worker: 2-year maximum
- Secondment Worker: 2-year maximum
Alternative Options
Consider switching to:
- Skilled Worker visa
- Scale-up visa
- Family routes
- Innovation visas
Dependant Visas for GBM Applicants
Eligible Dependants
Partners
- Spouse or civil partner
- Unmarried partner (2+ years cohabitation)
- Must be in genuine, ongoing relationship
Children
- Under 18 at first application
- Financially dependent
- Not living independent life
- Include all eligible children on application
Key Requirements
Financial Evidence
- Sufficient maintenance funds
- Savings or sponsor support
- Specific amounts vary by family size
Relationship Proof
- Marriage/civil partnership certificates
- Cohabitation evidence
- Birth certificates for children
- Legal guardianship documents (if applicable)
Important Considerations
- Dependants’ visa length matches main applicant
- All must meet eligibility criteria
- Applications can be made together or separately
- Same healthcare surcharge applies
Our experts can guide you through dependant requirements.
Guide to Sponsoring Global Business Mobility Workers
Sponsorship Requirements
Key Prerequisites
- Valid Home Office sponsor licence
- Route-specific authorisation
- Ability to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Compliance with sponsor duties
Available Routes
Traditional Routes Replaced
- Senior/Specialist Worker (former ICT route)
- Graduate Trainee (former ICT Graduate route)
- Service Supplier (former International Agreement provisions)
- UK Expansion Worker (former Sole Representative route)
New Addition
- Secondment Worker (for high-value contracts)
Sponsorship Process
Essential Steps
- Obtain appropriate sponsor licence
- Meet route-specific requirements
- Issue valid Certificate of Sponsorship
- Maintain compliance records
- Monitor sponsored workers
Transitional Arrangements
Existing Licence Holders
- Automatic route addition for pre-April 2022 licences
- Route-specific transitions apply
- Validation of existing permissions
New Applications Required For
- Previously unsponsored routes
- New sponsor organisations
- Additional route authorisations
Need guidance on sponsor licence applications or compliance? Our immigration solicitors offer comprehensive support.
GBM Sponsor Licence
Core Eligibility Requirements
Employment Criteria
- Genuine UK job opportunity
- Role meets skill thresholds
- Salary meets minimum requirements
- Valid vacancy documentation
Business Requirements
- Overseas Business Link
- Senior/Specialist: Common ownership/control
- Secondment: £10m annual/£50m total contract
- UK Expansion: No active UK trading presence
- Trading History
- Established overseas presence
- Minimum three years’ active trading
- Credible business records
Additional Requirements
UK Expansion Route
- Detailed business plan
- Two-year establishment timeline
- Clear UK market strategy
- Proof of overseas success
Organisational Standards
- Legal UK operation
- Ethical business conduct
- Reliable key personnel
- Robust HR processes
Compliance Framework
Essential Capabilities
- HR systems in place
- Monitoring procedures
- Record-keeping protocols
- Staff training programmes
Risk Factors
- Six-month cooling period after refusal
- Extended bans for serious breaches
- Regular compliance checks
Need assistance with your sponsor licence application? Our business immigration solicitors can ensure compliance.
Your Path to UK Business Success
Legal Immigration Support
The Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa programme represents a sophisticated framework of five distinct routes, each designed for specific business scenarios:
- Senior or Specialist Worker visas for experienced professionals
- Graduate Trainee visas for emerging talent
- UK Expansion Worker visas for new market entry
- Service Supplier visas for contract fulfilment
- Secondment Worker visas for high-value projects
Comprehensive Support
We guide clients through every aspect of GBM visas, including:
- Route selection and eligibility assessment
- Sponsor licence applications
- Visa application preparation
- Compliance maintenance
- Extension applications
- Dependent visas
Why Choose Axis Solicitors?
With offices in Manchester, Birmingham and Ilford (London), Axis Solicitors provides specialist immigration expertise for the Global Business Mobility visa programme. Our dedicated team supports businesses and individuals nationwide through both in-person and remote consultations
Our specialist immigration team offers:
- Strategic route selection
- Application preparation
- Compliance guidance
- Clear, practical advice
- Ongoing support
Contact Us Today
Book your initial assessment to discuss your Global Business Mobility needs with our immigration experts. Remote appointments available nationwide.
