GLOBAL BUSINESS MOBILITY VISA

The Global Business Mobility Visa (GBM) programme streamlines UK immigration pathways for international organisations deploying staff to Britain. This visa framework encompasses five distinct visa routes, each tailored to specific business scenarios – from establishing new UK operations to transferring specialist talent.

Whilst each route has unique eligibility criteria and documentation requirements, these visas offer powerful solutions for organisations building their British presence. With proper guidance, the Global Business Mobility Visa framework is an invaluable tool for international recruitment, talent mobility and business expansion.

Our immigration solicitors regularly guide multinational business clients through selecting and securing the most appropriate Global Business Mobility Visa route for their circumstances, while ensuring compliance and advancing their commercial objectives.

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Global Business Mobility Visa

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.

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.

Global Business Mobility Visa Routes

The Global Business Mobility Visa (GBM) 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 Global Business Mobility Visa Routes

  1. Senior or Specialist Worker
    • Designed for experienced professionals with specialist knowledge
    • Enables transfers to established UK branches
    • Supports high-level expertise deployment
  2. Graduate Trainee
    • Facilitates international training programs
    • Supports graduate development in UK operations
    • Nurtures emerging talent across borders
  3. UK Expansion Worker
    • Supports new market entry initiatives
    • Enables establishment of UK business presence
    • Vital for international growth strategies
  4. Service Supplier
    • Permits delivery of contracted services to UK clients
    • Supports international service agreements
    • Enables specialist project delivery
  5. Secondment Worker
    • Allows temporary UK assignments
    • Facilitates knowledge exchange
    • Supports cross-border collaboration

This visa framework offers greater flexibility for international businesses, each route has specific eligibility criteria and duration limits, designed to match different business needs and scenarios.

Professional Support

Given the complexity of the Global Business Mobility Visa requirements and the importance of selecting the most appropriate route, we recommend seeking professional legal guidance to ensure a successful application process. Our experienced immigration solicitors can provide support throughout your GBM visa application process.

Senior or Specialist Employees Visa

The Senior or Specialist Worker visa enables overseas organisations to temporarily transfer senior managers and specialist staff to their UK operations. Part of the Global Business Mobility framework, this route replaced the Intra-Company Transfer visa in April 2022.

Key Benefits

  • Undertake sponsored UK role
  • Bring dependent family members
  • Study whilst working
  • Unrestricted UK travel during visa validity

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Have 12 months’ prior employment with overseas group (waived for £73,900+ salaries)
  • Hold valid Certificate of Sponsorship from Home Office-licensed sponsor
  • Meet skill and salary thresholds:
    • Role at RQF Level 6 or above
    • Salary exceeding both £45,800 and occupation’s ‘going rate’
  • Maintain £1,270 in funds (unless sponsor provides support)
  • Pass tuberculosis test if from listed country

Duration of Stay

Visa granted for shortest of:

  • Five years from role start date
  • 14 days after role end date
  • Maximum cumulative stay:
    • Standard: 5 years in 6-year period
    • High earners (£73,900+): 9 years in 10-year period

Costs

  • Application: £719-£1,420 (overseas) or £827-£1,636 (UK)
  • Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 annually
  • Certificate of Sponsorship: £239
  • Immigration Skills Charge: £364-£1,000 per year (varies by sponsor size)

Sponsor Requirements

UK employers must:

  • Hold valid sponsor licence
  • Pay Immigration Skills Charge
  • Maintain compliance with sponsor duties
  • Ensure roles meet skill/salary requirements
  • Demonstrate UK-overseas business link

Important Notes

  • No direct settlement route
  • Can switch to Skilled Worker visa for permanent residency
  • Must start UK role within 3 months of certificate issue
  • Points-based system route for temporary assignments

Contact our business immigration solicitors  for expert guidance on Senior or Specialist Worker visa applications and sponsorship requirements by calling 0161 524 6338.

Graduate Trainee Visa

The Graduate Trainee visa enables overseas workers to undertake UK work placements as part of structured graduate training programmes leading to senior management or specialist positions. This route, part of the Global Business Mobility framework, replaced the previous Intra-Company Graduate Trainee visa.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a Home Office-approved employer
  • Have worked for the overseas business for at least 3 consecutive months
  • Be sponsored for an eligible job at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or above
  • Receive a minimum salary of £25,410 per year or the occupation’s ‘going rate’, whichever is higher
  • Demonstrate funds of £1,270 (unless sponsor certifies maintenance)

Visa Duration and Conditions

The visa permits:

  • Maximum stay of 12 months
  • Study and voluntary work alongside the training programme
  • Travel abroad and re-entry to the UK
  • Bringing eligible dependants (spouse/partner and children)

The visa duration will be the shortest of:

  • One year from the job start date
  • 14 days after the job end date
  • The date when reaching the 5-year limit within any 6-year period across Global Business Mobility routes

Costs

  • Application fee: £298
  • Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year
  • Additional fees apply for dependants

Contact our immigration specialists for expert guidance on Graduate Trainee visa applications and employer sponsorship requirements.

UK Expansion Worker Visa

The UK Expansion Worker visa enables senior managers and specialists to establish a UK branch or subsidiary of an overseas business. This Global Business Mobility route replaced the Representative of an Overseas Business visa and is only available for businesses without existing UK operations.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have 12 months’ overseas employment with sponsor group (exemptions for those earning £73,900+, Japanese nationals under CEPA, and Australian nationals)
  • Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship
  • Be sponsored for an eligible job at RQF Level 6 or above
  • Receive a minimum salary of £48,500 or the occupation’s ‘going rate’, whichever is higher
  • Demonstrate £1,270 maintenance funds (unless sponsor certifies maintenance)

Business Requirements

  • No existing UK trading presence
  • Overseas business must have traded for 3+ years
  • Must demonstrate UK ‘footprint’ through premises or Companies House registration
  • Credible 2-year UK expansion plans required

Visa Duration

Limited to shortest of:

  • One year initial grant (extendable by 12 months)
  • 14 days after job end date
  • Maximum 2 years as UK Expansion Worker
  • 5-year limit across Global Business Mobility routes

Permitted Activities

  • Work establishing UK operations
  • Voluntary work and study
  • International travel
  • No route to settlement

Costs

  • Application: £298
  • Healthcare surcharge: Annual fee
  • Sponsor licence: £536
  • Certificate of Sponsorship: £25

Dependants 

Eligible family members can apply:

  • Spouse/partner: £285 maintenance funds
  • First child: £315
  • Additional children: £200 each (Unless sponsor certifies maintenance)

Contact our business immigration solicitors for expert guidance on applications, sponsorship and compliance requirements. Get started with an initial assessment by calling us on 0161 524 6338.

Service Supplier Visa

The Service Supplier visa enables overseas service providers and independent professionals to undertake UK assignments under international trade agreements. This Global Business Mobility route replaced the International Agreement route’s contractual service provisions. The route covers both contractual service suppliers and self-employed professionals.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Have 12 months’ relevant experience (employed or self-employed)
  • Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship
  • Work on Home Office registered contract
  • Meet skill/qualification requirements:
    • University degree/equivalent for most roles
    • Technical qualification for specific services
    • 3-6 years’ experience (role dependent)
  • Meet nationality requirements per trade agreements
  • Demonstrate £1,270 maintenance funds (unless sponsor certifies)

Visa Duration and Conditions

  • 6 or 12 months per assignment (per trade agreement)
  • Extensions possible within 5-year limit
  • Permitted activities:
    • Contracted services
    • Voluntary work
    • Study
    • International travel
  • No route to settlement

Costs

  • Application: £298
  • Healthcare surcharge: Annual fee
  • Priority processing available:
    • 5 working days: £500
    • Next day: £1,000

Dependants 

Eligible family members can apply:

  • Partner: £285 maintenance
  • First child: £315
  • Additional children: £200 each (Unless sponsor certifies maintenance)

Important Notes

  • Available for contractual service suppliers and independent professionals
  • Must provide services covered by UK trade agreements
  • Holders can bring eligible dependants

Contact our immigration specialists for expert guidance on applications, eligibility, and ongoing compliance requirements.

Secondment Worker Visa

The Secondment Worker visa enables overseas employees to undertake UK assignments as part of high-value contracts or investments between their employer and UK organisations under the Global Business Mobility framework.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Have 12 months’ overseas employment with sponsor business
  • Hold Certificate of Sponsorship
  • Be sponsored for eligible skilled role
  • Demonstrate £1,270 maintenance funds (unless sponsor certifies)
  • Work on eligible contract worth £10m+ annually or £50m+ total

Visa Duration

Limited to shortest of:

  • One year from start date (extendable by 12 months)
  • 14 days after job end date
  • Two years maximum as Secondment Worker
  • 5-year limit within any 6-year period across Global Business Mobility routes

Permitted Activities

  • Sponsored work
  • Study
  • Voluntary work
  • International travel
  • No second job
  • No public funds
  • No settlement route

Costs

  • Application: £298
  • Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year
  • Priority services:
    • 5 working days: £500
    • Next day: £1,000

Dependants 

Eligible family members can apply:

  • Partner: £285 maintenance
  • First child: £315
  • Additional children: £200 each (Unless sponsor certifies)

This visa enables overseas employees to work temporarily in the UK as part of high-value contracts or investments (minimum £10m per year or £50m total).

Contact our business immigration solicitors for expert guidance on secondment applications and sponsorship requirements.

Applying for a Global Business Mobility Visa

Applying for a Global Business Mobility visa requires several steps. First, you must identify which visa category suits your circumstances and ensure you meet the relevant conditions. 

This depends on your company role and purpose of UK stay. You will also need to gather necessary documents, including a valid passport, completed application form, proof of financial support, and a job offer from a UK-based company, along with category-specific evidence.

Eligibility Assessment 

Determine your specific GBM route based on your role and transfer purpose. Options include Senior/Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, or Secondment Worker.

Required Documentation

  • Valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor
  • Passport with minimum 6 months’ validity
  • Evidence meeting minimum salary threshold
  • English language qualification (where applicable)
  • Bank statements showing maintenance funds
  • Professional qualifications and experience documentation
  • Clean tuberculosis test (if required)

Application Process 

Properly prepare all required documentation, before you submit your application via the UK government’s online portal. For the best result, consult one of our Business Immigration Solicitors to help you prepare or review your application before submission.

Application Steps

  1. Apply through the Home Office online portal
  2. Pay visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
  3. Book biometric appointment at a visa application centre
  4. Submit supporting documents

Global Business Mobility Visa Fees 2024

Senior/Specialist Worker:

  • Overseas: £719 (up to 3 years), £1,420 (over 3 years)
  • UK: £827 (up to 3 years), £1,636 (over 3 years)

Graduate Trainee and Service Supplier:

  • £298 for both overseas and UK applications

UK Expansion Worker and Secondment Worker:

  • Overseas: £298
  • UK: £822

Additional costs:

  • Immigration Health Surcharge: £624 per year
  • Priority service: £500
  • Super Priority service: £800

Note: Fees apply to both main applicants and dependants. All fees correct as of August 2024.

Global Business Mobility Visa Processing Times

Standard processing:

  • Outside UK: 3 weeks
  • Inside UK: 8 weeks

Priority services (subject to availability):

  • Priority (5 working days): £500 extra
  • Super Priority (next working day): £1,000 extra

Factors affecting processing:

  • Application completeness
  • Document accuracy
  • Biometric submission timing
  • UKVI workload
  • Case complexity

For current processing times and priority service availability, call our UK Business Immigration experts or check the corresponding page for the appropriate route on the official Government website:

Extending Your Global Business Mobility Visa

Extension eligibility varies by visa type:

  • Senior/Specialist Workers: can extend up to 5 years
  • Service Suppliers: up to 12 months
  • UK Expansion Workers: up to 2 years
  • Secondment Workers: up to 2 years
  • Graduate Trainees: no extensions permitted

Requirements for extension:

  • Valid Certificate of Sponsorship
  • Meeting minimum salary threshold
  • Continued eligibility under visa rules
  • Application submitted before current visa expires

Consider switching to alternative visas like Skilled Worker or Scale-up for longer stays.

Contact our immigration solicitors for an initial assessment to discuss your extension options.

Dependants – Global Business Mobility Visa

Eligible dependants:

  • Spouse or unmarried partner
  • Children under 18
  • Adult dependent relatives in exceptional circumstances

Requirements:

  • Genuine relationship evidence
  • Financial requirement (minimum £285 monthly maintenance per dependant)
  • Proof of cohabitation for unmarried partners
  • Birth/adoption certificates for children
  • Children must live with primary applicant
  • English language requirement for adult dependants

Fees match main applicant’s visa category. Immigration Health Surcharge applies.

Contact us for dependant visa guidance.

Sponsoring Global Business Mobility Workers

Sponsorship Requirements:

  • Valid Home Office sponsor licence for specific GBM route
  • Authority to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)
  • Meet route-specific eligibility criteria
  • Comply with sponsor duties

GBM Routes:

  • Senior/Specialist Worker (replaces ICT)
  • Graduate Trainee (replaces ICT Graduate)
  • UK Expansion Worker (replaces Sole Representative)
  • Service Supplier (replaces International Agreement provisions)
  • Secondment Worker (new route for high-value contracts)

Existing Sponsor Licences:

  • Pre-April 2022 licences: automatic conversion to equivalent GBM route
  • New sponsors: must apply for specific GBM route licence
  • Additional routes require new application

Need help with sponsorship? Our business immigration solicitors and team of experts specialises in GBM visa sponsorship applications.

Global Business Mobility Sponsor Requirements

To sponsor workers under a Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa, organisations must obtain Home Office approval through a sponsor licence. Key requirements include:

Route-Specific Criteria

  • Ability to provide genuine UK employment meeting skill and salary thresholds
  • Appropriate overseas business connection:
    • Senior/specialist workers: Common ownership/control between UK and overseas entities
    • Secondment workers: Overseas contract worth £10m+ annually or £50m+ total
  • UK expansion workers must demonstrate:
    • Plans to establish UK branch/subsidiary within 2 years
    • Active overseas trading presence of 3+ years
    • No existing UK trading presence

General Requirements

  • Legitimate UK business operations (except UK expansion worker route)
  • Trustworthy organisation and key personnel
  • Proven capability to fulfil sponsorship duties through:
    • Suitable HR practices
    • Proper recruitment procedures
    • Compliance with site inspections

Failed applications typically face a minimum six-month cooling-off period before reapplication, with potential longer restrictions in certain cases.

Global Business Mobility Visa Summary

The Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa framework represents a comprehensive solution for international organisations needing to deploy workers to the UK. 

Rather than being a single visa category, it encompasses five distinct routes: Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Secondment Worker, and Service Supplier visas. Each pathway is tailored to specific business scenarios and professional requirements, with varying eligibility criteria and durations of stay. 

All routes require a valid sponsor licence, and most permit dependants to accompany the primary visa holder to the UK. Whilst some flexibility exists for switching between categories, this depends heavily on individual circumstances and specific visa conditions. 

The complexity of these requirements, combined with the need for ongoing sponsor compliance, makes professional immigration advice particularly valuable for organisations navigating this system. Early consultation with our immigration specialists can significantly enhance the likelihood of successful applications and help avoid potential delays or complications that might impact business operations. 

Key Information

  • Sponsor licence required for all routes
  • Duration varies by visa type
  • Dependants generally permitted
  • Job offer typically required
  • Some routes allow switching between categories

Important Considerations

  • Complex eligibility requirements vary by route
  • Professional immigration advice recommended
  • Early consultation maximises application success
  • Sponsor compliance obligations ongoing

GBM Visa Services

Need assistance with your Global Business Mobility visa application? The Global Business Mobility visa system’s complex requirements demand careful consideration. At Axis Solicitors we offer immigration services for both businesses and individuals. 

Our specialist immigration solicitors offer:

  • Strategic route selection guidance
  • Full application support
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Documentation preparation
  • Sponsor licence assistance

With offices in Manchester, London and Birmingham, our SRA-regulated team ensures your GBM visa application meets Home Office requirements.

Contact us today:

FAQ: Global Business Mobility Visa

The Global Business Mobility Visa (GBM) programme modernises UK business immigration, enabling overseas organisations to deploy staff to their UK operations. This comprehensive framework offers five specialist routes for international employees, each designed for specific business scenarios.

Eligibility depends on your chosen route:

Senior or Specialist Worker

  • Minimum 12 months’ overseas employment (waived for £73,900+ earners)
  • Minimum salary: £45,800 or role-specific rate
  • Maximum stay: 5 years in 6 (9 years in 10 for high earners)
  • Must have specialist knowledge or senior management role

Graduate Trainee

  • 3 months’ prior employment required
  • Minimum salary: £24,220 or role-specific rate
  • Maximum stay: 12 months
  • Must be on structured graduate programme

UK Expansion Worker

  • For businesses without UK trading presence
  • 12 months’ prior employment (exceptions for Australian nationals)
  • Minimum salary: £45,800
  • Maximum stay: 2 years

Service Supplier

  • 12 months’ relevant experience
  • University degree or equivalent required
  • Maximum stay: 6-12 months
  • Must meet trade agreement nationality requirements

Secondment Worker

  • 12 months’ prior employment
  • Home Office registered contract required
  • Maximum stay: 2 years
  • High-value contract work only

Key costs include:

  • Visa application fees
  • Immigration Skills Charge
  • Immigration Health Surcharge
  • Certificate of Sponsorship fee
  • Employer obtains sponsorship licence
  • Certificate of Sponsorship issued
  • Online visa application submission
  • Biometric information provision
  • Supporting document submission
  • Valid passport
  • Certificate of Sponsorship
  • Proof of employment history
  • Qualification certificates
  • Financial documents
  • English language evidence (where required)

Dependent family members can apply to join you, including:

    • Spouse or partner
    • Children under 18
    • Other dependent relatives

Switching options vary by route. Most GBM visa holders can switch to other work visas if they meet eligibility requirements.

Options include:

  • Extending your stay (route-dependent)
  • Switching to another visa category
  • Returning home
  • Applying for permanent residence (if eligible)

Our specialist immigration team offers:

    • Comprehensive application support
    • Strategic business immigration advice
    • Sponsorship licence guidance
    • Full compliance assistance
    • Dedicated case management

Expert Global Business Mobility Visa Support

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Get specialist guidance for your Global Business Mobility visa application. Our SRA-regulated immigration solicitors offer proven expertise.

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