Understanding Global Business Mobility Visa (GBM)
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.
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.
When to Apply for the 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 visa category encompasses five distinct routes, each designed to facilitate different aspects of corporate mobility and international staff deployment.
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 of the GBM framework has unique eligibility criteria and duration limits and offers valuable opportunities for international businesses to develop their UK presence.
With proper guidance, the Global Business Mobility Visa is an invaluable tool for international recruitment, talent mobility and business expansion.
Which Routes Are There for Global Business Mobility Visa?
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.
- 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 programs
- 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
- Vital 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
Each route has specific eligibility criteria and duration limits, designed to match different business needs and scenarios.
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.
Global Business Mobility Visa Fees
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. Remember that fee amounts are subject to continuous change as per Home Office policies. Consult an expert immigration solicitor for recent updates.
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.
Bringing Dependents on a Global Business Mobility Visa
Eligible dependants include spouse or unmarried partner, children under 18 or adult dependent relatives in exceptional circumstances. Requirements for dependants include:
- 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
Visa fees vary with the main applicant’s visa category. Immigration Health Surcharge applies. Contact us for specific dependant visa guidance.
How to Apply for a Global Business Mobility Visa?
1. Understanding Visa Requirements
- Identify the visa category that matches your role and purpose.
- Ensure you meet all eligibility conditions for the chosen category.
- Confirm your UK stay aligns with the requirements of your visa type.
2. Eligibility Assessment
- Determine your GBM route: Senior/Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, or Secondment Worker.
- Verify your role and transfer purpose fit the selected route.
- Check if category-specific conditions apply to you.
3. Required Documentation
- Gather essential documents: passport, Certificate of Sponsorship, and completed application form.
- Provide evidence of financial support, professional qualifications, and experience.
- Include category-specific documents, such as English language proof or tuberculosis test results.
4. Application Process
- Prepare all documentation before submitting online.
- Consult a Business Immigration Solicitor to review or guide your application.
- Ensure all evidence meets UK Home Office standards for your visa category
5. Application Steps
- Apply through the Home Office online portal.
- Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Book a biometric appointment and submit supporting documents.
Process of Sponsoring Global Business Mobility Workers
1. Sponsorship Requirements
- Hold a valid Home Office sponsor licence for the specific GBM route.
- Have authority to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Comply with route-specific eligibility criteria and sponsor duties.
2. GBM Routes
- Senior/Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, Secondment Worker.
- Each route replaces or updates previous visa categories like ICT or International Agreement provisions.
- Secondment Worker is a new route for high-value contracts.
3. Existing Sponsor Licences
- Licences issued before April 2022 automatically convert to equivalent GBM routes.
- New sponsors must apply for a licence specific to the chosen GBM route.
- Additional routes require a completely new application.
4. Route-Specific Criteria
- Provide genuine UK employment meeting skill and salary thresholds.
- Demonstrate appropriate overseas business connection, e.g., ownership links or contract values.
- UK Expansion Workers must show plans to establish a branch and 3+ years of overseas trading.
5. General Sponsor Requirements
- Maintain legitimate UK business operations (except UK Expansion route).
- Ensure trustworthy organisation and key personnel with proper HR and recruitment practices.
- Prepare for site inspections and be aware of cooling-off periods for failed applications.
