The visa route supports international trade, skills transfer, and global expansion, aligning with the UK's strategy to attract top talent while controlling migration numbers through sponsor compliance. It is particularly useful for multinational companies and service providers engaging with UK clients or launching UK branches.
The Global Business Mobility Visa in 2025 continues to function under five sub-categories:
- Senior or Specialist Worker
- Graduate Trainee
- UK Expansion Worker
- Secondment Worker
- Service Supplier
Understanding the Five Global Business Mobility Visa Routes
The Global Business Mobility Visa is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is a collection of five tailored sub-categories designed to accommodate a variety of international business scenarios. Each route serves a specific purpose, caters to distinct applicant profiles, and has unique eligibility requirements. Below is a breakdown of each:
1. Senior or Specialist Worker Route
This route is for senior executives or highly skilled specialists being transferred to a UK branch of an overseas business.
Key Features:
- Replaces the former Intra-Company Transfer visa.
- Applicants must be working for the overseas business and have at least 12 months' experience (unless earning £73,900+).
- Minimum salary requirement: £48,500 or the "going rate" for the occupation (whichever is higher).
- No English language requirement.
2. Graduate Trainee Route
This route is designed for employees enrolled in a structured graduate training programme who are being transferred to the UK branch for a temporary work placement.
Key Features:
- Replaces the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee visa.
- Applicants must be recent graduates with at least 3 months’ experience at the overseas entity.
- Maximum stay is 12 months.
- Minimum salary requirement: £24,220 or 70% of the "going rate" for the occupation.
3. UK Expansion Worker Route
This visa supports overseas companies looking to set up a branch or subsidiary in the UK.
Key Features:
- Replaces the Representative of an Overseas Business visa.
- Applicants must be senior employees or specialists tasked with launching the UK entity.
- Sponsor Licence required — the overseas business must not have begun trading in the UK yet.
- Maximum stay is 12 months initially (renewable up to 2 years total).
4. Secondment Worker Route
This visa supports workers being seconded to a UK organisation as part of a high-value contract or joint venture.
Key Features:
- Newly introduced route in the Global Business Mobility category.
- Secondments must be based on a genuine commercial contract worth at least £50 million.
- Workers must have been employed overseas for at least 12 months.
5. Service Supplier Route
This route is for overseas self-employed professionals or employees delivering services in the UK under a UK trade agreement.
Key Features:
- Replaces parts of the International Agreement route.
- Applicants must work for a service provider with a UK contract covered by a relevant trade agreement (e.g., UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement).
- May be self-employed or employed.
- English language ability required (Level A1 CEFR).
General Eligibility Criteria for the Global Business Mobility Visa
Understanding the eligibility criteria is essential for any business or applicant considering one of the five Global Business Mobility routes. While each route has its specific criteria, the Home Office has outlined overarching standards that every applicant must meet. Below, we break down these general criteria in greater detail.
1. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is the foundation of any Global Business Mobility copyright. The sponsoring UK business must:
- Hold a valid Sponsor Licence under the correct category (e.g. Senior or Specialist Worker, UK Expansion Worker, etc.).
- Issue the CoS not more than 3 months before the date of application.
- Clearly outline job title, SOC code, start and end dates, salary, and job location.
- Indicate whether maintenance will be certified by the employer.
2. Genuine Vacancy Requirement
The job being offered must be genuine and not created to simply facilitate entry to the UK.
- The Home Office will assess whether the role matches the duties outlined in the SOC code.
- The job should not be a sham or overly tailored to a specific individual.
- The employer must be able to justify the business need for transferring this role to the UK.
3. Appropriate Skill Level
The job must meet the minimum skill level assigned to the visa route:
- RQF Level 6 (graduate-level roles) for Senior or Specialist Worker and Secondment Worker routes.
- RQF Level 3 or 4 may apply for the Graduate Trainee route.
- The Service Supplier route may follow specific requirements under international trade agreements.
4. Salary Thresholds and Going Rates
As of 2025, general salary benchmarks include:
- Senior or Specialist Worker: £45,800 or £23.00/hour
- UK Expansion Worker: £42,000
- Graduate Trainee: £24,220
- Service Supplier: Depends on trade agreement
- Secondment Worker: Determined by SOC code
5. Overseas Employment History
Proof of employment with the overseas business is mandatory and must be demonstrated through:
- Employment contracts
- Payslips
- Letters of confirmation from the employer
- Evidence of company relationship if part of a group or joint venture
Minimum overseas employment periods:
- 12 months for Senior or Specialist Worker, Secondment Worker, and UK Expansion Worker
- 3 months for Graduate Trainee
- Varies for Service Suppliers depending on sector and trade agreement
6. Financial Maintenance
To prevent the UK public purse from being burdened, applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency by showing:
- At least £1,270 in personal savings.
- Funds must have been held for a minimum of 28 consecutive days before application.
- The financial requirement can be waived if the UK sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS.
Dependants: Additional funds are required per dependant:
- Partner: £285
- First child: £315
- Each additional child: £200
7. Clean Immigration Record
The applicant must be a law-abiding migrant with no serious immigration or criminal history:
- No history of visa overstaying or unlawful stay in the UK.
- Must not be subject to a re-entry ban.
- No past visa refusals on the basis of deception or false documentation.
8. Tuberculosis (TB) Certificate
Applicants from countries listed on the UK Home Office TB testing list must provide a certificate from a recognised clinic if:
- They are applying from outside the UK, and
- The intended stay exceeds 6 months.
The test must be completed at a clinic approved by the Home Office. Certificates are valid for 6 months.
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.
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 Global Business Mobility 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
Global Business Mobility copyright Process Step-by-Step
Understanding the application process is essential for both overseas companies and their employees. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of how the Global Business Mobility copyright works in practice, from sponsor preparation to decision outcomes. Whether you're a multinational business or an individual applicant, this roadmap will clarify what to expect at each stage.
1. Determine the Appropriate Visa Route
Before anything else, it's crucial to identify which of the five Global Business Mobility routes applies:
- Senior or Specialist Worker – for high-skilled employees transferring to a UK branch.
- Graduate Trainee – for those on a structured graduate training programme.
- UK Expansion Worker – for senior staff opening a new UK branch.
- Service Supplier – for contractual service providers under a trade agreement.
- Secondment Worker – for employees being seconded as part of a high-value contract.
2. Secure a Valid Sponsor Licence
For a UK employer to hire or transfer overseas staff under this scheme, they must:
- Apply for and be granted a Sponsor Licence in the relevant Global Business Mobility category.
- Provide supporting documents proving genuine business operations, such as:
- Companies House registration
- PAYE and VAT registration
- Business bank statements
- Companies House registration
- Appoint key personnel for managing the licence via the Sponsor Management System (SMS)
3. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once the sponsor licence is in place, the business must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the applicant.
The CoS includes:
- Job title and SOC code
- Duties and responsibilities
- Salary and duration of employment
- Start and end dates
- Maintenance certification (if applicable)
This document is essential and must be accurate. Any inconsistencies can result in visa refusal.
4. Prepare Supporting Documents
Applicants must prepare a robust application bundle. Depending on the route, required documents typically include:
- Valid copyright or travel document
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Proof of employment with overseas business (e.g., contracts, payslips)
- Proof of salary and financial maintenance
- Tuberculosis certificate (if required)
- Evidence of the contractual relationship for service suppliers or secondments
All documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by certified translations.
5. Submit the copyright Online
Applications must be submitted via the official UK government copyright portal. During submission, applicants will:
- Fill in personal and employment details
- Upload required documentation
- Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Book a biometric appointment at a copyright centre (if outside the UK)
6. Attend Biometric Appointment (if required)
Applicants will need to visit a copyright Centre (VAC) to provide:
- Fingerprints
- A digital photograph
- Original supporting documents (if applicable)
This step is essential copyright processing. A delay here may result in application delays.
7. Wait for a Decision
Standard processing times for the Global Business Mobility Visa are:
- 3 weeks for out-of-country applications
- 8 weeks for in-country applications
8. Receive Visa Decision and Travel
If approved, applicants will receive:
- A visa vignette (if applying from outside the UK), valid for 30 days
- A BRP card (Biometric copyright) to collect upon arrival in the UK
- Confirmation of visa length, conditions, and work authorisation
9. Begin Work and Comply with Visa Conditions
Upon arrival, the visa holder can begin working for the UK sponsor as stated on the CoS. They must:
- Work only in the role and for the sponsor listed on the visa
- Not access public funds
- Register any dependants properly
- Inform the Home Office of any changes
Non-compliance can lead to visa curtailment or sponsor penalties.
Global Business Mobility Visa Routes Explained
The Global Business Mobility (GBM) Visa is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's a collection of five distinct sub-categories, each tailored to a different type of global workforce movement. Understanding the purpose, eligibility, and restrictions of each route is crucial in determining the best path for both the sponsoring business and the individual applicant.
Below, we explore each GBM route in detail:
1. Senior or Specialist Worker Route
Purpose: To allow multinational companies to transfer experienced or highly skilled employees to a UK branch.
Key Requirements:
- Must be currently employed by the overseas entity linked to the UK sponsor.
- Minimum salary threshold of £45,800 or £23.35 per hour (as of 2024 rates).
- Roles must be on the list of eligible occupations.
- Applicants must have worked for the overseas business for at least 12 months (unless earning £73,900+).
2. Graduate Trainee Route
Purpose: For graduate employees undertaking a UK placement as part of a structured graduate training programme leading to senior managerial or specialist positions.
Key Requirements:
- The applicant must be part of a graduate training programme with the overseas business.
- They must have worked for the overseas business for at least 3 months.
- The salary must be at least £24,220 per year or £11.90 per hour.
3. UK Expansion Worker Route
Purpose: To allow senior employees of overseas businesses to establish a UK branch or subsidiary where no trading presence currently exists.
Key Requirements:
- The overseas business must be active and trading for at least 3 years.
- Must have a credible expansion plan for the UK.
- Salary must be £45,800 or the going rate for the role (whichever is higher).
- Applicant must have worked for the overseas business for at least 12 months (unless a high earner).
4. Service Supplier Route
Purpose: For overseas workers providing services in the UK under international trade agreements, such as the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement or GATS.
Key Requirements:
- Must be a contractual service supplier or self-employed independent professional.
- Must provide evidence of the underlying international trade agreement.
- Must have at least 12 months of experience with the overseas service provider.
- Salary requirements depend on the contract terms.
5. Secondment Worker Route
Purpose: For workers being seconded to a UK business as part of a high-value contract or investment by their overseas employer.
Key Requirements:
- The contract must be worth at least £50 million.
- The applicant must have worked for the overseas business for at least 12 months.
- Sponsor must register the contract with the Home Office.
Comparison Snapshot of the Routes
| Route | Leads to Settlement | English Requirement | Salary Threshold | Duration |
| Senior or Specialist | No | No | £45,800 or SOC rate | Up to 5 years |
| Graduate Trainee | No | No | £24,220 or SOC rate | Up to 12 months |
| UK Expansion Worker | No | No | £45,800 or SOC rate | Up to 2 years |
| Service Supplier | No | No | Contract dependent | Contract-based |
| Secondment Worker | No | No | Reasonable for role | Up to 12 months |
Key Requirements for Each Global Business Mobility Route
Each of the five routes under the Global Business Mobility Visa category has distinct eligibility criteria, documentation needs, and procedural steps. It’s essential to grasp these to avoid delays or refusals. Below is a detailed breakdown of the core requirements for each route, helping both employers and applicants prepare accurately.
Senior or Specialist Worker – Key Requirements
To qualify under this route, applicants and sponsors must meet several criteria:
Employer Requirements:
- Must hold a valid sponsor licence for the GBM route.
- The job offered must appear on the list of eligible occupations.
- Must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the role.
Applicant Requirements:
- Must be currently employed by a linked overseas entity.
- Must have worked outside the UK for that company for at least 12 months, unless earning £73,900+.
- Must be paid a minimum of £45,800 per year or the SOC code's going rate.
- Satisfy financial maintenance requirement unless certified by sponsor.
Documentation Needed:
- Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Proof of employment with overseas business.
- copyright and travel history.
- Salary and job details.
- TB test (if from a listed country).
Service Supplier – Key Requirements
This is a contract-based route dependent on international trade agreements.
Employer Requirements:
- Must have a valid sponsor licence for this route.
- Must be a UK-based client party to a registered trade agreement contract.
Applicant Requirements:
- Must be a contractual service supplier or independent professional from a country in a UK trade agreement.
- Must have 12 months of prior employment with the overseas provider.
- Job must fall under a permissible service category.
Documentation Needed:
- Copy of the international trade agreement contract.
- CoS issued by the UK sponsor.
- Evidence of qualifications or experience.
- ID, copyright, and proof of employment history.
Secondment Worker – Key Requirements
Used for high-value contract secondments into the UK.
Employer Requirements:
- The UK sponsor must hold a valid GBM sponsor licence.
- A registered contract worth at least £50 million with the overseas business must exist.
Applicant Requirements:
- Must be currently employed by the overseas company.
- Must have worked for that company for at least 12 months.
- Must be seconded for a specific, contract-based role.
Documentation Needed:
- CoS referencing the secondment contract.
- Employment verification letter.
- Contract details showing the business link.
- Travel documents and proof of salary.
Financial Maintenance Requirement (All Routes)
Unless the employer certifies maintenance, applicants must show:
- At least £1,270 in their bank account for 28 consecutive days.
- Funds must not fall below this threshold at any time during that period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Global Business Mobility Visa?
The Global Business Mobility Visa is a category of work visas introduced by the UK Home Office to facilitate international business operations in the UK. It comprises five sub-routes tailored for different types of global workers, including secondments, trainees, and business expansion roles.
2. Who is eligible for the Global Business Mobility Visa?
Eligibility depends on the specific sub-route, but generally:
- You must work for an overseas company with a UK link.
- You must meet minimum work experience and salary thresholds.
- The employer must be a licensed sponsor.
- You must have a Certificate of Sponsorship and meet financial and genuine role requirements.
3. Can I bring dependants on a Global Business Mobility Visa?
Yes. Most GBM visa holders can bring their partner and children as dependants, provided:
- You can support them financially.
- They meet immigration health surcharge and biometric requirements.
4. Does the Global Business Mobility Visa lead to permanent settlement (ILR)?
No. The GBM visa is a temporary visa and does not directly lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). However, time spent in the UK under this route may be switchable to a route that does lead to ILR, such as the Skilled Worker route.
5. What’s the processing time for a Global Business Mobility Visa?
- Standard applications: Around 3 weeks from outside the UK.
- Priority services: Available in some regions for faster processing (5–7 working days). Processing times can vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances and documentation.
6. Can I switch to a Global Business Mobility Visa from within the UK?
Generally, no. Applicants must apply from outside the UK, except in limited cases such as switching between GBM routes or where specific eligibility applies. Legal advice is recommended before switching immigration categories.
7. Is there a cap on how many GBM visas a company can sponsor?
For most sub-categories, no cap exists. However, UK Expansion Workers are limited to five CoS at a time during the early phase of expansion. Oversight increases with the scale of sponsorship.
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