Global Business Mobility Visas

The Global Business Mobility visa lets existing workers of overseas businesses to work in the UK. They must be working for a UK company that's connected to that overseas business.

Senior or Specialist Worker Route (“GBMSS”) - This route is for overseas workers with temporary work assignments in the UK. It’s replaced the previous Intra-Company Transfer route. They must be assigned to a UK business linked to their employer overseas to be eligible for this visa category.

Graduate Trainee Route - The Graduate Trainee route is for those overseas workers who are undertaking temporary work assignments in the UK. To be eligible, they must be on a graduate training course leading to a senior management or specialist position. They’ll also need to do a work placement in the UK. This replaced the previous Intra-Company Graduate Trainee route.

UK Expansion Worker Route (“GBMEW”) - The UK Expansion Worker route is for overseas workers assigned to the UK on a temporary work assignment. Their work must relate to the overseas business’s expansion to the UK. This requires the business to have a presence in the UK but can’t be actively trading. This route is perfect for overseas businesses wanting to send up to five workers to the UK to set up a branch or subsidiary. To be eligible for sponsorship, the applicant must have been working for an overseas linked employer for at least 12 months, unless an exemption applies.

Service Supplier Route - The Service Supplier route is for overseas workers planning to carry out a temporary work assignment for a UK company. They must be under a contract as either:

• A contractual service supplier employed by a service supplier overseas
• A self-employed professional based overseas whose services are covered by a UK international trade agreement.

Secondment Worker Route - The Secondment Worker route allows overseas workers under a high value contract or investment by their employers to be seconded to a UK company. It must be part of the same contact or investment.

The Global Business Mobility visa is open to:

• Senior or specialist workers who meet the unique needs of a company
• Graduate trainees who can run training programmes
• Workers on secondment to UK companies that have high-value contracts or investments
• Suppliers of services to the UK that are in line with UK trade agreements
• UK expansion workers to create a presence in the UK.

You will need to have worked for an overseas business for at least 12 months. This business must be linked to the UK business by common ownership/control or a joint venture. If they’re classed as a high earner or another exception is applicable, the rules may differ. 

Your job title must come under one of the relevant SOC codes. You must also be paid at least a minimum salary relating to that SOC code. A Certificate of Sponsorship must be given by your employer before you apply. However, there’s no English language requirement.

What’s the age limit for a Global Business Mobility Worker visa? - The person applying for a Global Business Mobility Worker visa must be aged 18 or over.

How long does it take to get a Global Business Mobility visa in the UK? - Once your application’s been submitted, you’ve proved your identity and the right documents, you will get a decision within three weeks if you’re outside the UK. If you’re in the UK, it’ll take around eight weeks.

Can dependants move to the UK with an employee on a Global Business Mobility Worker visa? - Dependents of the main applicant, such as a spouse and any children, can also join the main applicant in the UK. They can stay here for as long as the applicant is employed. There are various sub-categories under the Business Mobility Route, and it’s important that you apply under the correct category.

Our expert team of business immigration solicitors have been advising companies of all sizes and industries for decades. We’ve the specialist knowledge and experience to help your business with recruiting international talent through the Global Business Mobility Worker visa route.

After listening to your situation and learning a little more about your business needs, we’ll be able to advise you on which type of visa you should be applying for. We’ll use our expertise to help you craft an application that has the best chance of being approved.