Global Business Mobility (GBM) Visa
Introduction to the Global Business Mobility (GBM) Visa
What is the Global Business Mobility (GBM) Visa?
Who Needs a Global Business Mobility Visa?
Individuals employed by overseas entities who need to undertake specific business activities in the UK—such as senior managers, specialists, graduate trainees, secondees, or service suppliers—may require a GBM Visa. The necessity depends on the nature of the work and the individual’s role within the organisation.
Key Differences Between GBM and Other UK Work Visas
UK Expansion Worker is a route for businesses who do not have a person based in the UK able to establish the business and make a sponsor licence application. It allows the overseas business to send a worker to the UK to do this.
Unlike general work visas, the GBM Visa is specifically structured for temporary assignments linked to an overseas business’s operations. It does not typically lead directly to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK, focusing instead on facilitating short-term business objectives.
There is no English language requirement for the UK Expansion Worker route.
Understanding the UK Global Business Mobility Routes
Overview of the Five GBM Visa Categories
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
- For senior managers or specialists transferring to a UK branch of their overseas employer.
Graduate Trainee Visa
- For employees undertaking a UK-based training programme as part of a graduate scheme leading to managerial or specialist roles.
UK Expansion Worker Visa
- For workers establishing a UK presence for an overseas business.
Secondment Worker Visa
- For workers seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment by their employer overseas.
Service Supplier Visa
- For contractual service suppliers or self-employed professionals with a contract to provide services in the UK.
Which Route is Right for You?
The appropriate route depends on your role, the nature of your assignment, and your employer’s business objectives in the UK. Assessing the specific requirements and eligibility criteria of each category is essential to determine the best fit.
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (Replacing the Intra-Company Transfer Visa)
Who is Eligible for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?
Eligibility requires:
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK sponsor
- Employment in a role listed among eligible occupations
- A minimum salary of £48,500 per year
Salary and Job Requirements
The role must meet the skill level requirements and the specified salary threshold to qualify for this visa.
How to Apply for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
Applicants must complete an online application, provide necessary documentation, and may need to attend a biometric appointment. Decisions are typically made within three weeks for overseas applicants.
Graduate Trainee Visa (Replacing the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee Visa)
Who Can Apply for the Graduate Trainee Visa?
This visa is for employees participating in a structured graduate training programme aimed at preparing them for managerial or specialist roles within their company.
Training Programme Requirements
The training must be a genuine graduate scheme with a clear progression path to senior positions.
Sponsorship and Employer Responsibilities
Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence and provide a Certificate of Sponsorship to the trainee. They are also responsible for ensuring the training programme meets the necessary standards.
UK Expansion Worker Visa (For Overseas Businesses Expanding to the UK)
Eligibility Criteria for Expansion Worker Visa
Your employer – also known as your sponsor – will give you a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ with information about the role you will do in the UK.
Applicants should be senior managers or specialists assigned to establish a UK branch or subsidiary of an overseas business. They must have worked for the overseas business for at least 12 months unless earning £73,900 or more annually.
You must be paid at least £48,500 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your job – whichever is higher.
Key Sponsorship Requirements
The sponsoring organisation must not yet be trading in the UK but have a detailed expansion plan. A maximum of five workers can be sponsored under this route simultaneously.
How to Establish a UK Presence Under the GBM Visa
Businesses can send eligible employees to the UK to set up operations, with the potential to transition to other visa routes once the UK entity is established and trading.
Secondment Worker Visa (For High-Value Contracts and Investments)
Who Qualifies for the Secondment Worker Visa?
This visa is for workers seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment by their overseas employer. Specific definitions of ‘high-value’ are provided in the official guidance.
Conditions and Limitations of the Visa
The visa allows temporary residence in the UK but does not lead to settlement. Holders must work only in the role specified and cannot take on additional employment.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Applicants need a Certificate of Sponsorship, must complete the online application, and provide supporting documents. Biometric information may also be required.
Service Supplier Visa (For Contract-Based Assignments in the UK)
Who Qualifies for the Secondment Worker Visa?
This visa is for workers seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment by their overseas employer. Specific definitions of ‘high-value’ are provided in the official guidance.
Conditions and Limitations of the Visa
The visa allows temporary residence in the UK but does not lead to settlement. Holders must work only in the role specified and cannot take on additional employment.
Conditions and Limitations of the Visa Step-by-Step Application Guide
Applicants need a Certificate of Sponsorship, must complete the online application, and provide supporting documents. Biometric information may also be required.
Service Supplier Visa (For Contract-Based Assignments in the UK)
Who Can Apply for the Service Supplier Visa?
This visa is for contractual service suppliers or self-employed professionals with a contract to provide services in the UK under an international trade agreement.
Industry-Specific Requirements
Applicants must have relevant professional qualifications and experience, and the service must be covered by a UK trade agreement.
Processing Time and Duration of Stay
Applications are typically processed within three weeks. The visa duration depends on the contract but generally does not exceed 12 months.
How to Apply for a Global Business Mobility Visa
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Your GBM Visa Application
Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Your UK sponsor must provide you with a valid CoS detailing your role and duration of employment.
Prepare Supporting Documents
- Gather necessary documents, including your passport, proof of employment, and evidence of meeting the specific route requirements.
Complete the Online Application
- Apply online through the official UK government website, selecting the appropriate GBM visa category.
Pay Application Fees
- Fees vary depending on the visa route and length of stay.
Attend a Biometric Appointment
- Provide fingerprints and a photograph at a visa application centre if required.
Await Decision
- Processing times vary; typically, decisions are made within 3 weeks for overseas applicants.
Documents Required for a Successful Application
- Valid passport or travel document
- Certificate of Sponsorship
- Proof of meeting salary and skill requirements
- Financial evidence demonstrating sufficient funds
- Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents
- Failing to meet financial requirements
- Applying under the wrong visa category
How to Apply for a Global Business Mobility Visa
How Much Does the Global Business Mobility Visa Cost?
Application fees vary by visa category and duration of stay. For example, the Senior or Specialist Worker visa fees range from £885 to £1,751. For the Expansion Worker visa, you’ll need to pay the £319 application fee.
You’ll also need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £1,035 per year.
Expected Processing Times for Different GBM Visa Routes
Typically, visa processing takes up to 3 weeks for applications made from outside the UK and up to 8 weeks for those made from within the UK.
Priority and Super-Priority Services for Faster Processing
Applicants may have the option to pay for expedited processing, subject to availability.
Bringing Family Members on a GBM Visa
Priority and Super-Priority Services for Faster Processing
Dependants include your spouse or partner and children under 18.
Financial and Accommodation Requirements for Family Members
Each dependant must demonstrate sufficient funds: £285 for a partner, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child. You would also need to have £1,270 to support yourself for your own application.
Switching and Extending Your Global Business Mobility Visa
Can You Extend a GBM Visa?
Extensions are possible, depending on the specific visa route and compliance with eligibility criteria.
You can apply to extend your UK Expansion Worker visa if all the following are true:
- You have the same job as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK
- Your job is in the same occupation code as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK
- You’re still working for the employer who gave you your current Certificate of Sponsorship
- You have not reached the maximum total stay
Switching to Other UK Work or Settlement Visas
Switching to other visa categories may be possible if eligibility requirements are met.
Switching and Extending Your Global Business Mobility Visa
Does the GBM Visa Lead to Settlement in the UK?
GBM visas generally do not lead directly to ILR. However, time spent on certain GBM routes may count towards ILR eligibility under specific circumstances.
Alternative Routes to Permanent Residency for GBM Visa Holders
Transitioning to visa categories that lead to settlement, such as the Skilled Worker visa, is an option for eligible individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the English language requirements?
There are no English language requirements for most Global Business Mobility routes.
Specifically, the Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Secondment Worker, and Service Supplier visas do not require you to prove your English proficiency as part of the application process.
Can I switch between GBM routes?
Switching between GBM routes inside the UK is generally not permitted.
If you are on one of the GBM routes and wish to move to another GBM category (e.g., from Graduate Trainee to Senior or Specialist Worker), you would normally need to leave the UK and apply for the new visa from outside the UK.
However, you can switch from certain other visa categories (e.g., Student Visa) into GBM categories while inside the UK, depending on the route.
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