GLOBAL BUSINESS MOBILITY ROUTE

The Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa is a sponsored route designed for businesses looking to either establish a presence in the UK or transfer overseas staff to the UK. This visa category includes five distinct routes, each catering to specific business needs and employment scenarios.

Types of Global Business Mobility Visa Routes

Senior or Specialist Worker Route (Replaces the Intra-Company Transfer route)

This route is for senior managers or specialist employees being temporarily assigned to the UK by their overseas employer. It is typically used for high-level roles requiring specific skills or expertise.

UK Expansion Worker Route

(Replaces elements of the Representative of an Overseas Business route)

This route is for senior managers or specialist employees assigned to the UK to assist in establishing a new branch or subsidiary of an overseas business.

Graduate Trainee Route

This route is for overseas employees enrolled in a graduate training program leading to a senior management or specialist role. It allows them to gain UK-based work experience as part of their training.

Service Supplier Route

This route is for overseas workers employed by an overseas service provider or self-employed professionals. They must be providing services in the UK under an international trade agreement.

Secondment Worker Route

This route is for overseas workers temporarily seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment made by their employer.

General Requirements for a Global Business Mobility Visa

Each global business mobility visa route has its own eligibility requirements that need to be met for a visa to be granted. The following are the general requirements:

Sponsorship

Applicants must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-based sponsor with a Global Business Mobility sponsor licence relevant to their route.

Overseas Work Experience

Applicants must have worked for the sponsoring organisation or a linked entity overseas for at least 12 months unless they are:

Applying under the Graduate Trainee route,
A Secondment Worker, or
Earning at least £73,900 annually.

Skill and Salary Levels

The role must meet specific skill and salary thresholds:

Route	Salary Threshold
Senior or Specialist Worker	At least £45,800 or the “going rate,” whichever is higher.
UK Expansion Worker	At least £45,800 or the “going rate,” whichever is higher.
Graduate Trainee	At least £25,410 or 70% of the “going rate” for the job.

Financial Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate they have at least £1,270 available to support themselves unless they have been lawfully residing in the UK for 12 months or their sponsor certifies maintenance.

Duration of a Global Business Mobility Visa

The length of stay depends on the specific route and is capped to ensure the visa remains a temporary work route.

Route		Maximum Duration
Senior or Specialist Worker		Up to 5 years in a 6-year period (or 9 years in a 10-year period for high earners earning £73,900+).
UK Expansion Worker		Up to 1 year, extendable up to 2 years, but no more than 5 years across all GBM routes in a 6-year period.
Graduate Trainee		Up to 1 year.
Service Supplier	Up to 6 or 12 months per assignment, depending on the trade agreement.
Secondment Worker		Up to 2 years, with a cumulative limit of 5 years across all GBM routes in a 6-year period.

Can the Global Business Mobility visa be extended?

Yes, applicants can extend their GBM visa from within the UK, provided they remain within the maximum duration allowed for their specific route. However, none of the GBM visa routes lead directly to indefinite leave to remain (settlement).

Applicants can switch to another visa category that leads to settlement if they meet the eligibility requirements for that route.

What happens if the application for a Global Business Mobility Visa is refused?

If your GBM visa application is refused, you may be able to:

Request an Administrative Review: This is available if you believe the refusal was due to an error in processing. See Challenge a Home Office decision.

Reapply: Correct the issues identified in the refusal and submit a new application.

Need Assistance with a Global Business Mobility Visa?

Navigating the complexities of the GBM visa system can be challenging. Our experienced team offers end-to-end support for businesses and individuals, including sponsor licence applications, compliance, and visa processing.