How We Can Help?
We provide a comprehensive service, including:
Determining the correct GBM route based on business objectives. Preparing and submitting sponsor licence applications. Ensuring ongoing Home Office compliance and audit readiness.
Advising on group structure, overseas trading evidence, and contract requirements. Assigning Certificates of Sponsorship and managing timelines. Preparing complete visa applications with supporting documents.
Advising on future UK immigration pathways, including Skilled Worker sponsorship for long-term staffing.
Visa Overview
The Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes enable overseas companies to deploy staff to the UK for specific business needs — from establishing a UK branch to providing specialist services. These visas do not directly lead to settlement but provide essential pathways for cross-border business activity.
Senior or Specialist Worker
This route is designed for multinational companies transferring senior managers or specialist employees to a UK-linked entity. Applicants must already be employed overseas and sponsored by a UK business within the same corporate group. The role must meet required skill and salary thresholds and be supported by a valid Certificate of Sponsorship. This visa allows temporary UK assignments but does not lead directly to settlement.
Graduate Trainee
The Graduate Trainee route supports employees on structured international graduate programmes requiring a UK placement. Applicants must have recent overseas employment and be sponsored for an eligible graduate-level role. A valid Certificate of Sponsorship and minimum salary are required under this route. The visa is granted for short-term training purposes only and cannot be extended.
UK Expansion Worker
This visa allows overseas businesses to send senior staff to the UK to establish a new branch or subsidiary. The overseas company must be actively trading, while the UK entity must not yet be operational. Applicants must be sponsored and play a key role in setting up UK operations. This route supports expansion but does not lead directly to settlement.
Service Supplier
The Service Supplier route is for overseas professionals delivering services to a UK client under an approved international trade agreement. A valid contract must exist between the overseas business and the UK organisation. Applicants must meet qualification and experience requirements specified in the agreement. Sponsorship by the UK business is required for the duration of the service.
Secondment Worker
This route supports overseas employees seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or major investment project. The UK business must hold a Secondment Worker sponsor licence and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. Applicants must remain employed overseas and meet the required skill level. The visa allows temporary UK presence linked strictly to the qualifying contract.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet specific criteria set by immigration authorities to qualify for their chosen visa route. Meeting eligibility early helps avoid delays and refusals.
- Overseas Employment Status
- Certificate of Sponsorship
- Minimum Salary Threshold
- UK Sponsor Licence
- Required Skill Level
- Genuine Business Purpose
Frequently Asked Question
Below you will find the most frequently asked queries with clear answers to help you understand eligibility, documentation requirements, processing timelines, and how NFTech Legal supports you through every stage of the application.
Do I need a Sponsor Licence?
Yes, most GBM routes require the UK entity to hold a GBM sponsor licence. The licence allows the company to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) and meet Home Office compliance requirements.
How long can employees stay in the UK?
- Senior or Specialist Worker: Up to 5 years (high earners up to 9 years)
- Graduate Trainee: Up to 12 months
- UK Expansion Worker: 12 months initially, extendable to 2 years
- Service Supplier: 6–12 months depending on the trade agreement
- Secondment Worker: 12 months, extendable to 2 years
Can employees switch to another visa from GBM?
Yes. Many GBM visa holders can switch to the Skilled Worker visa or other suitable UK routes if they meet eligibility requirements and their employer is licensed.
Can dependants come to the UK?
Yes. Spouse/partner and children under 18 can join the visa holder as dependants, provided the main applicant meets the financial requirements.
What responsibilities does the UK sponsor have?
- Issue and manage CoS according to Home Office rules.
- Monitor sponsored employees and report changes (e.g., employee leaves, changes role, or breaches visa conditions). Maintain accurate records and cooperate with Home Office audits.
Are there any minimum salary requirements?
Yes. Each GBM route has specific salary thresholds, often linked to the employee’s role, experience, or trade agreement. For Senior or Specialist Workers, the Home Office sets a “going rate” for eligible occupations.
Do employees need to demonstrate English proficiency?
Yes, most GBM visa categories require employees to demonstrate English language ability, especially Senior or Specialist Workers. Some exceptions exist depending on the route and trade agreements.
Can contractors or temporary staff be sponsored?
No. Only employees of the sponsoring company can be assigned a CoS. Contractors, consultants, or freelancers cannot be sponsored unless employed directly by the UK entity holding the licence.
Can the visa be extended?
Yes, some GBM routes allow extensions within the UK (e.g., Senior or Specialist Worker, Secondment Worker). Other routes, like Graduate Trainee, cannot be extended.
What happens if the employee’s role changes?
Any significant role change, salary change, or departure must be reported to the Home Office. Non-compliance can affect the company’s licence and the employee’s visa status.
What are common reasons for visa refusal?
- Incorrect or incomplete Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Employee not meeting skill, salary, or English requirements
- Insufficient evidence of trade relationship or contract (for Service Supplier or Secondment Worker)
- Non-compliance with Home Office licence obligations
4 Step Follow You Can Get
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