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.
A) Senior or Specialist Worker (Intra-Company Transfer)
For multinational companies transferring senior managers, executives, or specialist employees to a UK entity within the same corporate group.
Eligibility requirements
The application criteria for a Senior Or Specialist Worker (Intra-Company Transfer) are that:
– The UK employer and the overseas company must be part of the same corporate group or have a joint-venture relationship,
– The job in the UK must be at a suitable skill level (typically RQF 6 or above),
– You must already be employed by a company outside the UK and be transferred to a UK-linked,
– business (branch, subsidiary, or affiliate) that has a valid Global Business Mobility sponsor licence,
– You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by your UK sponsor,
– Usually, you need to have worked for the overseas group for at least 12 continuous months immediately before the transfer — unless you’re a “high earner”.
– You must meet a minimum salary threshold: currently a base rate or the “going rate” for the role.
Duration of Stay
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa typically lets you stay for up to 5 years (or the length specified on your CoS, plus 14 days). If you are a “high earner”, you may stay up to 9 years in total under this route. This is not a route to settlement, you cannot gain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) directly through this visa.
Key Benefits
The key benefits of this route are:
– Faster Assignment: Ideal for short- to medium-term business transfers without aiming for permanent residence.
– No English Language Test (in many cases): This route typically does not require proof of English language proficiency.
– Flexible Payroll Options: Depending on your company’s structure, you may remain on your overseas payroll.
B) Graduate Trainee
For employees enrolled in an international graduate training programme who need a UK placement as part of their career development.
Eligibility requirements
The application criteria for this visa route are that an applicant must:
– Be part of a formally structured graduate training programme,
– Have at least 3 months’ employment with the overseas business,
– The job must be at graduate level and on the eligible occupations list,
– Have the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) required through a Graduate Trainee sponsor licence,
– The salary must meet the specific minimum for Graduate Trainees.
Duration Of Stay
An individual can stay in the UK for up to 12 months under this route, and you cannot extend or switch to this route within the UK.
C) UK Expansion Worker
For overseas businesses seeking to set up a UK branch or subsidiary and needing key personnel to come to the UK to lead the expansion.
Eligibility requirements
The application criteria for this category are that:
– The UK entity must not be trading yet, but the overseas business must be actively trading,
– The UK entity has an Expansion Worker sponsor licence,
– The role is a suitable senior manager or a specialist appointed to establish operations,
– There is evidence that the expansion is genuine — e.g., there is a clear business plan, financial records and organisational structure,
– The salary and skill level must meet the Home Office requirements.
Length of Stay
The duration of stay on this route is generally up to 12 months, extendable to a maximum of 2 years.
D) Service Supplier
This category is for overseas workers delivering services to a UK business under an international trade agreement (such as the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement or WTO commitments).
Eligibility requirements
The application criteria for this visa route are that an applicant:
– Be part of a formally structured graduate training programme,
– Have at least3 months’ employment with the overseas business,
– The job must be at graduate level and on the eligible occupations list,
– Have the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) required through a Graduate Trainee sponsor licence,
– The salary must meet the specific minimum for Graduate Trainees.
Length of Stay
An individual can usually stay for 6 or 12 months, depending on the trade agreement governing the service.
E) Secondment Worker
This category is for employees of an overseas business coming to the UK on secondment as part of a high-value contract or major investment project.
Eligibility requirements
The application criteria for this category are that:
– There is a qualifying, high-value contract (set by Home Office thresholds) between the UK and overseas business,
– The UK business must hold a Secondment Worker sponsor licence,
– The worker must be employed overseas and seconded as part of the contract,
– There is a valid CoS confirming details of the secondment,
– The role must meet the required skill level.
Length of Stay
An individual can usually stay up to 12 months, extendable to a maximum of 2 years.
FAQs
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.
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.
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. We advise on group structure, overseas trading evidence, and contract requirements, assigning Certificates of Sponsorship and managing timelines, preparing visa applications with supporting documents.
We also advise on future UK immigration pathways, including Skilled Worker sponsorship for long-term staffing.