Global Business Mobility Visa UK

The Global Business Mobility Visa is a UK work visa introduced in April 2022 under Appendix Global Business Mobility. It allows overseas businesses to send workers to the UK for temporary work assignments. 

The purpose of the global business mobility route is to support temporary business needs. It does not lead to settlement, and time spent on a GBM visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain. 

The Global Business Mobility routes replaced the Intra-Company Transfer visa, the Sole Representative route, and certain provisions under the International Agreement Worker route, creating a structured framework for overseas global business mobility to the UK. 

Sunrise Solicitors provides legal support across all global business mobility visa UK routes. We assist with assessing the correct route, preparing applications, reviewing sponsorship requirements, and ensuring compliance with Home Office rules. Our approach focuses on accuracy, clear advice, and reducing the risk of refusal.  

For further information or assistance with a Global Business Mobility application, you can contact Sunrise Solicitors for professional immigration advice.

What are the Global Business Mobility Visa routes? 

There are five routes under the Global Business Mobility Visa framework:  

• Senior or Specialist Worker visa  

• Graduate Trainee visa  

• UK Expansion Worker visa  

• Service Supplier visa  

• Secondment Worker visa  

Each route has different eligibility, skill level, pay, and length-of-stay requirements. Some routes are designed for experienced staff, while others support training or short-term service delivery.  

The GBM visa operates under the UK points-based immigration system. 

• Applicants under the Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, and UK Expansion Worker routes must score 60 points. These points are awarded for a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, meeting the required skill level, and meeting the relevant salary threshold under the Immigration Rules. 

• Applicants under the Service Supplier and Secondment Worker routes must score 40 points, based on sponsorship and meeting the job requirements. These routes do not have a general salary threshold like the Senior or Specialist Worker route, but workers must comply with UK National Minimum Wage legislation where applicable. 

Choosing the correct route at the start is essential, as it affects the length of stay, future switching options, and business compliance obligations.

Senior or Specialist Worker 

The Senior or Specialist Worker route under the Global Business Mobility Visa allows overseas businesses to transfer senior managers or specialist employees to a linked UK entity for a temporary role. This route forms part of the Global Business Mobility senior or specialist worker category and replaced the ICT visa UK in April 2022. 

This visa is suitable for businesses that need experienced staff to work in the UK for a defined period. It does not provide a route to settlement and is intended only for temporary assignments under the UK global mobility visa framework. 

To qualify, the worker must be sponsored by a UK-based employer that holds an A-rated sponsor licence under Appendix Global Business Mobility. The role must appear on the list of eligible occupations and meet the required skill level. The worker must normally have worked for the overseas employer for at least 12 months, unless an exemption applies. 

The salary must be at least £52,500 per year or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher. Workers earning £73,900 or more are classed as high earners and benefit from more flexible rules, including an exemption from the overseas employment requirement and longer total stay limits. 

Permission is granted for the shortest of 5 years after the job start date stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship, 14 days after the job end date stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship, or (where applicable) the date on which the applicant reaches the maximum permitted period of stay on this route; high earners (paid £73,900 or more) can stay in the UK for up to 9 years in any 10-year period under the Senior or Specialist Worker route.  

Visa Application Fee

If you apply from outside the UK, the fee is: 

• £769 if you are applying for up to 3 years
  • £1,519 if you are applying for more than 3 years

If you apply from inside the UK to extend or switch your visa, the fee is: 

• £885 if you are applying for up to 3 years
  • £1,751 if you are applying for more than 3 years

You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is currently £1,035 per year and must be paid in full for the length of permission requested. 

You will normally need to show that you have at least £1,270 in personal savings to support yourself, unless your sponsor confirms on your Certificate of Sponsorship that they will cover your maintenance costs. 

Partners and dependent children are permitted to apply as dependants under this GBM senior or specialist worker route. Extensions are allowed, provided the maximum stay limits are not exceeded. Switching from certain immigration routes, such as the Skilled Worker, Student, or other Global Business Mobility routes, may be possible from within the UK, provided the Immigration Rules allow switching and the eligibility requirements are met.

Graduate Trainee Visa

The Graduate Trainee Visa falls within the Global Business Mobility Visa framework and is designed for employees participating in a structured graduate training programme. This route supports overseas businesses that want to develop future managers or specialist staff by placing them in the UK for a short, defined training period. It forms part of the wider global business mobility routes and replaced the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee visa. 

This route is suitable only where the training programme leads to a future managerial or specialist role within the business. It is a temporary visa under the Global Business Mobility Visa UK system and does not lead to settlement. 

To qualify, the applicant must hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by their employer under Appendix Global Business Mobility. The applicant must have worked for the overseas employer for at least 3 months immediately before applying. The role must be on the list of eligible occupations and form part of a genuine graduate training programme. 

The salary must be at least £27,300 per year or the applicable going rate for the occupation code, whichever is higher. For most roles, the applicable going rate is 70% of the full going rate. 

 Permission is granted for the shortest of 12 months after the job start date stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship, 14 days after the job end date stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship, or the date on which the applicant reaches the maximum cumulative period permitted under the route. This visa cannot be extended beyond the maximum permitted stay of 12 months. Time spent on this route counts towards an overall maximum of 5 years in any 6-year period, when combined with other GBM visa or ICT visa UK routes. 

The application fee is £319. Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, currently £1,035 per year, and meet the £1,270 maintenance requirement, unless the sponsor certifies maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship. 

Partners and dependent children may apply as dependants under this route. Switching to another immigration route from within the UK may be possible, provided the Immigration Rules permit switching and the eligibility requirements of the new route are met. 

UK Expansion Worker Visa 

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is part of the Global Business Mobility Visa UK system and is intended for overseas businesses that plan to establish a UK branch or subsidiary but have not yet started trading in the UK. This route supports early-stage expansion by allowing senior managers or specialist employees to come to the UK to set up operations. It replaced the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa. 

This route is suitable only where the overseas business has a genuine plan to expand into the UK market. It is a temporary route under the Global Business Mobility Route and does not lead to settlement. 

To qualify, the worker must be sponsored by a UK entity that holds a valid sponsor licence for the UK Expansion Worker route under Appendix Global Business Mobility. The overseas business must not yet be trading in the UK at the time of application. The role must be an eligible occupation and meet the relevant salary requirements. 

The applicant must usually have worked for the overseas business for at least 12 months before applying. This requirement does not apply to high earners paid £73,900 or more, or where an exemption applies under a relevant international trade agreement. 

Permission is granted for the shortest of 12 months after the job start date stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship, 14 days after the end date stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship, or the date on which the applicant reaches the maximum cumulative stay permitted under the route. The visa can be extended once, allowing a maximum stay of 2 years on this route. Time spent on this visa counts towards the overall limit of 5 years in any 6-year period when combined with other Global Business Mobility or former Intra-Company routes. 

Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and normally show they have held at least £1,270 for 28 consecutive days, unless exempt or the sponsor certifies maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship. 

Partners and dependent children may apply as dependents. Extensions are allowed for up to 2 years. Once the UK business starts trading and holds the appropriate sponsor licence, workers may be able to switch to the Senior or Specialist Worker route from within the UK, provided all eligibility requirements are met. This route allows a limited number of workers to support each expansion, typically up to five, subject to sponsor allocation rules. 

Service Supplier Visa 

The Service Supplier Visa is part of the Global Business Mobility Visa route and is designed for overseas workers who need to provide services to a UK business under an approved international trade agreement. This route covers both employees of overseas service providers and self-employed professionals who are delivering services in the UK on a temporary basis. It forms part of the wider global business mobility routes and does not lead to settlement. 

This visa is suitable where a UK business has a valid contract with an overseas provider and the services fall within the scope of an agreement, such as the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, CPTPP, or other qualifying trade arrangements recognised under Appendix Global Business Mobility. 

To qualify, the applicant must either be employed by an overseas service provider or be a self-employed professional established outside the UK. A valid Certificate of Sponsorship must be issued by a licensed UK sponsor, and the sponsor must have registered the eligible service contract with the Home Office before assigning the Certificate of Sponsorship 

Employees must normally have worked for the overseas service provider for at least 12 months. Self-employed professionals must normally have at least 12 months’ professional experience, subject to any additional requirements under the relevant trade agreement.  

There is no general salary threshold. However, the worker must comply with UK employment law, including National Minimum Wage legislation where applicable. 

Permission is granted for the shortest of: 

• the maximum period permitted under the relevant international trade agreement; 

• 14 days after the end date stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship; or 

• the date on which the applicant reaches the maximum cumulative stay permitted under the route. 

Time spent on the Service Supplier route counts towards the overall maximum of 5 years in any 6-year period when combined with other Global Business Mobility and former Intra-Company routes. The length of stay is also limited by the duration of the registered service contract and the applicable trade agreement provisions. 

The application fee is £319. Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and normally show they have held at least £1,270 for 28 consecutive days, unless exempt or the sponsor certifies maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship. 

Partners and dependent children may apply as dependents. Extensions may be granted, provided the maximum stay permitted under the relevant trade agreement is not exceeded. In some cases, switching within the UK may be possible, provided all conditions are met.

Global Business Mobility Visa Application Process 

Applying for a Global Business Mobility Visa involves the following steps: 

Step 1: Select the appropriate global business mobility route based on the purpose of the assignment. Each route has different eligibility and salary requirements. 

Step 2: The UK sponsor must issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship under Appendix Global Business Mobility before the application can be submitted. 

Step 3: Gather the required documents. These usually include proof of overseas employment, salary evidence, financial documents, a valid passport, and a TB test certificate if required. 

Step 4: Applicants must apply in a way permitted by the Immigration Rules. Applications are made from outside the UK, although switching from within the UK may be possible depending on the applicant’s current immigration status. 

Step 5: Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the online process. 

Step 6: Attend a visa application centre or use the UK immigration app to submit biometric details, depending on availability in your location. 

Step 7: The Home Office will assess the application. Priority and super priority services may be available, depending on the route and country of application. 

Global Business Mobility Visa Processing Time

Processing times for the UK Global Business Mobility Visa depend on where the application is submitted. Applications submitted from outside the UK are usually decided within 3 weeks. Applications made inside the UK typically take up to 8 weeks. 

Applicants may choose faster services where available. The priority service, costing £500, aims to provide a decision within 5 working days. The super priority service, costing £1,000, aims to provide a decision by the next working day. 

Working days do not include weekends or UK bank holidays. If you apply before a weekend or public holiday, the decision may be issued on the next working day. 

Working days do not include weekends or UK bank holidays. If you apply before a weekend or public holiday, the decision may be issued on the next working day. 

Applicants are notified of the decision by email. Successful applicants receive confirmation of their immigration status digitally, and in some cases may also receive a vignette in their passport for entry to the UK. If an application is refused, the decision can be challenged through an administrative review, rather than a full appeal. 

These processing times generally apply to Global Business Mobility routes, although actual decision times and the availability of priority services may vary depending on the applicant’s location and the specific route.

Fees and Costs for Global Business Mobility Visa Routes 

The costs for a Global Business Mobility Visa in the UK are listed in the table below: 

The application fee varies depending on the route and whether the application is made from inside or outside the UK. Higher fees apply to longer permissions under the Senior or Specialist Worker visa. 

The Immigration Health Surcharge must be paid for the full length of the visa. Adults currently pay £1,035 per year, while applicants under 18 pay a reduced rate of £776 per year. 

Applicants must usually show £1,270 in personal savings, unless the sponsor confirms maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship. 

Employers sponsoring workers under certain Global Business Mobility routes must also pay the Immigration Skills Charge, which is a sponsor-only cost. This ranges from £364 to £1,000 per year, depending on the size of the business and the length of sponsorship. This charge does not apply to every GBM route. 

This table provides a general overview of GBM visa costs. The exact total depends on the chosen route, duration of stay, and application location. 

Required Documents for Global Business Mobility Visa Routes  

Core Documents Generally Required

• Applicants must provide a valid passport or travel document to confirm their identity and nationality. 

• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship reference number must be included. This confirms that a licensed UK sponsor has assigned sponsorship under the relevant Global Business Mobility route. 

• Applicants from certain countries are required to provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate. 

• Where the sponsor does not certify maintenance, applicants must provide evidence of at least £1,270 in personal savings for 28 consecutive days, unless exempt. This is usually shown through recent bank statements. 

• Where applicable, applicants must provide evidence that their salary or pay arrangements meet the requirements of the relevant route. 

Evidence of overseas employment or professional experience 

Some Global Business Mobility routes require proof of overseas employment or professional experience prior to the application. 

Senior or Specialist Workers and UK Expansion Workers must normally show at least 12 months of employment with the overseas business, unless an exemption applies. 

Graduate Trainees must normally demonstrate at least 3 months of overseas employment. 

Service Suppliers must demonstrate either 12 months of employment with the overseas service provider or 12 months of relevant professional experience if self-employed, subject to the applicable trade agreement.

Route-specific documents 

Sponsor Requirements for Global Business Mobility Visa Routes 

All Global Business Mobility Visa routes are sponsored routes. This means an applicant must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by a UK-based employer or organisation that holds a valid Home Office sponsor licence under Appendix Global Business Mobility. 

A worker cannot apply for a GBM visa unless the sponsor meets the required licensing and compliance standards. 

General sponsor requirements 

UK employers or organisations sponsoring workers under the global business mobility route must meet the following requirements: 

• Hold an A-rated sponsor licence in the Global Business Mobility category. 

• Issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for each worker they intend to sponsor 

• Where required by the specific route, demonstrate a qualifying link or contractual relationship with the overseas business. 

• Confirm that the role is a genuine vacancy and meets the required skill level and salary or pay rules. 

• Comply with all record-keeping and reporting duties, including ongoing Home Office compliance obligations. 

Route-specific sponsor requirements 

Employer Responsibilities for Global Business Mobility Visa Routes 

Employers sponsoring workers under the Global Business Mobility visa have ongoing responsibilities to ensure compliance with Home Office rules. These duties apply for the life of the sponsor licence and for each sponsored worker while you are sponsoring them, and UKVI may monitor compliance. 

Key employer responsibilities 

• Genuine employment

The sponsor must offer a real role that matches the details on the Certificate of Sponsorship. The role must comply with UK employment law, including National Minimum Wage and working time regulations where applicable. 

• Reporting duties

Sponsors must report certain changes to the Home Office through the Sponsor Management System (SMS) within the required time limits. 

Changes relating to a sponsored worker, such as early termination of employment, prolonged absences, or changes to job role, must usually be reported within 10 working days of the relevant event. 

Changes relating to the sponsor organisation, such as changes in ownership, structure, or key personnel, must usually be reported within 20 working days. 

Sponsors must also report suspected breaches of immigration conditions as soon as reasonably practicable. 

• Record keeping

Employers must maintain accurate records for each worker, including payslips, working hours, and contact details. These records must be available for inspection, and the Home Office may cross-check salary payments with HMRC records. 

• Compliance audits

The Home Office may conduct compliance visits to check that sponsor duties are being met. Failure to comply can lead to licence downgrading, suspension, or revocation. 

• UK Expansion Worker-specific duty

Sponsors licensed under the UK Expansion Worker route must maintain a genuine trading or operating presence and operate lawfully in the UK. Sponsors on this route can only be licensed for a maximum period of 4 years. 

• Ongoing support

Sponsors must issue accurate Certificates of Sponsorship, maintain compliant payroll records where required, and certify maintenance funds when applicable.

Settlement (ILR) on Global Business Mobility Visa Routes

All Global Business Mobility visa routes are temporary. They do not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). 

Time spent in the UK on a Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, or Secondment Worker visa does not count towards the five-year residence period required for settlement under routes such as the Skilled Worker visa. 

If a worker wants to settle in the UK, they must switch to a visa that leads to settlement. Such as the Skilled Worker route. To qualify, the applicant must meet the required salary level, show continuous lawful residence, meet the English language requirement, and pass the Life in the UK test. 

Dependants on a GBM visa also cannot apply for settlement under this route. They must switch to a settlement-eligible visa if they plan to stay in the UK long term. 

Unlike the former Overseas Business Representative route, the global business mobility route does not provide a direct path to settlement.

How Can Sunrise Solicitors Help? 

Sunrise Solicitors advise on all Global Business Mobility visa routes. We assess eligibility under Appendix Global Business Mobility, confirm the correct route, and ensure sponsorship and salary requirements are met. 

We assist sponsors in preparing and assigning the Certificate of Sponsorship and reviewing supporting documents to ensure compliance with Home Office standards. 

If an application is refused, we advise on administrative review, a fresh application, or alternative immigration options where appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from a Global Business Mobility visa to a Skilled Worker visa? 

Yes, switching is possible in some cases. You must meet all Skilled Worker requirements, including a valid sponsor licence, an eligible role, the required skill level, and the minimum salary threshold. Time spent on a GBM visa does not count towards settlement, so switching is necessary if long-term residence is intended. 

What is the difference between the GBM visa and the Skilled Worker visa? 

The global business mobility visa is a temporary route for overseas businesses to transfer staff or deliver services in the UK. It does not lead to settlement. The Skilled Worker visa allows long-term employment with a UK employer and can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain after meeting residence and other requirements. 

Who deals with the sponsorship for a GBM visa? 

Sponsorship is handled by the UK-based employer or organisation that holds a valid Home Office sponsor licence under Appendix Global Business Mobility. The sponsor issues the Certificate of Sponsorship and remains responsible for compliance throughout the worker’s stay. 

How long does it take to get a global mobility visa in the UK? 

Processing times depend on where the application is made. Applications from outside the UK are usually decided within 3 weeks, while applications made inside the UK can take up to 8 weeks, unless a faster service is used. 

Can I switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Global Talent visa? 

Yes, switching from a Skilled Worker visa to a Global Talent visa may be possible if you meet the endorsement or eligibility criteria set by the relevant endorsing body. This is a separate route and is not part of the global business mobility routes. 

Does the GBM visa require sponsorship? 

Yes. All GBM visa routes are sponsored routes. Applicants must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor before they can apply. 

How much does a GBM priority visa cost? 

The priority service costs £500 and aims to provide a decision within 5 working days. The super priority service costs £1,000 and aims to deliver a decision by the next working day, where available. 

How much funding is required to sponsor a business worker in the UK? 

The worker must usually show £1,270 in personal savings unless the sponsor certifies maintenance. Employers sponsoring workers under certain GBM routes must also pay the Immigration Skills Charge, which ranges from £364 to £1,000 per year depending on the size of the business.

Different Global Mobility visa routes

There are five distinct global business mobility routes that have been carefully designed to correspond with various forms of temporary work. The routes provide access to a range of countries, with each route having its own unique set of requirements and restrictions. All of the routes are designed to provide an opportunity to experience different cultures and business environments.