Global Business Mobility Visas
If your company seeks to send a senior employee or specialist to the UK for a temporary work assignment, the Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa offers a streamlined pathway. It comprises five distinct sponsored routes designed to accommodate different business needs—from expanding into the UK market to managing high-value contracts or deploying service suppliers.
Our Houston-based legal team guides U.S. clients through the complexities of GBM, ensuring compliance, smooth documentation, and legal clarity from start to finish.
What Are the Five Routes Under GBM?
Senior or Specialist Worker
This route replaces the old Intra-Company Transfer scheme. It’s for senior managers or specialists officially employed by a related overseas company and transferred temporarily to a UK-linked branch.
Graduate Trainee
For individuals undergoing a graduate training program, this route allows a work placement in the UK as part of development toward a senior specialist or managerial role.
UK Expansion Worker
Use this route if your company is not yet trading in the UK but intends to establish a branch. A senior specialist is sent to set up operations on ground.
Service Supplier
Allows self-employed professionals or contracted service providers from overseas to enter the UK to deliver services under trade agreements.
Secondment Worker
Appropriate for high-value contract-based transfers—usually senior employees seconded to the UK as part of significant overseas investments or contracts. None of these routes lead directly to settlement; they’re strictly temporary work assignments.
Who Needs a GBM Visa?
Global Business Mobility visas are essential for businesses transferring key personnel abroad for business-critical assignments. Whether you’re launching a UK subsidiary, fulfilling international agreements, or assigning high-stakes managers, GBM provides the legal framework you need.
How to Apply for GBM Visas?
Global Business Mobility visas are essential for businesses transferring key personnel abroad for business-critical assignments. Whether you’re launching a UK subsidiary, fulfilling international agreements, or assigning high-stakes managers, GBM provides the legal framework you need.
Secure an A-rated Sponsor Licence
Your UK employer must be approved by the Home Office to sponsor GBM workers.
Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
A valid CoS must detail role, salary, and reporting structure.
Meet Route-Specific Eligibility
Requirements vary by route—e.g., salary thresholds, England-operational roles, or contract-based deliveries.
Apply Online for the Visa
Your worker submits an application from overseas or switches from within the UK.
Processing Times
Approx. 3 weeks for applications made from outside the UK
Around 8 weeks for in-country submissions
What About Salary and Financial Criteria?
Each GBM route sets its own thresholds:
Senior or Specialist Worker
Minimum £48,500 or the ‘going rate’, with tiered stay limits depending on salary level.
UK Expansion Worker
Salary thresholds based on role, usually enabling a 12-month stay with possible extension up to 2 years.
Other Routes
Salaries must meet “going rate” standards; savings of around £1,270 are often required.
Dependents
Partners and children may accompany the main applicant, provided their own eligibility and financial self-sufficiency are established.
Is Permanent Residency (ILR) Possible?
No. Unlike the Skilled Worker route, GBM visas do not count toward settlement. If long-term UK residency is your goal, you may need to switch to a visa category that leads to ILR after your GBM assignment concludes
Q&A Highlights for Clarity
Can my family accompany me?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can apply as dependents and join you in the UK.
What’s the maximum stay?
Senior Workers: up to 5 years (standard) or 9 years for high earners.
UK Expansion: up to 2 years (initial), renewable.
Can I change roles within the UK?
Only with a new CoS reflecting your new position and duties.
Can I study or take side jobs?
You may study. Outside your sponsorship duties, most routes prohibit additional employment.
Why Choose Our Houston-Based Immigration Law Firm?
Managing cross-border GBM assignments from the U.S. involves legal risks and logistical hurdles. We help by:
Navigating sponsor licensing and CoS compliance
Optimizing route selection based on business needs
Coordinating application logistics—from forms to biometrics
Advising on future visa transitions toward settlement routes if needed
Providing accessible U.S.-based support tailored to global mobility
Ready to Deploy Global Talent?
Whether you’re launching a UK expansion or moving senior talent for key projects, our team ensures your global business mobility plan works legally and efficiently.
Contact us now for a free consultation from our Houston office:
Office Address
5444 Westheimer Rd, Suite 1000-91, Houston, TX 77056
Phone
+1 (346) 3556 111
We’ll guide you on GBM visas, Sponsor Licensing, CoS issuance, and future pathways to UK settlement—making your business global journey as seamless as possible.
