Global Business Mobility Route: An Introduction

Uncover the endless opportunities presented by the UK's Global Business Mobility (GBM) Visa, which provides customised work routes tailored for different types of workers.

Although understanding the complex rules of the GBM might appear overwhelming, our professional advice can help light the path towards utilizing these routes to improve your company's global mobility plan and boost UK operations growth by enabling the smooth transfer of essential talent.

Discover the hidden intricacies of the Global Business Mobility visa as we explore its every nook and cranny in this captivating blog post. Uncover the unique eligibility requirements for each subcategory and embark on a journey towards endless opportunities. With the Global Business Mobility Visa, the UK market becomes your playground, offering boundless potential for unprecedented growth and triumph.

Senior or Specialist Worker

This route covers most of the components of the Intra-Company transfer route and is designed for UK-based sponsoring firms. Workers under this route will need to be sponsored. It closely resembles the Intra-Company transfer route, as it requires firms that want to sponsor individuals to obtain a sponsor license before facilitating the transfer of applicants.

Key to Note:

• Candidates must have typically worked for an overseas branch of the firm with a common ownership or control for a minimum of 12 months, unless exceeding ￡73,900 or applying as a graduate
• Candidates must earn a minimum of ￡42,400 annually or the prevailing job rate, whichever is higher
• Graduate route applicants must earn at least ￡23,100 or 70% of the job's going rate, whichever is higher
• Supplementary employment is prohibited, and the applicant must solely work for the sponsoring company
• Applicants are allowed to bring dependent partners or children under the age of 18
• Settlement is not applicable for either the primary applicant or their dependents
• The duration of stay in the UK under this route is capped based on the applicant's salary

Secondment Worker

The latest inclusion in the lineup presents a thrilling chance for foreign workers assigned to the UK under a significant contract or investment from their employer abroad. The exact requirements for what qualifies as a high-value contract are still unclear, and we are eagerly anticipating more information on this issue. The MAC suggestions have suggested a threshold of ￡50 million, which could affect the availability of this option.

Key to Note:

• Visa grant for up to 12 months at a time and a total of 2 years (a significant improvement from the previous 6-month limit under visit visa rules for secondments)
• Sponsorship will be required for this route
• A registered contract with the overseas business will be necessary for applicants
• Settlement is not an option under this visa
• Dependent partners or children under 18 can accompany applicants
• A minimum of 12 months tenure with the overseas business is required, with no exceptions for high earners
• Further clarification is needed, but it is likely that roles will need to be at least RQF level 6

Service Supplier

This pathway falls under the International Trade Agreement and is specifically created for short-term work placements in the United Kingdom. It is intended for individuals who work as service providers for a foreign company or as independent contractors residing outside the UK.

Key to Note:

• Applicants must have a sponsor to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship
• Applicants must have been working with the overseas service provider for a period of at least 12 months. There is no exemption for high earners
• The UK sponsor issuing the Certificate of Sponsorship must have a contract with the overseas service provider. The contract must be registered with the Home Office
• This route does not lead to settlement
• Applicants may bring dependant partners or children under the age of 18
• The job must be at the appropriate skill level for the visa

UK Expansion Worker

The introduction of this new route marks a significant shift from the previous Sole Representative visa, which was not included in the Points Based System. This change is a major development for overseas businesses looking to establish a presence in the UK.

Key to Note:

• Applicants will require a certificate of sponsorship, and we are awaiting details on how sponsorship under this route will work
• Applicants are not permitted to settle under this route
• Applicants are able to be a majority shareholder, which constitutes a change from the sole representative visa
• Less decision making authority is required than for the sole representative visa, but we are awaiting further details on what this might look like
• Applicants may bring dependant partners or children under the age of 18
• Applicants must have been working for the sponsor group for at least 12 months or qualify as a high earner
• Salary must be ￡42,400 or 100% of the going rate for the role, whichever is higher
• Applicants must be able to certify their own maintenance or have already been present legally in the UK for a minimum of 12 months, and this cannot be certified on a Certificate of Sponsorship
• Permission will be granted for up to 2 years

If you need help with any of the above visa categories we can help.

Get in touch with us by calling us on 01403 801 801 ??or by email at [email protected]?? to talk to one of our friendly experts.