The Lindsays team can guide you through each of the five Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa routes – supporting both employers and individuals throughout the entire process, from choosing the right route to submitting a strong application.
The 5 Global Business Mobility routes are:
1. Senior or Specialist Worker visa: Previously known as the Intra-Company Transfer visa, this route is aimed at senior managers or specialist workers who are assigned to a UK business linked to their employer overseas on a temporary basis. This route supports companies in maintaining operational continuity by allowing the transfer of skilled personnel.
2. Graduate Trainee visa: This route replaced the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee visa and enables overseas workers to enter or stay in the UK as part of a structured graduate trainee programme with a UK branch of their employer. The role must be on the UK Government’s eligible list of occupations and be aimed at progression into a managerial or specialist role. This route supports the development of future business leaders by enabling companies to nurture talent across international branches.
3. UK Expansion Worker visa: This route is designed for senior manager or specialist employees being assigned to the UK to support the overseas business’s expansion to the UK. This is a valuable option for businesses looking to expand into the UK market, allowing them to establish a foothold with key leadership or technical expertise.
4. Service Supplier visa: This route is intended for overseas workers to undertake temporary assignments in the UK, either as employees of an overseas service provider or as a self-employed provider based overseas. To qualify, the services provided must fall within the scope of the UK's international trade agreements, making it essential for businesses involved in cross-border trade.
5. Secondment worker visa: This route allows overseas workers to be temporarily seconded to a UK organisation as part of a high-value contract or investment. The UK host must be an approved Home Office sponsor. This option is ideal for businesses involved in complex, high-value projects requiring specialised expertise on a temporary basis.
Each of these routes has specific eligibility criteria, making it essential to navigate the UK’s immigration and visa systems with care.
At Lindsays, our expert team specialises in guiding both employers and employees through these processes, ensuring smooth and efficient applications for all types of Global Business Mobility visas.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I obtain indefinite leave to remain in the UK via the Global Business Mobility visa route?
Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, the Global Business Mobility routes do not lead directly to settlement in the UK (also known as indefinite leave to remain or ILR). However, in some cases – such as through the UK Expansion Worker route – it may be possible to switch to a different visa category which offers a path to settlement. Our immigration specialists can advise on long-term options tailored to your particular circumstances.
Q: What does ‘temporary’ mean in the context of Global Business Mobility visas – are there time limits?
They are called temporary in the sense that they do not provide the right to settle permanently in the UK and are intended for people to undertake a temporary function or mission for their overseas employer for a specific time limit.
However, if all the requirements are met and there is a continuing need for the visa-holder’s stay in the UK, it may be possible for them to work in the UK for several years. For example, Senior or Specialist Workers can typically stay in the UK for up to five years in a six-year period, while the maximum time a UK Expansion Worker can stay in the UK is a total of two years, limited to one year at a time. Our team can provide tailored advice based on your long-term goals and circumstances.
Q: Does the UK company need to have a Sponsor Licence?
In most cases, yes, the UK company must hold a valid Sponsor Licence to sponsor a worker under the Global Business Mobility routes.
An exception applies to the UK Expansion Worker visa, which is designed for overseas businesses without an existing UK presence. In that case, the Sponsor Licence is applied for as part of the expansion process.
The Lindsays team can support both businesses and individuals through these requirements, ensuring compliance and assisting you navigate the full sponsorship process with confidence.
Q: Can I bring my dependants on this route?
Yes, the Global Business Mobility routes permit the main applicant to bring their partner and dependent children to the UK, subject to certain specific criteria being met. Our immigration team can provide detailed guidance on which family members qualify and the process for applying.
Fixed-fee initial consultation for immigration and visa advice
For employers of any size, navigating the requirements for hiring overseas staff can be complex and also divert resource away from core activity. To help you get started and simplify the process, our immigration team at Lindsays offers an initial fixed-fee consultation where we find out your own circumstances and needs and provide clear actionable advice.
Find out more here.
