Global Business Mobility Route: An Introduction

Discover the endless possibilities that the UK's Global Business Mobility (GBM) Visa offers for tailored work pathways designed specifically for various categories of workers. While navigating the intricate regulations of the GBM may seem daunting, our expert guidance can illuminate the way towards leveraging these pathways to enhance your organisation's global mobility strategy and drive the growth of UK-based operations by facilitating the seamless movement of critical talent.

Within this blog post, we delve into the intricate details of the Global Business Mobility visa, shedding light on the specific eligibility criteria for each distinctive subcategory. Experience a new realm of possibilities with the Global Business Mobility Visa and unlock the potential for unparalleled growth and success in the UK market.

Senior or Specialist Worker

This pathway encompasses the majority of elements from the Intra-Company transfer route, catering to established UK-based sponsoring firms. Workers under this route will necessitate sponsorship. It closely mirrors the Intra-Company transfer route, requiring firms seeking to sponsor individuals to first secure a sponsor license before facilitating applicant transfers.

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

This new addition to the roster offers an exciting opportunity for overseas workers seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment by their employer overseas. The specific criteria for what constitutes a high-value contract are yet to be defined, and we eagerly await further guidance on this matter. The MAC recommendations have proposed a threshold of £50 million, which may impact the accessibility of this route.

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 route is covered by the International Trade Agreement and is designed to cover temporary work assignments in the UK. It is for workers who are either service suppliers employed by an overseas service provider, or independent self-employed professionals based overseas.

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

This route will be replacing the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa. This constitutes a big change as the Sole Representative visa was not previously considered a part of the Points Based System.

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.