Global Business Mobility Visa Rules

The Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa framework is a group of United Kingdom immigration routes that permit overseas businesses to send staff to the UK on temporary work assignments under specific circumstances. These routes are part of the UK's points‑based immigration system and are governed by the Immigration Rules Appendix – Global Business Mobility routes, as implemented and interpreted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

GBM visas are designed to accommodate a range of international business activities, including corporate transfers, graduate training, expansion of overseas enterprises, contractual services, and high‑value secondments. None of the GBM routes normally provide a direct path to indefinite leave to remain (settlement) but allow dependants to join the visa holder under defined eligibility conditions.

This article explains the structure, eligibility requirements, rights, responsibilities, application process, time limits, risks and common queries about the GBM visa categories.

Overview of the Global Business Mobility Routes

The Global Business Mobility category encompasses five distinct visa routes that cover varying international business needs:

• Senior or Specialist Worker
• Graduate Trainee
• UK Expansion Worker
• Service Supplier
• Secondment Worker

Each route is tailored to specific business functions but shares common features, including the need for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK sponsor and compliance with UK immigration criteria such as identity, employment, and skill‑level requirements. The GBM visas do not generally lead to settlement, so applicants and employers must treat them as temporary, assignment‑based permissions.

1. Core Features of Global Business Mobility Routes

Employer‑Sponsorship and Work Purpose

All GBM routes require that the visa applicant is sponsored by a Home Office‑licensed sponsor in the UK. A CoS must be issued and the job detailed on the CoS must be at the appropriate skill level and genuine in nature. GBM visas enable workers to undertake employment that supports the international business operations of their employer or client.

Applicants must normally be aged 18 years or over and meet standard immigration criteria such as identity verification and fee payments. None of the GBM categories lead directly to indefinite leave to remain.

2. Routes Under Global Business Mobility

Senior or Specialist Worker

The Senior or Specialist Worker route allows established overseas businesses to assign senior managers or specialist employees to a UK branch or affiliate. This is commonly used for intra‑company transfers. To qualify:

• The applicant must hold a valid CoS issued within three months of application.
• The role must be eligible and appropriately skilled (usually equivalent to RQF level 6 or above).
• The applicant must satisfy UKVI general requirements, such as identity and biometric submission.

This route permits dependants (partner and children) to join the visa holder. The visa does not provide settlement rights.

Salary and Work History: While specific salary figures are set out in UKVI guidance and vary by occupation, experienced professionals may be exempt from minimum work history requirements if they meet high income thresholds under relevant policy.

Graduate Trainee

The Graduate Trainee route allows organisations to bring overseas workers to the UK to complete a structured training programme that contributes to a future senior or specialist position. Key requirements include:

• A valid CoS from a UK sponsor;
• At least three months' continuous employment abroad immediately prior to application;
• A job that is eligible under the GBM guidance; and
• Meeting the minimum salary requirement set for the role (generally a proportion of the going rate).

The visa is temporary and cannot usually be extended or switched from within the UK. Dependants can join the visa holder subject to eligibility.

UK Expansion Worker

The UK Expansion Worker route allows an overseas business that has not yet commenced trading in the UK to send senior personnel to establish a presence. Eligibility includes:

• A valid CoS issued by a sponsoring employer;
• At least 12 months' overseas employment with the employer unless specific exemptions apply (e.g., senior income threshold or nationality criteria);
• A job on the list of eligible occupations;
• A minimum eligible salary for the role.

Applicants may stay for up to 12 months initially with the option to extend for up to a further 12 months (maximum two years on this route). The visa does not lead to settlement and requires compliance with UK employment and immigration conditions.

Service Supplier

The Service Supplier visa applies where a person is coming to the UK to provide services under a contract covered by a valid international trade agreement. This can include:

• An employee of an overseas business; or
• A self‑employed professional based overseas.

Eligibility criteria require:

• A valid CoS from an approved UK sponsor;
• A contract offering services to a UK entity under a recognised trade agreement;
• At least 12 months' work experience with the current employer for employees, or relevant experience if self‑employed;
• An eligible occupation code (or relevant qualifications in some cases).

Dependants may accompany the visa holder. This route is temporary and not a settlement pathway.

Secondment Worker

The Secondment Worker route is appropriate where an overseas employer is seconding a worker to the UK for work on a high‑value contract or investment with a UK sponsor. Basic eligibility includes:

• A valid CoS from the UK sponsor;
• At least 12 months' overseas employment with the employer;
• A job on the eligible occupation list; and
• Permission to work in the UK on the secondment basis described.

Secondment Workers may stay up to 12 months initially with options to extend subject to the same cumulative limits that apply across Global Business Mobility. The visa does not confer settlement rights.

3. Shared Requirements Across Routes

Skill Level and Occupation Codes

Applicants must be assigned to jobs classified at the appropriate skill level under the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. In most cases, this means the job should be at or above graduate level (RQF Level 6), unless specific exceptions apply.

Certificate of Sponsorship

A CoS is required for all GBM routes and must be used within three months of issuance. It is an electronic record that confirms the job details, salary, and start date and is fundamental to the application process.

Dependants

For most GBM categories, partners and dependent children can apply to join or remain with the principal visa holder, provided they meet relevant eligibility and maintenance requirements as set by UKVI.

4. Duration, Extensions and Time Limits

GBM visas permit temporary stay linked to the underlying business assignment. Duration varies by category but is generally capped:

• Senior or Specialist Worker: Varies depending on salary and assignment parameters (higher salary brackets may allow longer cumulative stay within GBM limits).
• Graduate Trainee: Short‑term placement linked to training programme.
• UK Expansion Worker: Initially up to 12 months with one extension of 12 months.
• Service Supplier and Secondment Worker: Typically up to 12 months with the possibility of extension.

In most GBM routes, applicants cannot remain indefinitely. The cumulative maximum across GBM categories is typically five years in any six‑year period for most workers and may extend to nine years in any ten‑year period for higher‑earning Senior or Specialist Workers, reflecting accumulated policy guidance on global transfers.

5. Rights, Obligations and Risks

Rights on a Global Business Mobility Visa

Holders are permitted to:

• Work for their sponsor in the job described on the CoS;
• Study alongside their primary duties;
• Travel internationally and re‑enter the UK within the visa's validity;
• Bring eligible dependants.

Holders cannot normally:

• Access most public funds (welfare benefits);
• Change jobs without applying for a new visa;
• Undertake a second job outside the scope of the approved assignment;
• Apply for settlement on the basis of GBM status alone.

Employer and Worker Compliance

Sponsors must maintain compliant records and issue CoS accurately, while workers must observe visa conditions such as job duties, skills and reporting requirements. Non‑compliance can lead to visa refusal, curtailment, or future immigration sanctions.

6. Common Questions

Is English language proficiency required?
Some GBM routes may require demonstration of English competency depending on the specific route and job nature, while others rely on the nature of the assignment and the applicant's background. Always check the route‑specific guidance.

Can time on a GBM visa count towards settlement?
Global Business Mobility visas generally do not lead to settlement and time spent on these routes does not normally count towards indefinite leave to remain. Applicants should consider alternative routes if long‑term residence is the objective.

Can a sponsor switch a worker from GBM to another visa?
Yes, in some cases, an employee may switch between GBM and other work routes (such as Skilled Worker) if they meet the eligibility requirements for the new route, but this requires a separate application and compliance with that route's conditions.

Summary

The Global Business Mobility visa framework provides multiple temporary routes for overseas businesses to send key personnel to the UK. These include assignments for senior or specialist workers, graduate trainees, expansion workers, service suppliers and secondment workers. All require employer sponsorship, eligible occupations, and compliance with UKVI conditions. They allow temporary work and dependent rights but do not provide direct paths to settlement. Understanding the specific rules, durations and compliance obligations is critical for employers and applicants navigating international business assignments under UK immigration law.