Everything you need to know about bringing skilled workers to the UK using the Global Business Mobility visa routes
22 April, 2024
Immigration is tightly regulated in the UK and is only getting tighter. But fast-growing businesses need to hire the brightest and best. The UK’s Global Business Mobility (GBM) visas offer a vital pathway for companies looking to bring skilled workers into the country to fill specialised roles.
This business visa category allows individual representatives and entire teams of specialist workers to enter the UK.
Under the GBM scheme, businesses can transfer trainees, senior staff, and specialist workers to the UK to fulfil contract obligations or establish new UK branches of overseas companies. To qualify, companies must first secure a Sponsor Licence, allowing them to issue the necessary Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to their mobile employees. You can read in further depth about how to get a sponsor licence here.
The primary advantage of the Global Business Mobility visa routes lies in their ability to bridge gaps in business expansion, particularly in facilitating the formation of subsidiaries in the UK.
Let’s walk through the UK Global Business Mobility visa types that might meet your needs.
Understanding the Global Business Mobility Visa framework
The Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa routes, which took effect on 11 April 2022, mark a significant development in UK immigration law. They provide distinct pathways for various roles and business objectives.
The UK government has outlined procedures for employers to obtain and use a sponsor license under these new visa categories.
The GBM visa encompasses five specific categories:
- Senior or Specialist Worker visa: Designed for critical employees in firms with a UK branch or entity.
- Graduate Trainee visa: Tailored for recent graduates undergoing specialised training in a UK branch.
- UK Expansion Worker visa: Suitable for staff establishing a new UK presence for their company.
- Secondment Worker visa: Applicable to temporary employees sent to the UK to fulfil a contract or agreement.
- Service Supplier visa: Aimed at individuals from firms without a UK presence delivering services under a contract.
A UK presence is mandatory for the first three visas, whereas the Service Supplier and Secondment Worker visas cater to firms without UK operations. Notably, the Secondment Worker visa accommodates both scenarios.
To apply for these visas, candidates must possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an authorised UK sponsor. The UK business acting as the sponsor must verify an existing business relationship between the sending and receiving entities, such as a parent company sending staff to a UK subsidiary or an overseas service supplier fulfilling a contract with a UK client.
The eligibility criteria for these visas share several common elements:
- Sponsorship by the UK entity receiving the applicants
- The role must meet the appropriate skill level
- The role meets specific salary thresholds
- Applicants have worked for the overseas firm for a minimum duration before the assignment
While these assignments are generally temporary, the global business mobility routes offer flexibility. This allows employees to potentially transition to more permanent immigration statuses, providing they meet certain conditions. This structure supports the dynamic needs of global businesses looking to leverage international talent effectively within their UK operations.
The different types of Global Business Mobility visa
The UK Global Business Mobility visa scheme offers five distinct visa types, each tailored to specific business needs and featuring varying requirements and durations. Here’s a detailed overview of each type:
1. Understanding the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is tailored for high-level employees taking up eligible roles within their employer’s UK branch. It effectively replaces the Intra-company Transfer visa—formerly called the Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa.
This visa suits senior or specialist workers whose roles require their presence in the UK. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, this category excludes lower-skilled positions and supplementary employment, except under specific transitional arrangements.
The salary threshold was raised as part of a slew of recent changes to UK immigration rules. As of 4 April 2024, the minimum salary requirement for Senior and Specialist Workers sits between £45,800 to £48,500, or the prevailing rate for the occupation – whichever is higher.
This adjustment mirrors changes in the Skilled Worker route. For the Senior or Specialist Worker route, specific allowances such as guaranteed and accommodation allowances—up to 30% of the total salary package—can be included to meet the salary threshold.
Eligibility criteria:
To qualify for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa, applicants must:
- Be an existing employee of an organisation recognised and approved by the Home Office as a sponsor for at least 12 months.
- Hold a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ detailing the role to be undertaken in the UK.
- Work in a role listed among eligible occupations.
- Meet or exceed the salary minimum of £48,500 annually or the occupational ‘going rate’.
- Satisfy the genuineness requirement and confirm that the role in the UK is the employee’s only activity.
Duration and residency:
This visa category allows a stay of up to 5 years or the period indicated on your certificate of sponsorship plus an additional 14 days – whichever is shorter. The maximum allowable period in the UK under this visa is 5 years in any 6-year span for those earning less than £73,900, or 9 years in any 10-year span for those earning £73,900 or more.
Note that periods spent under other types of Global Business Mobility visa or Intra-Company Transfer visas are included in these totals.
Costs:
When applying, applicants must be prepared to cover:
- The application fee, which ranges from £719 to £1,636, depending on various factors.
- The healthcare surcharge, which is typically £1,035 per year.
- Proof of financial support upon arrival in the UK, generally at least £1,270, unless exempt.
This visa allows senior managers and specialist professionals to contribute to their company’s UK operations on a temporary but potentially long-term basis. It’s a good option for those not seeking permanent residency but with critical roles in their company’s UK branches.
2. Opportunities with the Graduate Trainee Visa for international talent
The UK Graduate Trainee Visa offers international graduates work experience through a structured training program to develop skills in their employer’s UK branch.
Key Features:
- Training and Development: This visa is specifically for roles that form part of a graduate training program preparing the individual for a managerial or specialist position.
- Family Inclusion: Applicants can bring their partners and children as dependants, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Additional Activities: Holders of this visa can study, volunteer work, travel abroad, and re-enter the UK.
This visa route replaces the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee route and requires a minimum salary of £25,410 or 70% of the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher. Healthcare or education workers must earn at least £25,410 or the full ‘going rate’ for their job, whichever is higher.
Notably, the previous cap of 20 Graduate Trainees per sponsor per year has been removed, allowing for more flexibility in the number of trainees a company can bring to the UK.
Restrictions include:
- Ineligibility for public funds or State Pension.
- Prohibition against switching jobs, undertaking a second job, or applying for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
Eligibility criteria:
To qualify for a Graduate Trainee Visa, applicants must:
- Be a current employee of a company approved as a sponsor by the Home Office.
- Have worked for their sponsor outside the UK for at least three months immediately before the application.
- Hold a certificate of sponsorship detailing the UK role.
- Occupy a role on the list of eligible occupations.
- Earn a minimum of £25,410 annually.
It is important to note that this visa cannot be switched from another visa category while inside the UK.
Duration and residency:
The visa allows for a stay of 12 months or the duration specified on the certificate of sponsorship plus an additional 14 days, whichever is shorter. Extension of this visa is not permissible.
The cumulative maximum duration for a stay in the UK on this and other types of Global Business Mobility visa or Intra-Company Transfer visas is 5 years within any 6-year period.
Costs:
Applicants need to be prepared to cover:
- An application fee of £298.
- A healthcare surcharge, typically £1,035 per year.
- Proof of financial support upon arrival in the UK, generally at least £1,270, unless exempt from this requirement.
The Graduate Trainee Visa is an excellent opportunity for young professionals to gain significant experience and skills in the UK, contributing to their career trajectory in managerial or specialist roles.
3. How the UK Expansion Worker visa helps overseas businesses set up
The UK Expansion Worker visa suits foreign companies establishing a branch in the UK. Employees need a certificate of sponsorship and must meet specific job and salary requirements.
This variety of the Global Business Mobility visa permits stays of up to two years and is not for permanent residence. After two years, holders must transition to another visa type, such as the Skilled Worker visa. Prospective sponsors must have a business presence in the UK, a detailed business plan, and proof of financial readiness.
Sponsors can bring up to five employees to the UK simultaneously, but the location of the Authorising Officer may impose initial limitations. The employees must establish a trading presence within two years and prove their financial sufficiency since sponsors cannot certify maintenance for UK Expansion Workers.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Certificate of Sponsorship: Must be valid and issued by an approved employer.
- Employment requirement: Must have worked for the overseas employer for at least 12 months unless earning over £73,900, or are a Japanese national or an Australian national/permanent resident working for a company expanding from these countries.
- Occupation: Must engage in a role listed among eligible occupations.
- Salary: Must earn at least £48,500 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your job – whichever is higher.
- Genuineness Requirement: Must prove their intention only to undertake the role specified and not engage in other employment.
Duration and residency:
The visa allows a maximum stay of 12 months or the duration specified on the certificate of sponsorship, plus 14 days. It can be extended for an additional 12 months, with a total possible duration of two years.
Costs:
- Visa Application Fee: £298
- Healthcare surcharge: Approximately £1,035 per year
- Maintenance funds: At least £1,270 available upon arrival in the UK
Dependent Costs (if applicable):
- Partner: £285
- One Child: £315
- Additional Children: £200 each
Employers may support the first month’s maintenance if stated in the Certificate of Sponsorship.
This visa category helps businesses expand into the UK by transferring essential personnel while meeting immigration requirements.
4. The Secondment Worker visa for high-value contracts
The Secondment Worker visa is designed for foreign employees who need to transfer to the UK for high-value contracts or investments exceeding £50 million, with a minimum yearly value of £10 million.
It enables key personnel in the UK to execute large projects on-site. Companies must register their contract with the Home Office before sponsoring workers.
Eligibility criteria:
To be eligible for a Secondment Worker Visa, applicants must:
- Hold a valid certificate of sponsorship from a UK organisation authorised by the Home Office to sponsor overseas workers
- Have been employed by the overseas company outside the UK for a minimum of 12 months prior to the application.
- Occupy a role that fits an eligible job category and is associated with a high-value contract.
Duration and residency:
- Initially, the visa permits a stay of up to 12 months.
- It can be extended for an additional 12 months, subject to meeting all ongoing eligibility criteria.
- The maximum duration on this visa is 2 years.
- The cumulative maximum duration for stays in the UK, including other types of Global Business Mobility visa, is 5 years within any 6-year period.
Costs:
- Visa application fee: £298
- Healthcare surcharge: Typically £1,035 per year
- Maintenance funds: At least £1,270 must be available upon arrival in the UK unless exempt.
Dependent costs (if applicable):
- Partner: £285
- First Child: £315
- Additional Children: £200 each
If an employer specifies, they may provide financial support for the worker’s initial month in the UK.
This visa serves an important purpose within the Global Business Mobility visa framework, enabling investment to flow into the UK.
5. Navigating the Service Supplier visa for international trade agreements
The Service Supplier Visa is for foreign workers or self-employed professionals providing services to a UK company under international trade agreements. It replaces the T5 International Agreement routes.
This type of UK business visa allows skilled individuals to work on specific services that are not easily available within the country. This supports the UK’s economic interactions with its trade partners.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for a Service Supplier visa, applicants must:
- Be an employee of an overseas business or a self-employed service provider based abroad.
- Provide a service under a contract covered by a valid international trade agreement.
- Applicants must occupy an eligible role or demonstrate relevant qualifications or experience if the job itself is not eligible, such as:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher.
- A technical qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
- For overseas employees: At least three years of relevant professional experience.
- For self-employed professionals: At least six years of relevant experience.
- Hold a certificate of sponsorship issued by a UK sponsor detailing the work to be performed in the UK.
- Have worked for their employer outside the UK for at least 12 months or possess at least 12 months’ professional experience if self-employed.
Duration and residency:
- The visa permits a stay of 6 to 12 months, dependent on the specific terms of the applicable trade agreement or the period stated on the certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.
- Extensions are possible, provided the time spent does not exceed the maximum allowed duration.
- The cumulative maximum duration for stays on this and other Global Business Mobility visa types is 5 years within any 6-year period.
Costs:
- Application fee: £298
- Healthcare surcharge: Approximately £1,035 per year
- Maintenance funds: At least £1,270 available upon arrival in the UK (unless exempt).
Dependent costs (if applicable):
- Partner: £285
- First child: £315
- Additional children: £200 each
The employer can provide financial support for the initial month in the UK.
This variant of the Global Business Mobility visa allows foreign professionals to work temporarily in the UK, contributing unique skills and fostering international trade relations.
How employers can manage UK immigration reforms strategically
Navigating the financial implications of UK immigration reforms requires careful strategic planning by employers, especially given ongoing changes and the lack of straightforward methods for minimising long-term visa-related costs.
These tactics could help companies manage these costs more effectively:
1. Strategic planning
Employers must analyze the UK’s long-term talent needs and identify roles suited for international expertise.
2. Understand visa category costs
- Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: Costs for this category are calculated similarly to the former Intra-Company Transfers. The Certificate of Sponsorship fee for large or small/charitable sponsors is aligned with that for Skilled Workers, reflecting the ongoing costs associated with higher-skilled employee transfers.
- Temporary Worker Categories: Temporary Worker visa routes (excluding Senior or Specialist Workers) have a license fee equal to that of a small sponsor, regardless of company size. The Certificate of Sponsorship fee is also reduced, like that of other temporary worker categories, such as Creative, Charity, or Religious workers.
3. Visa term optimisation
Using data to predict an individual’s likelihood of staying in their job for the full visa term can help employers sponsor the right visa length, saving on costs for additional applications.
4. Take advantage of the Immigration Skills Charge exemption
One way to save costs under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) scheme is through the Immigration Skills Charge exemption for Senior and Special Workers.
This charge does not apply if:
- The individual holds an EU or Latvian non-citizen’s passport.
- They typically work in the EU for an EU business but are temporarily transferred to the UK.
- The transfer is for less than three years.
This exemption can save employers up to £3,000 when transferring EU workers from their EU operations to the UK.
5. Stay up to date with the rulebook
Employers using the Global Business Mobility visa should remain vigilant and informed about the changes in UK immigration policies. They should adjust their strategic planning accordingly to avoid unforeseen costs and disruptions to their business activities. Regularly reviewing these policies and ensuring compliance with the new rules is crucial. Seeking advice from immigration experts or legal advisors can help ensure that strategies align with current laws, and can draw attention to potential cost-saving measures.
Navigate UK business immigration with expert advice and assistance
Centuro Global helps thousands of businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of the Global Business Mobility visa routes. We offer tailored solutions for overseas companies and workers who want to do business in the UK.
We offer a broad range of services designed to facilitate every aspect of your business immigration process:
- Visa application assistance: Our team prepares your visa applications meticulously to avoid delays and increase approval likelihood.
- Strategic business planning: We offer consultancy services to support companies in expanding their presence in the UK.
- Contractual and short-term assignments: We offer guidance on compliant management of short-term UK contracts.
Get in touch to find out how to bring talent over smoothly and compliantly.
