Section A: What is the Global Business Mobility Visa?
The Global Business Mobility visa is a combined category of five sponsored work routes for workers from overseas companies to work in the UK temporarily. When introduced, the Global Business Mobility visa reformed and expanded on previous UK work and business visas, with the aim of allowing non-UK organisations to pursue UK-based opportunities by enabling overseas companies to deploy certain types of workers to carry out specific types of work.
The five visas under the Global Business Mobility route are:
| UK Global Business Mobility Visas | |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Description |
| Senior or Specialist Worker | For senior managers or specialist employees assigned to a UK business linked to their overseas employer by common ownership or control. |
| Graduate Trainee | For graduates on specialised training programmes who need a UK work placement as part of a structured pathway to a managerial or specialist role. |
| UK Expansion Worker | For employees sent to establish a UK presence where the UK entity is not yet trading, typically paid at least £52,500 or the going rate if higher. |
| Service Supplier | For overseas employees or self-employed professionals providing services in the UK under a contract covered by a UK trade agreement, sponsored by the UK client. |
| Secondment Worker | For employees seconded to a UK organisation as part of a high value contract or investment between the overseas employer and the UK sponsor. |
Each visa has its own requirements:
1. Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
The Senior or Specialist Worker route is for senior managers and specialist employees being assigned to a UK business that is linked to their employer overseas by common ownership or control and who wish to undertake a temporary assignment in the UK. This route replaced the Intra-Company Transfer route in April 2022.
To be eligible for this specific route, an applicant must:
a. have worked for the sponsor group outside the UK for a single continuous period of at least 12 months, unless they’ll be working in the UK as a high earner being paid a gross salary of £73,900 per year or more
b. have been issued a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the job they’re proposing to do, issued by an employer that’s authorised by the UK Home Office to sponsor a Senior or Specialist Worker and who has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge.
c. have sponsorship for an eligible job at or above an appropriate minimum skill level, with an annual salary of at least £52,500 per year, or the relevant going rate for the role – whichever is higher.
If the applicant is successful, permission will be granted for either 5 years after the start date of the job set out in the Certificate of Sponsorship; 14 days after the end date of this job; or the date at which the applicant will have had cumulative permission on the Global Business Mobility and the Intra-Company routes totalling 5 years in any 6-year period, or 9 years in any 10-year period if applying as a high earner — whichever is the shortest.
Read our comprehensive guide to the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa here >>
2. Graduate Trainee Visa
The Graduate Trainee route is for overseas workers on a graduate training course leading to either a senior management or specialist position and required by their employer to do a UK work placement. This route replaced the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee route.
To be eligible for this specific route, an applicant must:
a. be currently working for the sponsor group at the time of the application and have worked for that group outside the UK for a continuous period of at least 3 months prior to the date of their application.
b. have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job they’re proposing to do, issued by an employer that’s authorised by the UK Home Office to sponsor a Graduate Trainee.
c. have sponsorship for an eligible job at or above an appropriate minimum skill level, with a salary of at least £27,300 per year, or 70% of the ‘going rate’ for that job, whichever is higher, with clearly defined progression toward a managerial or specialist role within the sponsor organisation as part of a structured graduate training programme. For occupations in Tables 1 & 2 (health and education pay-scale jobs) the full going-rate must be paid.
If successful, permission will be granted for either 1 year after the start date of the job set out in the Certificate of Sponsorship; 14 days after the end date of this job; or the date at which the applicant will have had cumulative permission on the Global Business Mobility and the Intra-Company routes totalling 5 years in any 6-year period — whichever is the shortest.
You can read our full guide to the Graduate Trainee Visa here >>
3. UK Expansion Worker Visa
The UK Expansion Worker route is for overseas workers looking to undertake temporary assignments in the UK, where the worker is either a senior manager or specialist employee being assigned to the UK to assist with the expansion of the business. This route replaced the Representative of an Overseas Business route and can only be used when the business hasn’t yet begun trading in the UK. If the business already has an established UK presence, workers should apply under the Senior or Specialist Worker route instead.
To be eligible for this specific route, an applicant must:
a. be currently working for the sponsor group and have worked for that group outside the UK for a period of at least 12 months, unless they’ll be working in the UK as a high earner, or are an Australian national working for an Australian business, or are a Japanese national seeking to establish a UK branch or subsidiary under the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
b. have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job they’re proposing to do, issued by an employer that’s authorised by the UK Home Office to sponsor a UK Expansion Worker.
c. have sponsorship for an eligible job at or above an appropriate minimum skill level, and usually need to be paid at least £52,500 or the going rate if higher.
If successful, permission will be granted for either 1 year after the start date of the job set out in the Certificate of Sponsorship; 14 days after the end date of this job; the date at which the applicant will have had continuous permission as a UK Expansion Worker totalling 2 years; or the date the applicant will have had cumulative permission on the Global Business Mobility routes totalling 5 years in any 6-year period — whichever is the shortest.
Read our complete guide to the UK Expansion Worker Visa here >>
4. Service Supplier Visa
The Service Supplier route is for contractual service suppliers employed by overseas service providers, or self-employed independent professionals based overseas, looking to undertake temporary assignments in the UK to provide services covered by a UK international trade agreement. This route replaced the contractual service supplier and independent professional provisions under the Temporary Work – International Agreement route.
To be eligible for this specific route, an applicant must:
a. be employed by an overseas company or be a self-employed professional based outside the UK, and have at least 12 months’ relevant experience with your employer or in their profession.
b. only do work in the UK as part of a contract that falls under a recognised international trade agreement, and the UK business receiving the services must be an approved sponsor.
c. have been assigned a valid Certificate of Sponsorship detailing their role, and either be doing an eligible job or show that they’re suitably qualified and experienced for the work.
If successful, permission will be granted for either 14 days after the end date of the job set out in the Certificate of Sponsorship; the date at which the applicant will have had cumulative permission on the
Global Business Mobility and Intra-Company routes totalling 5 years in any 6-year period; or the maximum single assignment period for the applicant in question, being either 6 or 12 months — whichever is the shortest.
There is no prescribed minimum salary, though National Minimum Wage and UK employment terms and conditions must be met.
Read our comprehensive guide to the Service Supplier Visa here >>
5. Secondment Worker Visa
The Secondment Worker route is for overseas workers looking to undertake temporary assignments in the UK, where the worker is being seconded to a UK organisation as part of a high value contract or investment by their overseas employer.
To be eligible for this specific route, an applicant must:
a. be currently working for an overseas business that has a Home Office registered contract with their UK sponsor and have worked for that business outside the UK for a cumulative period of at least 12 months
b. have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job they’re proposing to do, issued by an employer that’s authorised by the UK Home Office to sponsor a Secondment Worker, and who has a Home Office registered contract with an overseas business on which the applicant will work
c. have sponsorship for a job listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations and skilled to RQF 6 or above.
Pay should comply with National Minimum Wage and UK employment terms and conditions.
If successful, permission will be granted for either 1 year after the start date of the job set out in the Certificate of Sponsorship; 14 days after the end date of this job; the date at which the applicant will have had continuous permission as a Secondment Worker totalling 2 years; or the date the applicant will have had cumulative permission on the Global Business Mobility and Intra-Company routes totalling 5 years in any 6-year period — whichever is the shortest.
You can read our full guide to the Secondment Worker Visa here >>
| GBM Visa | Key Requirements |
| Senior or Specialist Worker | Approved sponsor. UK and overseas entities linked by common ownership or control. 12 months overseas work unless a high earner at £73,900 or more. Salary at least £52,500 or the going rate, whichever is higher. Eligible occupation at the required skill level. |
| Graduate Trainee | Approved sponsor. 3 months overseas work with the sponsor group before applying. Salary at least £27,300 or 70% of the going rate, whichever is higher. Full going rate for health and education pay scale roles. Applications are made from outside the UK. |
| UK Expansion Worker | Expansion Worker sponsor licence. Business shows UK footprint and credible plans, and an overseas trading presence for 3 years at licence stage. 12 months overseas work unless a high earner, an Australian national for an Australian business, or a Japanese national under CEPA. Salary at least £52,500 or the going rate, whichever is higher. |
| Service Supplier | UK client is the approved sponsor. Underlying contract registered and accepted on SMS. 12 months’ experience with the employer or in the profession. Eligibility by occupation code or qualifications and experience. No set salary threshold, National Minimum Wage and UK terms apply. Assignment limited to 6 or 12 months depending on the trade agreement. |
| Secondment Worker | UK sponsor holds a Secondment Worker licence. Contract between overseas employer and UK sponsor registered on SMS and meets value tests, typically £10 million per year or £50 million total. 12 months overseas employment. Role at RQF 6 or above. National Minimum Wage and UK terms apply. |
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
The Global Business Mobility is a label that really only matters when looking at the capped time rules and for sponsor licence mechanics. Outside of this, the routes effectively operate as separate visas with distinct purposes, eligibility, costs and evidence requirements. You have to be certain you choose the correct route before you start an application. The Home Office scrutinises Applications are forensically assessed by the Home Office and any indication of ineligibility is likely to lead to refusal and wasted time and fees.
Section B: Applying for a Global Business Mobility Visa
Applying for a Global Business Mobility visa involves several steps. First, you’ll need to identify which visa category is most suitable for your circumstances and that you meet the relevant visa conditions. This depends on your role within the company and the purpose of your stay in the UK. Once you have identified the correct visa category, you will need to gather the necessary documents. This typically includes a valid passport, a completed application form, a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the relevant GBM route and (unless exempt) evidence of funds. For Service Supplier applications, the applicant can be a self-employed professional based overseas, and the UK client will act as the sponsor under the eligible contract.
The financial requirement usually involves showing funds of £1,270 held for 28 days, unless your A-rated sponsor certifies maintenance on your CoS. Where dependants apply, additional funds are needed: £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each further child.
The next step is to submit your application and pay the visa fee. Applications are submitted online; you will then attend a visa application centre, or use the ID Check app if eligible, to verify identity and provide biometrics. It is important to ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete, as any errors or omissions could lead to delays or refusal of your application.
After submitting your application, you will need to wait for a decision. Processing times can vary, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date. If your application is successful, you will be notified of the decision and issued with a visa.
1. Global Business Mobility Application Fees
| Visa Application | Fee – Overseas Applications | Fee – In-country Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – up to 3 years – main applicant and dependants | £769 | £885 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – more than 3 years – main applicant and dependants | £1,519 | £1,751 |
| Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee – main applicant and dependants | £319 | £319 |
| Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier – main applicant and dependants | £319 | £319 |
| Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker – main applicant and dependants | £319 | £319 |
| Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker – main applicant and dependants | £319 | £319 |
In addition to application fees, applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at £1,035 per person per year, or £776 per year for students, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants and children under 18.
2. Global Business Mobility Visa Processing Times
The standard processing time for Global Business Mobility (GBM) visas is 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK, or 8 weeks for applications made in the UK. However, it is important to understand that this is a target, and actual processing times can vary.
To expedite the visa application process, the UK government offers priority services. The priority service typically reduces processing times to five working days, while the Super Priority Service provides the fastest processing time, usually by the end of the next working day. Additional fees apply for these options; priority processing costs an additional £500, while super priority is £1000 in addition to the visa application charge. The availability of priority services can change, however, and you will be advised when you apply if you can use these services.
Processing times for UK visas can vary due to a range of factors, including the volume and complexity of applications. Applicants should take advice or consult the official UK government website for the most accurate and up-to-date information before submitting an application.
Many factors can influence the processing time of your GBM visa application. The completeness of the application is crucial; ensure that all required documents are submitted accurately. Timely submission of biometric data can also expedite the process. If your application requires further scrutiny, it may take longer to process. Variations in the workload at the processing centre can also impact processing times.
Read more about UK visa processing times here >>
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Process matters! The GBM visa application steps vary by route. However minor or trivial they may appear, you have to follow the exact and correct procedure for the route you are applying under or the application risks rejection or refusal. An example – for the Secondment Worker visa, the sponsor first has to register the underlying contract on the Sponsor Management System before assigning the CoS, It’s a minor step but miss it and that’s grounds for refusal. For the Graduate Trainee visa, applicants need to show continuous overseas employment with the sponsor group for at least 3 months and applications can only be filed from outside the UK.
Confidence in eligibility is not enough. You need documents that prove the facts. Generic letters and documents won’t do. The Home Office expects specific dates, roles and payroll evidence on the employer’s headed paper.
Section C: Extending a Global Business Mobility Visa
While the Global Business Mobility visa is designed for overseas workers to undertake temporary work assignments in the UK, some of the GBM visas allow the holder to apply to extend their visa, subject to the visa’s specific conditions. Under the current rules, only the Graduate Trainee visa prohibits extensions. This means that Service Supplier, Senior or Specialist Workers, Expansion Workers and Secondment Workers may be able to extend their visa, provided they continue to meet the visa eligibility requirements and that the holder does not exceed the relevant visa maximum period of stay.
For Senior or Specialist Workers, extensions are possible up to a cumulative limit of 5 years in any 6 year period, or 9 years in any 10 year period for high earners, counting time spent on the former Intra-Company routes. For UK Expansion Worker and Secondment Worker routes, extensions are possible up to a total of 2 years on each route. For Service Supplier, any extension is limited by the maximum single assignment duration under the relevant trade agreement, being either 6 or 12 months, and remains subject to the shared GBM cumulative cap of 5 years in any 6 year period when combined with time on the former Intra-Company routes.
To remain in the UK for longer than the initial period of stay, the visa holder may look to switch to a different immigration category, depending on their circumstances could include a family visa or a different work visa. Take professional advice on your options.
Read our comprehensive guide to UK visa options here >>
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Extensions are possible on most GBM routes, but the pooled cap still applies. Extensions are effectively a fresh application, and evidence of continued eligibility will be needed. Allow 3 to 4 months to prepare so you don’t run out of permission.
During the visa period, changes to duties, promotions or location moves may require new permission rather than a simple update, so check the rules before making changes and ensure any required SMS updates are made on time, or you could well trigger a Home Office investigation that could put your wider sponsor licence at risk, not just GBM visas.
Section D: Sponsoring a Global Business Mobility Visa Worker
To obtain any one of the new Global Business Mobility visas, a migrant worker will need to be sponsored by a Home Office approved licence-holder, authorised to sponsor the specific category of worker in question. These categories include senior or specialist workers, graduate trainees, UK expansion workers, service suppliers and secondment workers.
Only once the sponsor has obtained a licence from the UK Home Office for the relevant GBM route, can they then issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to confirm that the relevant visa conditions are met, and to enable the migrant worker to apply for a visa and, provided that individual is successfully granted entry clearance or leave to remain as a GBM worker, to undertake the job role as set out in their CoS. For Service Supplier and Secondment Worker sponsorship, the underlying contract between the UK sponsor and the overseas business needs to be registered and accepted on the Sponsorship Management System before any CoS is assigned. Any CoS issued under these routes relates only to the registered contract.
There are various route-specific eligibility requirements that must be met before a migrant worker will be granted a GBM visa, although sponsorship is required under all five routes. This includes the UK expansion worker route, which replaces the sole representative provisions of the previously unsponsored representative of an overseas business route.
Likewise, the senior and specialist worker visa, and the graduate trainee visa, replace the intra-company transfer (ICT) routes, whilst the service supplier route replaces the provisions for independent professionals and contractual service suppliers on the international agreement route. In contrast, the secondment worker route is a new route to enable overseas workers to be seconded to the UK temporarily as part of a high value contract or investment.
1. Global Business Mobility Visa Sponsor Requirements
If your organisation doesn’t already have a sponsor licence, you will need to apply for Home Office approval before you can sponsor a Global Business Mobility visa worker. To be eligible for a GBM sponsor licence, you must meet various route-specific requirements, including:
a. you need to be able to offer genuine employment in the UK that meets the relevant skill and any salary requirements of the GBM route in question;
b. have a qualifying overseas business link, although the nature of this link depends on the route, for example, to sponsor a senior or specialist worker, the UK sponsor and overseas business should be linked by common ownership or control, whilst for a secondment worker licence you need to have an eligible overseas contract for either goods or investment worth no less than £10 million per year or £50 million in total;
c. if applying on the UK expansion worker route, you also need to meet the additional requirements for that route. This means showing, via a UK footprint and credible plans, that you intend and are capable of establishing a new UK branch or wholly owned subsidiary within a period of two years, and that you have an established overseas trading presence which has been active and trading for at least three years.
In addition to meeting any route-specific requirements for the category of worker you are looking to sponsor, you also need to establish that you:
a. are a genuine organisation that’s operating lawfully in the UK, although you should not have an existing active trading presence in the UK if applying on the UK expansion worker route;
b. are honest, dependable, reliable and have not behaved in a way that is not conducive to the public good, where the Home Office will have regard to the key personnel named in your application and any person involved in the day to day running of the business;
c. are capable of carrying out all your sponsor duties, where the Home Office will have regard to your current human resources and recruitment practices, and may conduct a site visit or digital audit.
If you don’t meet all of the specific and general requirements, your application for a Global Business Mobility visa sponsor licence will be refused. You may also not be eligible to re-apply for at least six months although, in certain circumstances, this cooling off period can be longer. For planning purposes, note that Certificate of Sponsorship fees differ by route, with £525 for Senior or Specialist Worker and £55 for the other GBM routes.
| Event | When to report | SMS action |
|---|---|---|
| Worker does not start within 28 days | By the end of 10 working days after the 28-day period | Report migrant activity, give new start date and reasons or stop sponsoring |
| Unauthorised absence over 10 consecutive working days | No later than 10 working days after the tenth day | Report migrant activity, include last known address, phone and any email |
| Absence without pay or on reduced pay over 4 weeks in a calendar year, where no exception applies | Within 10 working days | Report migrant activity with details of absence and pay |
| Salary reduced from level on CoS | Within 10 working days | Report migrant activity and update salary details, check route thresholds remain met |
| Significant changes to job within same occupation code, for example job title, core duties or promotion | Within 10 working days | Report migrant activity; if role moves occupation code a change of employment application is required instead |
| Change to normal work location or permanent homeworking | Within 10 working days | Report migrant activity and add new worksite or client site; no report needed for routine hybrid patterns |
| Stop sponsoring the worker, for example early end, withdrawal, refusal or cancellation of permission | Within 10 working days | Report migrant activity and include last known contact details |
| Offshore worker arrival to, or departure from, UK waters | Within 10 working days | Report migrant activity with relevant dates |
| Service Supplier or Secondment Worker contract changes or contract ends | Within 20 working days | Update the registered contract via SMS and upload revised evidence |
| Mergers, takeovers, de-mergers or TUPE-type transfers | Within 20 working days of the change; new owner applies for a licence within 20 working days | Report via SMS, list workers moving or accepted; apply for new licence or extend scope where required |
| Stop trading or insolvency events, for example administration or liquidation | Within 20 working days | Report via SMS or by email where SMS access is not available; update Key Personnel as required |
| Key Personnel changes, for example AO, Key Contact, Level 1 or Level 2 users | Within 20 working days | Use “request changes to licence details” or “Manage Level 1 and 2 users” in SMS |
| Changes to organisation details, for example address, branches or linked entities, change in size or charitable status | Within 20 working days | Report via SMS and provide supporting evidence if requested |
| Know or suspect breach of immigration conditions or criminal activity | As soon as reasonably practicable | Notify UKVI via SMS or as directed; pass terrorism or criminality concerns to the police |
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
The GBM visas may only be temporary but employers carry significant duties under the GBM rules. You’ll need the correct type of sponsor licence for the route. The licence application process is evidence heavy and intrusive. Applying will mean satisfying the Home Office that the organisation can meet the sponsorship duties and can manage its sponsored workers in line with the rules.
Sponsorship is effectively an ongoing relationship with the Home Office, and any errors or breaches with your GBM visa will impact your wider sponsorship privileges and permissions across other visa routes.
Section E: Summary
In summary, the term “Global Business Mobility Visa” does not refer to a single visa, but rather serves as an umbrella term encompassing various specialist routes tailored for specific types of workers and temporary work assignments for overseas employers. Each subcategory – the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, Graduate Trainee Visa, UK Expansion Worker Visa, Secondment Worker Visa, and Service Supplier Visa – caters to different professional needs and business scenarios. Given the complex eligibility criteria and procedural requirements associated with these visas, it is highly recommended to seek professional advice. This can help to avoid potential issues, delays, or negative implications for business plans and operations.
Section F: Need Assistance?
DavidsonMorris are UK business immigration specialists. We support employers with all aspects of corporate immigration to meet their UK talent needs through international recruitment and global mobility.
The Global Business Mobility visas can appear complex and challenging, but with professional advice, these routes can form a valuable part of an organisation’s talent recruitment and mobility programme and UK based development strategies.
For advice and guidance for your organisation, or for support with a specific visa application, contact us.
Section G: Global Business Mobility Visa FAQs
What is Global Business Mobility visa?
The Global Business Mobility visa is an umbrella term for five sponsored temporary work routes that allow overseas businesses to deploy staff to the UK for specific purposes. The sub-routes are Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier and Secondment Worker.
Do I need a sponsor licence for the Global Business Mobility visa?
Yes. Employers need the appropriate GBM sponsor licence for the relevant sub-route before they can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the worker.
How long can I stay in the UK on a Global Business Mobility visa?
The maximum stay depends on the route. Senior or Specialist Worker allows up to 5 years in any 6 year period, or up to 9 years in any 10 year period for high earners, counting time on previous Intra-Company routes. UK Expansion Worker allows up to 2 years in total. Secondment Worker allows up to 2 years in total. Graduate Trainee is up to 12 months. Service Supplier is limited to 6 or 12 months per assignment depending on the trade agreement, within the overall 5 in 6 cap across GBM and former ICT time.
Can I bring my family with me on a Global Business Mobility visa?
Dependants are permitted on GBM routes, subject to eligibility and finance. Unless the sponsor certifies maintenance, applicants usually need funds of £1,270 and dependants need £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child.
Can I switch from one Global Business Mobility visa to another?
Switching between GBM sub-routes is limited and the new route’s rules need to be met, including any overseas-work requirement and time caps. Graduate Trainee applications are made from outside the UK, so in-country switching into Graduate Trainee is not available. Workers seeking longer term residence often move to the Skilled Worker route if eligible.
Do I need a job offer to apply for a Global Business Mobility visa?
You need a Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved sponsor. For Service Supplier, the UK client sponsors you under an eligible registered contract (you may be self-employed overseas). For Secondment Worker, you remain employed by the overseas business and are seconded to a different UK sponsor under a registered qualifying contract.
Section H: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Global Business Mobility Visa | The umbrella term for five sponsored temporary work routes that allow overseas businesses to deploy staff to the UK for specific purposes. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | An electronic record issued by a licensed UK sponsor confirming the role and eligibility details needed for the visa application. |
| Eligibility Criteria | The route-specific rules an applicant or business needs to meet, such as skill level, salary and overseas-work requirements. |
| Processing Times | Target decision times are 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks in the UK, although timings can vary and priority services may be available. |
| Application Fees | The Home Office charges payable for submitting a visa application, separate from the Immigration Health Surcharge. |
| Dependants | Partners and children who can apply to accompany or join the main applicant if they meet the rules, including any finance requirement. |
| Healthcare Surcharge | A per-year charge paid with the application for access to the NHS. Current rates are £1,035 (standard) and £776 for students, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants and children under 18. |
| Sponsoring Business | The UK organisation that assigns the Certificate of Sponsorship. For Service Supplier and Secondment Worker routes, an eligible underlying contract needs to be registered and accepted on the Sponsorship Management System before any CoS is assigned. |
| Senior or Specialist Worker Visa | A GBM sub-route for senior managers or specialist employees assigned to a UK business linked to the overseas employer by common ownership or control. |
| Graduate Trainee Visa | A GBM sub-route for workers on a graduate training programme leading to a managerial or specialist role that includes a UK placement. |
| UK Expansion Worker Visa | A GBM sub-route for workers sent to establish a UK presence where the UK entity is not yet trading. |
| Secondment Worker Visa | A GBM sub-route for workers seconded to a different UK organisation under a high-value contract or investment between the overseas employer and the UK sponsor. |
| Service Supplier Visa | A GBM sub-route for overseas employees or self-employed professionals providing services in the UK under a contract covered by a UK trade agreement. No set salary threshold applies, but National Minimum Wage and UK terms apply. |
| Proof of Funds | Evidence that applicants can maintain themselves, typically £1,270 for the main applicant plus dependant amounts unless the sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS. |
| Biometric Appointment | An appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph as part of the application process. |
| Visa Extension | The process for applying to extend permission under the same route, subject to route-specific limits and caps. |
| Visa Appeal | The process of challenging a refusal through legal or administrative means where permitted. |
| UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) | The Home Office directorate responsible for the UK immigration system and visa decision making. |
Section I: Additional Resources
| Resource | URL | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) | https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration | Official Home Office guidance, policy pages and updates. |
| Global Business Mobility Visa Details | https://www.gov.uk/global-business-mobility-visa | Overview of GBM routes and links to sub-route guidance. |
| Apply for a UK Visa | https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa | Application portal, forms and process steps. |
| Visa Fees | https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees | Current Home Office application charges. |
| Documents Required for UK Visa | https://www.gov.uk/visa-documents-required | General document checklist and evidential rules. |
| UK Department for International Trade | https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-international-trade | Support for overseas businesses expanding to the UK. |
