Global Business Mobility

What are Global Business Mobility routes

The Global Business Mobility routes are for workers based outside the UK who are undertaking a temporary work assignment in the UK.

There are five sub-routes, all of which require the individual to be sponsored by a UK based organisation. None of the routes lead to settlement so it is advisable to check if the Skilled Worker route may be more suitable in the first instance in relation to staff who wish to settled in the UK.

Effective from 11 April 2022, these new routes have replaced a number of previous work routes including Intra-Company Transfer and Representative of an Overseas Business.

General requirements

Depending on which of the five sub-routes you are on, you must satisfy UK Visa and Immigration Service that you meet their specific requirements in the following areas:

• Sponsorship by the UK entity receiving you
• Appropriate skill level for the role
• A salary threshold
• Minimum length of time you have been employed by the overseas company
• Assignments will be temporary (though flexible and routes should be switchable to more permanent status)

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration specialist for expert advice.

Sub-routes

The five new routes that correspond to different assignment types are listed below:

• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: replacing the Intra-Company Transfer route, this is for specialist employees and senior managers who will undertake a temporary assignment in the UK.

• UK Expansion Worker Visa: replacing the Representative of an Overseas Business route, this is for specialist employees and senior managers who will be assigned to the UK as part of the organisation’s expansion in the UK.

• Secondment Worker Visa: this is for overseas workers who will be temporarily seconded to the UK by their employer overseas as part of a high value contract or investment.

• Service Supplier: this is for overseas workers who are contractual service suppliers employed by an overseas service provider, or self-employed independent professionals based overseas, who need to be in the UK to provide services covered by one of the UK’s international trade commitments.

• Graduate Trainee: this is for overseas workers will be transferred to the UK by their employer for a work placement as part of a graduate course leading to a senior management or specialist role.

How long you can stay

The maximum time you can stay under each sub-route varies. However you should note that none of the five sub-routes will lead to settlement in the UK, although you may be able to switch to another visa route in the UK which is eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain.



How we can help

Our knowledgeable and experienced immigration team can:

• Assess your case and advise whether you are eligible to apply
• Provide you with a tailored & comprehensive document list
• Review all your documents and advise on necessary amendments
• Suggest on how to improve your application
• Complete your application forms in accordance with the UKVI requirements
• Assist you to complete the application submission process
• Provide our representation letter to support your application with necessary legal arguments
• Liaise with UKVI on your behalf

Depending on your need and budget, we have different levels of services that you may choose from. Check out Our Services to see which one is for you. 

Want to discuss your case with an immigration specialist? Contact Us now.