What is the difference between a Skilled Worker Visa and Global Business Mobility Visa in the UK?

Posted by: Marcin Durlak
Posted in: Business immigration
Date published: 22/08/2023

The United Kingdom has always been a popular destination for talented and skilled individuals from around the world. The country offers a diverse range of opportunities across various sectors, making it an attractive option for those looking to advance their careers or explore new horizons. To facilitate the entry of such individuals, the UK government has introduced a range of visa options. This article will compare two popular UK visa categories: the Skilled Worker Visa and the Global Business Mobility Visa.

What are the Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility Visas?

The Skilled Worker Visa and the Global Mobility Visa are designed to cater to the different needs and requirements of professionals seeking to work in the UK. While both visas offer the opportunity to work and live in the UK, there are significant differences in eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and limitations. Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the right UK visa option.

Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa, formerly known as the Tier 2 Visa, is a points-based system designed for individuals who have been offered a job in the UK by a licensed sponsor. This visa category is primarily aimed at skilled professionals. This type of visa requires applicants to score a minimum number of points based on their qualifications, earnings, and sponsorship.

The duration of the Skilled Worker Visa varies. Generally, the visa can be granted for up to five years, possibly extending it for another five years. After five years of continuous residence under this visa category, the applicant may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, which can eventually lead to British citizenship.

Global Business Mobility Visa

The Global Business Mobility Visa, introduced in April 2022, is a new visa category designed to attract top talent and innovation to the UK. This visa aims to bring in highly skilled individuals, investors, entrepreneurs, and international students, thus supporting the UK’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

The Global Business Mobility Visa consists of several routes, including:

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

Each route has its specific eligibility criteria, application process, and requirements. The duration of the Visa also varies depending on the route chosen.

Eligibility criteria

Skilled Worker Visa

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must meet several requirements, including:

A job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor license. The job offer must will bee usually for a position that is at or above the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 3 or equivalent.
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer confirming the job offer and the applicant’s personal details.
A minimum salary threshold, which varies depending on the occupation and job location. The general minimum salary requirement is £25,600 per year or the appropriate rate for the job, whichever is higher.
Proof of English language proficiency, typically through an approved test such as IELTS, with a minimum score of B1 level in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Enough funds to support oneself without recourse to public funds unless the applicant’s sponsor can guarantee maintenance.
A clean criminal record and no threat to national security.

Global Business Mobility Visa

The Global Business Mobility Visa’s eligibility criteria depend on the chosen route. Some common requirements across the routes include:

Endorsement from a recognised UK organisation or body, confirming the applicant’s expertise or potential in the field.
Proof of maintenance funds, which varies depending on the route and the applicant’s circumstances.
English language proficiency, usually at the B2 level or higher, depending on the route and the endorsing body’s requirements.
A clean criminal record and no threat to national security.

Benefits and limitations of Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa has a number of benefits to applicants:

It grants the opportunity to work and reside in the UK for a period of up to five years, with the potential for visa extension or applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
It provides access to the UK’s healthcare system through the National Health Service (NHS), upon payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge.
It allows for the possibility of bringing family members, including a spouse or partner and children under the age of 18, to join the applicant in the UK.
After living in the UK for five years and obtaining ILR, applicants become eligible to apply for British citizenship, subject to meeting other requirements for citizenship acquisition.

Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of certain limitations associated with the Skilled Worker Visa:

Applicants are required to have a job offer and sponsorship, which can pose challenges for some individuals in securing employment.
Meeting the minimum salary threshold, which can vary depending on the occupation and location.
Restrictions on changing jobs or employers without obtaining a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and updating the visa accordingly.
Visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge can be costly, particularly for applicants who have dependents.

Benefits and limitations of Global Mobility Business Visa

The Global Business Mobility Visa offers a range of advantages to applicants:

It provides the opportunity to work and live in the UK, and depending on the chosen route, applicants can potentially extend the visa or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Individuals granted the visa gain access to the UK’s comprehensive healthcare system through the National Health Service (NHS) upon payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge.
The visa permits the inclusion of family members, including a spouse or partner and children below 18 years of age, allowing them to join the applicant in the UK.
Upon meeting the required residency period and acquiring ILR, applicants become eligible to pursue British citizenship, subject to satisfying additional citizenship criteria.

However, it is crucial to recognise and understand the limitations that come with the Global Business Mobility Visa:

Obtaining the necessary endorsement can be challenging, especially for applicants in fiercely competitive sectors.
Individuals applying for the Innovator and Start-up Visas must present a credible and genuine business plan, which can be an intimidating endeavour for certain individuals.
Visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge can be substantial, particularly for applicants with dependents.
Eligibility criteria and requirements may vary depending on the chosen pathway and the specific expectations established by the endorsing body.

Tips for choosing the right UK Visa option

When deciding between the Skilled Worker Visa and the Global Business Mobility Visa, applicants should consider the following factors:

The nature of their skills and expertise, as well as their career goals and aspirations.
The eligibility criteria and requirements for each visa category, including the need for sponsorship, endorsement, minimum salary threshold, and English language proficiency.
The duration of the visa and the potential for extension or ILR, as well as the possibility of applying for British citizenship in the future.
The costs associated with each visa option, including application fees, endorsement fees, and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
The potential benefits and limitations of each visa category, as well as any restrictions on employment, job changes, or access to public funds.

By carefully considering these factors, applicants can make an informed decision about which UK visa option is the best fit for their needs, skills, and ambitions.

Contact IMD Corporate – Business Immigration Lawyers

Both the Skilled Worker Visa and the Global Business Mobility Visa offer valuable opportunities for skilled individuals to work and live in the UK. To choose the right UK visa option, applicants must carefully evaluate the eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and limitations of each visa category, as well as their own skills, expertise, and career goals. By doing so, they can make the most of the opportunities available in the UK and contribute to the country’s economic growth and global competitiveness. Contact us today to speak with an experienced business immigration lawyer.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.