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In this fifth episode, Alicja Bielawska and Jarmila Entezari dive into the UK’s Global Business Mobility routes, provide a structured framework for businesses and individuals looking to expand operations and relocate employees to the UK. These routes are designed to facilitate business transfers while maintaining immigration controls.

What Are Global Business Mobility Routes?

Global Business Mobility routes allow employees of overseas companies to undertake specific work in the UK under sponsorship. A key distinction from the Skilled Worker visa is that a sponsoring company must be based outside the UK to send employees, whereas a Skilled Worker sponsor must be an established UK business.

There are five visa categories under Global Business Mobility:

• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer)
• Graduate Trainee Visa
• UK Expansion Worker Visa (evolved from the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business category)
• Service Supplier Visa
• Secondment Worker Visa

These categories are subject to change, so applicants should always check for the latest requirements.

Breakdown of Each Route

1. Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

This route is for senior managers or specialist employees transferred to a UK-linked business. The UK company must hold a valid sponsor licence.

Key requirements:

• No English language requirement
• Job must be on the Home Office list of eligible occupations
• Employee must have worked for the overseas employer for at least 12 months, unless earning £73,900 or more per year
• Minimum salary threshold applies

2. Graduate Trainee Visa

This visa supports employees undergoing a graduate training programme leading to a senior or specialist role that requires a UK placement.

Key requirements:

• Sponsored by an approved Home Office employer
• Worked for the overseas employer for at least three months before applying
• Job must be on the list of eligible occupations
• Minimum salary requirement of £25,410 per year (subject to change)

3. UK Expansion Worker Visa

This visa is for senior managers or specialist employees assigned to establish a UK branch or subsidiary. The overseas business must not have started trading in the UK at the time of application.

Key requirements:

• Sponsorship required
• Minimum salary of £48,500
• No English language requirement
• Employee must have worked for the overseas employer for at least 12 months unless earning £73,900 or more, or they are a Japanese national working for a Japanese company expanding to the UK, or an Australian national working for an Australian company expanding to the UK

4. Service Supplier Visa

This route is for contractual service suppliers employed by an overseas business or self-employed professionals providing services under a UK international trade agreement.

Key requirements:

• Service must be under a contract covered by a valid international trade agreement
• UK company must be an approved sponsor
• Employee must have worked for their overseas employer for at least 12 months, or have at least 12 months of professional experience if self-employed

5. Secondment Worker Visa

This route is for employees of an overseas business seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment.

Key requirements:

• Overseas employer must have a high-value contract with a UK sponsor approved by the Home Office
• Employee must have worked for their overseas employer for at least 12 months
• Sponsorship required
• Job must be on the list of eligible occupations

Common Features of Global Business Mobility Routes

Despite differences, all five routes share key characteristics:

• Sponsorship Requirement – Each route requires a UK business to hold a valid sponsor licence issued by the Home Office.
• Temporary Status – None of these visas provide a direct pathway to settlement in the UK, though applicants may switch to other visa categories that lead to settlement.
• Skill and Salary Thresholds – Each route has specific salary and skill level requirements to ensure high-value job transfers.
• Family Members – Dependents, such as spouses and children, can accompany the main applicant, provided they meet the financial and other eligibility criteria.

Conclusion

The UK’s Global Business Mobility routes provide options for businesses and employees looking to enter the UK market or relocate staff. However, these routes are complex and frequently updated. Businesses and individuals must ensure compliance with the latest immigration policies before applying.

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

Call us now to discuss your case 03301070106 or email us at business@imd.co.uk.