Insight
Global Business Mobility Visa – Senior or Specialist Worker Route
Toby Way
|
14 Jan 2026
Quick Summary
Who is it for? Overseas businesses transferring staff to the UK for a specific purpose (expansion, secondment, or specialist work).
Does it lead to settlement? No. This is a temporary route.
Key Routes: Senior/Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, Secondment Worker.
Max Stay: Generally 5 years (up to 9 years for high earners).
Need advice on transferring staff? Book a consultation with our experts.
What is the Global Business Mobility (GBM) Visa?
The Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa is a category of work visa introduced to facilitate international business operations. It allows overseas companies to send employees to the UK for specific business purposes—such as expanding a branch, fulfilling a contract, or transferring specialist staff—without offering a direct route to settlement.
This route replaced the old "Intra-Company Transfer" (ICT) visa.
The 5 GBM Routes
There are five distinct sub-categories. Choosing the right one is critical:
1. Senior or Specialist Worker
For senior managers or specialist employees being transferred to a UK branch of their overseas employer.
Salary Requirement: At least £48,500 per year (or the going rate, whichever is higher).
Work History: Must have worked for the employer overseas for 12 months (unless earning over £73,900).
2. Graduate Trainee
For workers on a graduate training course leading to a senior management or specialist position, who are required to do a work placement in the UK.
Salary Requirement: At least £25,410 per year.
Work History: Must have worked for the employer overseas for 3 months.
3. UK Expansion Worker
For senior managers or specialist employees sent to the UK to set up a new branch or subsidiary that has not yet started trading.
Limit: You can only sponsor up to 5 people on this route at once.
Replaces: The old "Sole Representative" visa.
4. Service Supplier
For contractual service suppliers or self-employed independent professionals based overseas who need to provide a service to a UK company under an international trade agreement.
5. Secondment Worker
For workers being seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment by their overseas employer.
Still have questions?
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for most GBM routes (specifically Senior/Specialist Worker), you generally need:
Sponsorship: A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK sponsor.
Skill Level: The job must be at RQF Level 6 (Degree level).
Salary: Meet the specific salary threshold for your route.
Overseas Work: Proof you have worked for the parent company outside the UK for the required period (usually 12 months).
Application Process
Get Sponsored: Your employer must issue a CoS.
Apply Online: Submit the application on Gov.uk.
Pay Fees:
Application Fee: ~£719 (up to 3 years) or ~£1,420 (over 3 years).
Healthcare Surcharge: £1,035 per year.
Biometrics: Attend an appointment to provide fingerprints and photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this visa lead to settlement (ILR)?
No. The GBM visa does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain. If you want to settle, you would typically need to switch into the Skilled Worker route once you are in the UK (if eligible).
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Your partner and children (under 18) can apply to join you as "Dependents".
How long can I stay?
Senior/Specialist Workers: Up to 5 years in any 6-year period.
High Earners (£73,900+): Up to 9 years in any 10-year period.
Expansion Workers: Up to 2 years total.
Is there a "Cooling Off" period?
Yes. You generally cannot stay in the UK on these visas for more than 5 years in a rolling 6-year period. Once you hit that limit, you must leave the UK and wait before re-applying, unless you switch to a different visa category.
Need Help Transferring Staff?
WestBridge Business Immigration specializes in corporate transfers and sponsor licences. We can handle the entire GBM process for your company.
Disclaimer
The information provided in these articles is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently and individual circumstances vary, so you should always seek tailored advice from a qualified immigration lawyer before making any decisions. If you require professional support, our team would be pleased to assist you.
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