Overview of the Global Business Mobility Route

The new Global Business Mobility route opened to new applicants on the 11th of April 2022. The Global Business Mobility route is designed to enable overseas businesses to temporarily send workers to the UK in order to establish and expand their businesses. The introduction of the new route has led to a plethora of different options for entrepreneurs and businesses. In order to select the best visa for your circumstances, it is advisable to discuss your options with a qualified solicitor. Below is an overview of the options available. 

The Global Business Mobility route is comprised of:

• The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa;
• The Secondment Worker Visa;
• The Graduate Trainee Visa;
• The Service Supplier Visa; and
• The UK Expansion Worker Visa.

What is the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa?

The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is for senior managers and specialist employees who wish to undertake a temporary work assignment in the UK. This visa replaced the Intra-Company Transfer Visa and has had the least changes.

What is the Secondment Worker Visa?

The Secondment Worker Visa is for overseas workers who wish to be temporarily seconded to the UK by their overseas employer as part of a high-value contract or investment. This visa was introduced as a new immigration route.

What is the Graduate Trainee Visa?

The Graduate Trainee Visa is for overseas workers who wish to be transferred to the UK for a work placement as part of a graduate training programme which leads to a senior managerial or specialist role. This visa replaced the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee Visa.

What is the Service Supplier Visa?

The Service Supplier Visa is for overseas workers who are either a contractual service supplier employed by an overseas service provider or a self-employed independent professional based overseas, who need to undertake a temporary assignment in the UK to provide services covered by one of the UK’s international trade commitments. This visa replaced the provisions for contractual service suppliers and independent professionals in the Temporary Work – International Agreement Visa.

What is the UK Expansion Worker Visa?

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is for senior managers or specialist employees who wish to be temporarily assigned to the UK to undertake work related to the expansion of an overseas business in the UK. This visa replaced the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa and has had the most significant changes.

Does the Global Business Mobility route lead to settlement?

Crucially, the Global Business Mobility route does not lead to settlement but visa holders can apply to switch to a different visa category from inside the UK and thereafter apply to settle in the UK.

How can NA Law Solicitors help?

The UK has implemented a points-based system for the Global Business Mobility routes that allows existing overseas workers to enter or remain in the UK to work. This system allows businesses to send workers to the UK for temporary assignments and can be granted for up to five years, with the possibility of an extended period of up to nine years for high-earners. The five routes available are the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, the Graduate Trainee Visa, the UK Expansion Worker Visa, the Service Supplier Visa, and the Secondment Worker Visa. Each route has different minimum skill levels and pay requirements, and can be used to facilitate the establishment of a UK presence and provide services in line with trade agreements.

As we have outlined above, numerous visa options are available on the Global Business Mobility route. For more information on the individual visas, please visit our designated page here. If you are struggling to decide which visa route is appropriate for you, it is advisable to get in touch with an expert immigration solicitor to ensure that you select the best visa category for you and your family. We can assist you in making a suitable application based on your circumstances and gather the necessary documents to ensure that your application is successful. Contact us today!