Currently, immigration laws in the UK are very firm, and the immigration process is becoming more rigorous. However, fast-growing businesses always need the most qualified employees. The UK Global Business Mobility visa (GBM) provides a crucial legal route by which firms can obtain international talent for special employment positions. This business visa category enables independent specialists and whole groups of specialists to enter and work in the UK. Here is the breakdown of the UK GBM visa types, the application process, and an alternate self-sponsor visa in the UK. 

Who is the Global Business Mobility Visa For? 

The Global Business Mobility Visa routes are a new category of sponsored routes through which overseas businesses can come to the UK to set up a branch or bring employees to the UK for some specific business purposes. For an employer to be able to sponsor a worker under this visa category, they have an officially issued A-rated Sponsor Licence. Therefore, companies should begin making arrangements to apply for a Sponsor Licence if they are not yet included in the list of licenced sponsors. If they already have a licence, they should check if the current Licence is sufficient to meet the goal and strategy of future recruitment.

What are the Visa Types under the Global Business Mobility Visa?  

The UK visa scheme for the Global Business Mobility visa features five different visa routes. Each visa type is created to address the respective needs of overseas companies. The following is a detailed overview of each visa route:  

Senior or Specialist Worker Visa 

The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is an updated version of the Intra-company Transfer visa that will apply to high-ranking personnel involved in key activities within their UK employer's branch. It's appropriate for jobs that need to be based in the UK. However, this visa is not for low-skilled jobs or second jobs unless there are some employment situations. Recent amendments to Immigration rules in the United Kingdom have increased the minimum salary from £45,800 to £48,500, or the current going rate for the occupation. This is similar to the Skilled Worker visa changes, where certain allowances, such as the guaranteed and accommodation allowances, can be up to 30 percent of the total package to meet the salary threshold. 

Graduate Trainee Visa 

The Graduate Trainee Visa succeeded the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee Visa on April 11, 2022. It is for employees posted to the UK by their overseas employer for systematic graduate training to prepare for a managerial or specialist position. The overseas company must be associated with the UK company through ownership or partnership, as per the approval of UKVI. Applicants working with the overseas company must have three months of experience and get a total of 60 points. He or she must be paid a salary equal to or greater than £23,100 or 70% of the current market rate for the occupation. The successful applicants are issued with a 12-month visa, and they don't need to pass the English language test.  

UK Expansion Worker Visa  

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is for overseas companies that want to set up their branches in the UK. Employees are required to have a certificate of sponsorship, and the job role and salary must meet certain criteria. It allows one to live in the UK for up to two years, not as a resident but as a visitor. After two years, holders must switch to another visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa. The overseas sponsors must have a business already set up in the UK, along with a business plan and financial funds.  These companies can sponsor up to five individuals at a single time, but initial restrictions might be in place. The employees have to register a trading presence within two years and show that they have acquired financial independence.

Service Supplier Visa 

The Service Supplier route under the Global Business Mobility Visa is for business people who are contracted to work for an overseas service provider. Similarly, it also applies to self-employed independent service suppliers residing overseas seeking to work in the UK on a temporary service that is listed in the UK international trade deal. UK sponsors have to partner with an overseas service provider recognised by the Home Office. Each applicant requires 40 points to get sponsored through the 'Service Supplier' by the UK employer. The applicant should meet the eligible skill level, but there is no minimum salary requirement.  

Secondment Worker Visa 

The new Secondment Worker route is for temporary assignments coming from a high-value contract or investment by the overseas employer. The new rules refer to a high value as an investment or contract that is over £ 10 million in a year and over £50 million in total. Like the qualification mentioned for Service Suppliers, the sponsor must register the contract or investment with the Home Office. This route permits a visa of up to one year in a single visit and up to two years in total. 

What is the Application Process of a Global Business Mobility Visa? 

The steps of the Global Business Mobility Visa application start by checking your general eligibility according to the type of visa subcategory you will be applying for. Some of the routes under the Global Business Mobility Visa include the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, Service Supplier Visa, and the UK Expansion Worker Visa, which have different criteria. 

To proceed, you require a sponsor in the UK who is verified and listed by the Home Office. Your sponsor will provide a Certificate of Sponsorship or CoS, which is an important document to prove your eligibility. After securing the CoS, the applicant must fill out an online visa application form and pay the visa application fee. Some of the documents you will require include proof of identity, employment information and any other supporting documentation that can help prove why you need to be in the country. Any dependents who are applying with you must also show evidence of financial support. 

Next, you must attend a biometric appointment to have your fingerprints and photograph taken unless you want to confirm your identity with the "UK Immigration: ID Check” app. The application process can take up to three weeks to decide. There are also priority services available to get a response as soon as possible. You must make sure that all given information is accurate and relevant and that all the conditions are fulfilled to avoid problems with delays or refusal. 

Any Alternate Route for Global Business Mobility Visa? 

The self-sponsor visa in the UK is the new efficient business immigration pathway for anyone who would like to start a business or get a legitimate visa for employment in the UK. This method of migrating to the UK as an entrepreneur is not as commonly known. If you are an entrepreneur from outside the UK but would like to relocate to the country to live and work, you may have looked for various business visas for UK immigration. However, the self-sponsor visa in the UK has been mentioned and utilised more often in the recent past because other options for business visas in the UK have either been shut down or become limited in some ways. 

Getting a legitimate UK work visa is easily possible through self-sponsorship if the person has established a company in the UK or wants to do so. Speak to an immigration firm to understand this new self-sponsor visa in the UK properly. This is most likely the easiest way for your company or your employees to immigrate to the UK. 

Talk to Immigration Solicitors For Better Understanding 

The Global Business Mobility route is still relatively new, but with the help of our immigration team, you will have all the necessary knowledge and support to start immediately. The A Y & J Solicitors can advise on the rules and regulations of UK immigration and explain the various types of visas that are most suitable to your business situation, including the self-sponsor visa in the UK. We will address and resolve every issue, and uncertainty you might have about the visa and immigration procedure. As Global Mobility visa lawyers our focus is to make sure you have all the information required to process your visa application and get you the best results in the end. 

A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with the Global Business Mobility visa. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us at +44 20 7404 7933. We're here to help!