Global Business Mobility (GBM) Visas
Specialised corporate routes enabling overseas multinational companies to deploy personnel to the UK for intra-corporate transfers, expansion, and service contracts.
Checked against official Immigration Rules & GOV.UK guidance on 2026-10-30
The Global Business Mobility (GBM) umbrella encompasses five dedicated temporary work visa routes tailored for foreign businesses establishing a UK presence, transferring senior executives, training corporate graduates, or fulfilling high-value trade contracts.
Unlike the Skilled Worker route, GBM routes are designed for temporary assignments and do not lead directly to settlement (ILR). However, workers can switch from GBM visas into permanent routes such as Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder while remaining in the UK.
GBM Visa Categories
Senior or Specialist Worker
Replaces the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) route for senior staff.
Read senior worker →UK Expansion Worker
For establishing a UK branch or subsidiary of an overseas business.
Read expansion worker →Graduate Trainee (GBM)
For graduate trainees on structured intra-company management rotations.
Read trainee guide →Secondment Worker
For workers seconded to the UK as part of a high-value commercial contract.
Read secondment →Service Supplier
For contractual service suppliers under international trade agreements.
Read service supplier →Key Requirements & Highlights
- Senior or Specialist Worker minimum salary: £48,500 (or the going rate, whichever is higher).
- Minimum 12 months overseas employment required (unless earning £73,900+ per year).
- Maximum stay limits: 5 years in any 6-year period (or 9 years in 10 for high earners earning £73,900+).
- English language test requirement waived for GBM Senior or Specialist Workers.
Step-by-Step Application Timeline
- Corporate LinkageEstablish qualifying overseas link (parent, subsidiary, branch, or joint venture).
- GBM Sponsor LicenceUK entity or expansion branch obtains appropriate GBM sponsor licence category.
- Assign CertificateAssign GBM Certificate of Sponsorship and submit visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Senior or Specialist Worker visa lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain?
No. Time spent on Global Business Mobility routes does not count directly towards the 5-year work settlement. However, workers can switch into the Skilled Worker route from inside the UK to begin their 5-year clock toward settlement, or count time toward the 10-year continuous residence route.
How many workers can come under a UK Expansion Worker licence?
Under an Expansion Worker licence, a business can sponsor up to 5 workers concurrently to establish the UK footprint, including the Authorising Officer.
Need Guidance on Your Application?
Priyanshu Decodes provides clear route explanations, document planning, and consultation calls. For regulated legal advice or formal Home Office representation, always consult an IAA-registered adviser or an immigration solicitor.