What is the UK Global Mobility Visa?
What is the UK Global Mobility Visa?
The UK Global Mobility Visa is aimed at professionals who are looking to temporarily relocate to the UK for specific business or employment purposes. It caters to diverse needs, including:
- Intra-company transfers
- Expansion of businesses into the UK market
- Short-term assignments and placements
This visa streamlines the process of international relocation, allowing businesses to bring key personnel into the UK efficiently.
Global Business Mobility Routes
The Global Business Mobility Visa category is designed for overseas businesses that need to assign employees temporarily to the UK. This category includes several visa routes catering to specific business requirements, such as:
- UK Expansion Worker Visa: For senior managers or specialists assigned to expand an overseas business into the UK.
- Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: Tailored for senior managers or specialists of an overseas business linked to a UK-based entity.
- Graduate Trainee Visa: Facilitates transfers as part of structured training programs for future senior or specialist roles.
- Secondment Worker Visa: Allows temporary secondments to fulfill high-value contracts or investments between overseas and UK-based businesses.
- Service Supplier Visa: Designed for contractual service suppliers or self-employed professionals working under international trade agreements.
These routes offer various pathways for employees from overseas businesses to temporarily work in the UK while maintaining strong connections to their home company. While these visas do not lead to settlement, dependents can join the main applicant in the UK.
Expansion Worker Visa
The UK Expansion Worker Visa is for senior managers or specialists assigned to the UK to expand an overseas business. This visa allows businesses that have not yet started trading in the UK to send up to five workers at a time to help establish their presence.
Requirements:
- Must be a senior manager or specialist role crucial to the business.
- Must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the UK entity being established.
- Must meet a minimum salary threshold, typically £42,400 annually.
- Must have at least £1,270 in personal savings to support themselves unless their sponsor certifies maintenance.
- Application Fee: £259 per applicant.
- IHS Fee: £1035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children.
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is tailored for senior managers or specialists of an overseas business linked to a UK-based entity. This route is an evolution of the traditional Intra-Company Transfer Visa.
Key Requirements:
- Must hold a senior or specialist role within the company.
- Must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-based sponsor linked to the overseas business.
- Must meet a minimum salary requirement, usually £45,800 annually.
- Application Fee: For outside the UK, it varies from £719 to £1420, and for inside the UK, it varies from £827 to £1636 depending on the visa validity.
- IHS Fee: £1035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children.
Graduate Trainee Visa
The Graduate Trainee Visa facilitates the transfer of overseas workers to the UK as part of structured training programs aimed at preparing them for senior or specialist roles.
Requirements:
- Must be part of a structured graduate training programme.
- Must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK entity connected to their home company.
- Must meet a salary threshold, typically £23,100 annually.
- Application Fee: £259 per applicant.
- IHS Fee: £1035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children.
Secondment Worker Visa
The Secondment Worker Visa allows workers from overseas businesses to be temporarily seconded to the UK to fulfill high-value contracts or investments between their employer and a UK-based company.
Requirements:
- Must be fulfilling the terms of a contract between an overseas business and a UK business.
- Must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the UK sponsor.
- Must demonstrate proof of sufficient funds for self-support unless the sponsor certifies maintenance.
- Application Fee: £259 per applicant.
- IHS Fee: £1035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children.
Service Supplier Visa
The Service Supplier Visa is designed for contractual service suppliers or self-employed professionals working in the UK under international trade agreements.
Key Requirements:
- Must provide services under an eligible trade agreement.
- Must hold a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK sponsor.
- Application Fee: £259 per applicant.
- IHS Fee: If staying in the UK for more than six months, £1035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children applies.
How to Apply?
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Check your specific visa category and ensure you meet all requirements, including sponsorship and salary thresholds.
Step 2: Secure a Certificate of Sponsorship
Your UK-based employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), outlining your role and responsibilities.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply online through the official UK Home Office portal. You’ll need:
- A valid CoS reference number
- Proof of qualifications and experience
- Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable)
- Application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Step 4: Await Decision
Processing times may vary. Expedited options may be available for urgent assignments.
How We Can Assist
We provide expert guidance and comprehensive support for Global Business Mobility Visa applications. Our team of dedicated immigration experts can assist with:
- Eligibility Assessment: Determining the most appropriate visa route based on the nature of your work and relationship with the UK business.
- Certificate of Sponsorship: Guiding UK businesses on how to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and meet the relevant skill and salary requirements for each visa category.
- Application Preparation: Ensuring that all required documentation and application details are meticulously prepared to meet the Home Office’s standards.
- Switching Routes and Settlement Advice: Providing advice on switching into settlement pathways like the Skilled Worker Visa.
The UK Global Mobility Visa is your gateway to new opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
For more information or assistance with your application please contact us.
