Global Business Mobility (GBM)
Move talent into the UK for projects, training, secondments, or expansion.
Global Business Mobility (GBM) is a suite of five routes for overseas businesses to send workers to the UK for specific business needs. These are temporary and generally do not lead to settlement.
Sub-routes
Senior or Specialist Worker
Assign senior/specialist staff to UK entity (replaces ICT).
Graduate Trainee
Structured programme with a UK placement; junior salary thresholds.
UK Expansion Worker
Send senior staff to establish a UK presence (pre-trading).
Service Supplier
Contractual services under international trade commitments.
Secondment Worker
Seconded to a UK host for qualifying high-value projects.
Eligibility (overview)
UK sponsor with the correct GBM licence & sub-route permission.
Certificate of Sponsorship detailing role, dates, and sub-route.
Each sub-route has its own SOC/skill level and salary/going-rate rules.
Intra-company link, trade contract, or secondment agreement as required.
Maximum time in route and permitted activities vary by sub-route.
Funds may be needed unless certified; TB checks where applicable.
Fees & Processing
Visa fee
Depends on sub-route, duration (≤3y/>3y where relevant), and application location.
IHS (per year)
Payable for each year of permission in most GBM routes.
Priority
Priority/Super Priority may be available for additional fees.
How it works
Assess sub-route
Choose the correct GBM category (e.g., Senior/Specialist, UK Expansion) and ensure sponsor licence coverage.
CoS & application
Sponsor issues CoS; applicant submits online form, pays fees/IHS, and gives biometrics (or uses the app).
Enter & comply
On approval, start only permitted activities; track route-specific time limits and conditions.
Work rights & Family
Work rights
- Work only in the sponsored role/activities for the GBM sub-route
- Supplementary work rules are limited — check sub-route policy
- GBM time generally does not count toward ILR
Family
- Dependants usually permitted (spouse/partner & children), subject to route-specific exceptions
- Maintenance funds apply unless sponsor certifies on CoS
- Dependants can often work/study (check conditions)
Documents (Typical)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid travel document |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | Issued by UK sponsor with correct GBM sub-route |
| Evidence of role / contract | Intra-company link, trade agreement, or secondment documentation as relevant |
| Salary / skill evidence | Proof the role meets skill level and going-rate/thresholds |
| Maintenance | Funds unless sponsor certifies on CoS |
| TB certificate | If required based on country of residence |