Global Business Mobility Visa

Global Business Mobility Routes: UK Expansion Worker, Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee Visa, and Secondment Worker Visas

 

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, Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, Secondment Worker, and Service Supplier visas. These routes offer various pathways for employees from overseas businesses to temporarily work in the UK while maintaining strong connections to their home company. These routes do not lead to settlement, but allow dependants to join the main applicant in the UK.
 

Key Questions and Requirements for Each Visa
 

Q1: What is 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.

  • Key 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: This visa requires an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee, which is £1035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children.
     

Q2: What is the 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: Applicable, at £1035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children.
     

Q3: What is the 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.

  • Key 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: This visa also requires an IHS fee of £1035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children.
     

Q4: What is the 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.

  • Key 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: The fee is £1035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children.
     

Q5: What is the 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, an IHS fee of £1035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children applies.

 

How Kaya Legal Can Assist

At Kaya Legal, we provide expert guidance and comprehensive support for Global Business Mobility Visa applications. Our team of dedicated immigration experts can assist with:

  • Eligibility Assessment: We help determine the most appropriate visa route based on the nature of your work and relationship with the UK business.
  • Certificate of Sponsorship: We guide 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: We ensure that all required documentation and application details are meticulously prepared to meet the Home Office’s standards.
  • Switching Routes and Settlement Advice: Our experts provide advice on switching into settlement pathways like the Skilled Worker Visa.
     

For more information, visit Kaya Legal and contact our team to discuss your visa needs.