What is a Global Business Mobility Visa?
The Global Business Mobility Visa is a specialised category designed for international businesses aiming to transfer employees, expand operations, or establish a presence in the UK.
Introduced in April 2022, this set of sponsored work visas caters to various business needs, ensuring a smooth transition for foreign workers into the UK workforce.
The Global Business Mobility Visa facilitates the movement of skilled or specialist employees, graduate trainees, secondment workers, or service providers.
It also allows overseas businesses to set up new branches in the UK, complementing the existing Skilled Worker Visa and offering additional routes for multinational companies to deploy staff in the UK.
Types of Mobility Visas
- Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
- Secondment Worker Visa
- UK Expansion Worker Visa
- Graduate Trainee Visa
- Graduate Trainee Visa
Each type of Global Business Mobility Visa has its own requirements, benefits, and duration limits, tailored to meet the specific needs of international businesses.
Salam Immigration provides expert guidance throughout the application process, ensuring compliance and maximising your chances of a successful visa outcome.
Expand your business globally with Salam Immigration’s expert support.
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
This visa allows experienced employees to transfer to the UK branch of their company.
- Employed by UK-licenced sponsor
- Certificate of Sponsorship required
- Eligible occupation
- Minimum salary of £45,800
- Visa valid for up to 5 years
- Extension limits: 5-9 years
- Fees range: £719-£1,500
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- No Indefinite Leave to Remain
Secondment Worker Visa
This visa is for employees of overseas businesses seconded to the UK under a high-value contract.
- Employed by overseas company
- Certificate of Sponsorship from UK sponsor
- Worked 12 months with employer
UK Expansion Worker Visa
Visa for senior managers setting up a UK branch for an overseas company.
- Certificate of Sponsorship required
- Eligible occupation
- Employed outside the UK
- Duration: 12 months, extendable
- Maximum stay: 2 years
- Fee: £259 plus health surcharge
- Must switch visa category or leave UK
Graduate Trainee Visa
Visa for employees in graduate training programmes leading to specialist or managerial roles.
- Employed by UK-licenced sponsor
- Worked 3 months with employer
- Certificate of Sponsorship
- Minimum salary: £24,220
- Duration: up to 12 months
- Application fee: £298 plus surcharge
- Must apply from abroad
Essential Requirements for Eligibility
- Certificate of Sponsorship needed
- Meet occupation and salary criteria
- Adhere to specified visa durations
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Financial Requirements for Global Business Mobility Visa
To apply for a Global Business Mobility Visa, the sponsoring company must meet specific financial criteria.
First of all, you need to prove that your company meets the financial requirement and has enough resources to support the sponsored employees without claiming public funds.
The sponsor must demonstrate financial stability and capacity. What if I don’t meet the financial requirement? If you don’t meet the financial requirement, seek advice from our specialist immigration lawyers. Exceptional circumstances may apply, so it’s essential to understand your options.
Different Sources of Income
To meet the minimum financial requirement for your Global Business Mobility Visa application, you can use:
- Company reserves and assets
- Business revenue and profits
- Verified investments and dividends
- Parent company financial support
- Contractual income commitments
- Bank statements showing financial health
Using Financial Reserves
Financial reserves and assets can contribute towards meeting the criteria for the Global Business Mobility Visa. If your reserves are insufficient, additional funding sources can reduce the amount needed from other means.
Reserves over the threshold reduce financial requirements. High reserves ensure the company meets the criteria.
If your partner company is involved, their reserves can contribute but not their earnings unless operating in the UK. However, if they are based in the UK, their financial contributions can count towards the total amount.
You can also use a combination of reserves and revenue to help you meet the financial threshold. However, you must prove sufficient financial support for the entire duration of the permit.
Income from Benefits
In some cases, you won’t need to meet the mandatory financial criteria if you are claiming any of the following benefits:
- Research and development grants
- Business growth incentives
- Export and trade allowances
- Subsidies and government-backed loans
- Support for specific industries
You will need to prove that you have enough money to support your operations. This is called ‘adequate financial stability,’ and the exact amount you need will depend on your individual circumstances.
Typically, you need to demonstrate significant financial health. If you have large-scale operations, this amount will increase.
Our Global Business Mobility Visa lawyers can help you navigate the requirements. Get in touch with us now.
Global Business Mobility Visa Required Documents Checklist
Having all the correct documents to support your Global Business Mobility Visa application will help ensure its success and prevent delays. These are the documents you will need to send to the Home Office to get the right to work in the UK:
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of business relationship
- A valid passport for leave to remain in the UK
- Original contract or agreement
- A valid English language certificate
- Proof of working relationship (at least for the past two years)
- Any previous immigration documents
- Proof that you meet the income threshold & financial requirement
- Proof of business operations and financial stability (for example, company financial statements)
Please note that any documents that are not in English need to be accompanied by a translated version from a professional translator. All evidence must be in the exact format required by the Home Office.
Unlock new markets – apply for a Global Mobility Visa.
What is the English Language Requirement for the Global Business Mobility Visa?
Applicants who wish to work in the UK need to prove that they can speak English.
If you must sit an English test in speaking and listening to get the right to remain in the UK, your qualification will be valid only if your English exam is taken through an approved Secure English Language Testing (SELT) Provider.
At present, SELT tests for immigration purposes can only be taken through Trinity College London or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Consortium.
English Language Test Exemptions
You do not need an English Language test if you:
- Are a national of a majority English-speaking country
- Are under 18 or over 65
- Have a physical or mental condition preventing you from meeting the requirement
- Hold a degree from any educational establishment taught or researched in English. Your qualification will only be valid if confirmed by UK NARIC.
Global Business Mobility Visa Assistance
If you want to relocate your business to the UK, our team is happy to assist you in the process.
What are Global Business Mobility Visa Accommodation Requirements?
You will need to present proof of accommodation that meets UK living standards as part of your Global Business Mobility Visa application.
Your UK national partner, who acts as your sponsor, will need to show that they can provide adequate accommodation for themselves, the applicant, and any dependents who intend to live in the UK.
The Home Office requires you to provide evidence that your living situation is suitable for everyone involved and complies with the housing standards set by UK law. Ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete will help prevent delays in your application process.
For proof of accommodation, the Home Office will ask you to provide:
- Tenancy agreement or property ownership documents
- Evidence of living arrangements
- Proof of sufficient living space
Ensure your Global Business Mobility Visa application meets all accommodation requirements.
Qualifying for Accommodation Requirements
To qualify for the Global Business Mobility Visa accommodation requirements, your property needs enough rooms to accommodate the couple and any dependents. Each person needs an individual room; however:
- Two children aged under 10 can share one room
- Babies under one year can live in the same room as the couple
- The property must meet health and safety standards
- The accommodation must not be overcrowded
- You must provide a letter from the landlord (if renting)
- Evidence of adequate living conditions
This means that two children aged under 10 years can share one room, and babies under one year old can live in the same room as the couple.
How to Apply for a Global Business Mobility Visa
Ensure you start your Global Business Mobility Visa application ahead of your planned move to the UK, and do not book your flight or travel before you get a visa approval from the Home Office. The application process can start online by completing the relevant forms from outside the UK. However, you may need to visit a visa application centre to give your biometrics as part of the process. Note that there are several forms and documents involved, and they must be filled correctly with sufficient evidence to increase your chances of obtaining the visa.
If you are applying from within the UK, the process is different as you will need to show proof that you are in the country on an eligible visa to switch to the Global Business Mobility Visa. You can only apply from inside the UK if your current visa is eligible. When reviewing your application, if the Home Office has any doubts, you may be invited to come for an interview. During the interview, you will be asked questions to determine the genuineness of your intent in the UK.
The application process can be lengthy and difficult to go through alone. We can help. Contact us now on 0161 839 7396 or make an enquiry online to speak with one of our immigration lawyers about your application.
Global Business Mobility Visa Fees
The Home Office fee for a Global Business Mobility Visa varies based on the type of visa and circumstances. This charge will increase if you are applying with dependents and will increase for each dependent—see the table below.
There are additional costs related to your Global Business Mobility Visa application that you should consider as you prepare for the application. This includes:
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- English language test fee
- Document translation fees
- Legal representation fee.
Contact Salam Immigration Experts For Complete Fee Structure.
| Visa/Application | Fee |
|---|---|
| Global Business Mobility Visa fee (outside UK) | £1,846 |
| Global Business Mobility Visa fee (within UK) | £1,258 |
| Visa application fee for each dependent (outside UK) | £1,846 |
| Visa application fee for each child depend (within UK) | £1,258 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) | £1035 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge for dependent (per year) | £776 |
| Super Priority Service (within UK) | £1000 |
Get expert assistance for your Global Mobility Visa application with Salam Immigration today.
Global Business Mobility Visa Fees and Requirements
Fees for translation and the English language test for a Global Business Mobility Visa application are subject to the provider.
The NHS fee for the visa (immigration health surcharge) is per year. So, if your visa application is for two years and six months, you will pay the fee per year multiplied by 2.5.
Application Process for Global Business Mobility Visa
It usually takes between 2 to 12 weeks for a Global Business Mobility Visa case to be processed. The processing time can vary depending on the documents provided and the country from which the application is submitted.
Accepted Global Business Mobility Visa Application
When your application is accepted, you will be given leave to remain, which allows you to enter the UK within a 30-day period. Upon arrival in the UK, you will have a 10-day period in which to collect a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). If you fail to enter the UK within this time frame, you can submit an application for another 30-day entry permit, but you will be charged an additional fee.
Rejected Global Business Mobility Visa Application
If your case is rejected, you can appeal against the Home Office’s verdict. This is a long-winded and challenging process that is best assisted by an immigration adviser. Our experts can assist with all aspects of your case. If you need help with your Global Business Mobility Visa appeal application, please get in touch. We have offices located across the UK, including in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. You can also use our office finder to locate the closest branch to you.
Global Business Mobility Visa rejected? Our lawyers can guide you on the next steps.
Global Buiness Mobility Visa Appeal Process
If you wish to submit an appeal, you should act quickly and follow these steps:
- Submit your appeal to the Immigration Asylum Chamber within 28 days of receipt of the refusal decision if overseas, or 14 days if your application was made inside the UK.
- Ensure that your grounds for appeal are legitimate and are likely to be accepted.
- Prepare your case to submit the strongest possible application to the Immigration Tribunal.
- Gather the supporting documents to demonstrate why your application should be accepted.
- Attend your hearing at the Tribunal (if relevant).
Global Business Mobility Visa Appeal Timeframe
Unfortunately, the appeal process can be quite lengthy. Some applicants may have to wait up to 12 months or longer for a decision on their appeal against a refusal.
Reasons for Refusal
Some reasons for refusal include:
- Insufficient financial evidence
- Incomplete documentation
- Lack of proof of a genuine business need
- Failing to meet accommodation requirements
The best way to avoid having to go through the appeal process is by ensuring that your initial application is as accurate as possible.
Renewing or Extending a Global Business Mobility Visa
You can renew and extend your visa for another period, as long as your current leave to remain hasn’t expired.
Extension Requirements
In order to qualify for a visa extension, you must:
- Continue to meet the financial requirement
- Prove that your business need is genuine and subsisting
- Provide proof of accommodation
- Pass an English test (if required)
- Provide current biometric information
There are a few other requirements for a visa extension. Kindly reach out to us today on 0161 839 7396 for advice or support with a visa extension application. After you have lived in the UK for a total of 5 years on your Business visa, you can apply for settled status (ILR). Get in touch with our lawyers if you need to apply for a visa renewal.
How Can Salam Immigration Help?
Visa applications can be complex, and using the services of an immigration expert is highly recommended. You will need to ensure that you meet all of the mandatory requirements, complete the relevant forms, and collate your evidence for submission. This will need to be extensive and prove that your business need is genuine.
At Salam Immigration, we understand the importance of successful business operations, and we make it our priority to maximise your chances of doing this.
Our team of specialist immigration advisers and visa solicitors can guide you through each step of your application process for a Global Business Mobility Visa in the UK. Our services include:
- Detailed consultation
- Document preparation and review
- Submission of applications
- Representation at tribunals
- Appeals and reconsideration
Salam Immigration has an excellent track record of successful cases, and our visa solicitors are highly experienced in this field. To apply for a Global Business Mobility Visa, contact Salam Immigration online or on 0161 839 7396 today for professional, no-obligation advice or assistance.
We offer immigration advice in-person at our UK offices or via phone.
Additional Resources
- Initial consultation
- BUsiness visas
- Work permits
- Immigration advice
- Visa renewals
Table of Contents
- What is a Global Business Mobility Visa?
- Types of Mobility Visas
- Financial Requirements for Global Business Mobility Visa
- Global Business Mobility Visa Required Documents Checklist
- What is the English Language Requirement for the Global Business Mobility Visa?
- What are Global Business Mobility Visa Accommodation Requirements?
- How to Apply for a Global Business Mobility Visa
- Global Business Mobility Visa Fees and Requirements
- Global Buiness Mobility Visa Appeal Process
- Renewing or Extending a Global Business Mobility Visa
- How Can Salam Immigration Help?
