Entry into force of the Global Business Mobility visa in the UK

In order to adapt to the effects of Brexit and the labour shortage, the United Kingdom (UK) has recently changed its immigration legislation. The new Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa came into force on 11 April 2022. This new business immigration route offers new options for overseas businesses. Driven by the UK Home Office last year, the GBM immigration procedures incorporate 5 new visa grounds:

1. Senior or specialist Worker

The Senior or Specialist Worker scheme now replaces the Intra-Company Transfer scheme. It is aimed at overseas companies already established in the UK to meet specific business needs. Very similar to the previous immigration scheme in place, here are some eligibility criteria to remember:

• The foreign worker concerned has already been employed overseas for more than 12 months by the UK-based company
• The minimum salary required is £42,400 per annum

To access the full set of criteria, click here.

2. Graduate Trainee

The Graduate Trainee pattern replaces the Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa category. It is for foreign graduate trainees wishing to access a training program provided by a multinational company already operating in the UK. Here are some eligibility criteria to have in mind:

• The minimum salary required is £23,100 per annum
• Or, equal to 70% of the average salary for the position the trainee will occupy.

To access the full set of criteria, click here.

3. Secondment Worker

Secondment Worker – this scheme is for foreign workers posted to UK companies. This ground is only for high value contracts or investments. The following is an overview of the current eligibility criteria:

• Have worked for the foreign company for more than one year prior to the application
• The foreign company has a high value contract with the UK sponsor of the posted worker
• The position he/she is to hold is part of the eligibility list established by the WBG (see here)

To access the full set of criteria, click here.

4. Service Supplier

The Service Supplier ground is for foreign employees and self-employed people. It concerns individuals wishing to enter the UK as service providers. The professions that are accessible to them are defined by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement signed with the EU. Here are some eligibility criteria to bear in mind:

• Exercising an eligible occupation (see here).
• Hold a certificate of sponsorship provided by a UK sponsor
• At least 12 months’ experience overseas (if self-employed) OR at least 12 months’ work for the foreign company applying (if foreign employee)

To access the full set of criteria, click here.

5. UK Expansion Worker

The UK Expansion Worker scheme replaces the Sole Representative and Overseas Business visas. This new scheme facilitates the establishment of foreign companies in the UK. In order to do so, the entity concerned must hold a provisional sponsorship licence. Unlike the previous legislation, the UK expansion Worker scheme allows several representatives of the entity to enter the UK (as opposed to one previously). Please note that, unlike the old procedure, this new reason is only valid for one year and is renewable once. Here are some eligibility criteria to bear in mind:

• Hold a certificate of sponsorship provided by the entity
• Have worked for the entity outside the UK for more than one year
• Work in a WBG-eligible position (read more here)
• The minimum salary required is £42,000 per annum

To access the full set of criteria, click here.

Although new, these 5 immigration routes follow the logic of existing schemes: the visas mentioning Intra-Company Transfer, Intra-Company Graduate Trainee, Representative of an Overseas Business and International Agreement. Only the “Secondment Worker” and “UK Expansion Worker” reasons bring real changes to the legislation.

Planning to immigrate to the UK? Need a visa for abroad? Do not hesitate to contact us!