Global Business Mobility

The global business mobility routes provide a number of immigration options for overseas businesses and international organisations seeking to transfer eligible employees to the UK, establish a UK presence or undertake specific business activities.

At Sterling Shore Solicitors, we work with employers and international businesses to develop practical immigration strategies that support their commercial objectives. From establishing whether a global business mobility route is appropriate to securing the necessary sponsorship and supporting individual visa applications, our specialist business immigration lawyers provide end-to-end legal support.

Whether you are entering the UK market for the first time, expanding an existing UK operation or transferring senior and specialist employees from overseas, we can help you navigate the immigration requirements with confidence.

What is the Global Business Mobility route?

Global business mobility is a collection of immigration routes designed to facilitate specific types of temporary business activity in the UK.

Depending on the circumstances, the routes can enable overseas businesses to transfer workers to the UK, establish a UK branch, undertake specific assignments or provide services in accordance with the relevant immigration requirements.

The Global Business Mobility routes currently include:

• Senior or Specialist Worker;
• Graduate Trainee;
• UK Expansion Worker;
• Service Supplier; and
• Secondment Worker.

Each route has different eligibility, sponsorship, salary and duration requirements.

Our immigration lawyers can assess your circumstances and identify the route that is most appropriate for your business and proposed worker.

Senior or Specialist Worker

The Senior or Specialist Worker route allows eligible overseas workers to come to the UK to undertake skilled work for a UK business that is linked to their overseas employer.

It can be particularly useful for international businesses transferring experienced employees or specialist staff to a UK entity within the same corporate group.

Applicants must meet the relevant requirements, including those relating to the role, salary, sponsorship and their employment with the overseas business.

Graduate Trainee

The graduate trainee route is designed for overseas workers participating in a structured graduate training programme that includes specialist or professional development.

The route can allow international businesses to bring eligible graduate trainees to the UK as part of their wider training programme.

There are specific requirements concerning the applicant's role, salary, employment history and the nature of the training programme.

UK Expansion Worker

The UK expansion worker route is designed for overseas businesses that are looking to expand into the UK but have not yet begun trading here.

It can provide a route for eligible senior or specialist employees of an overseas business to come to the UK to help establish the business's UK presence.

The UK Expansion Worker route has specific requirements relating to the overseas business, the proposed UK expansion, the worker and the sponsored role.

Businesses considering this route should obtain legal advice before making arrangements to ensure that the proposed expansion and sponsorship structure meet the relevant requirements.

Service Supplier

The service supplier route is intended for overseas workers who are coming to the UK to provide services covered by an eligible international trade agreement or other qualifying arrangement.

The applicant must generally be employed by an overseas service provider or be a self-employed professional based overseas, depending on the relevant circumstances.

The requirements can be technical and depend on the specific service being provided and the applicable international agreement.

Secondment Worker

The secondment worker route provides an immigration route for eligible overseas workers who are being transferred temporarily to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment arrangement.

The route is subject to specific requirements concerning the overseas business, the UK organisation, the contract or investment and the worker's role.

Businesses considering a secondment should obtain specialist advice to ensure that the proposed arrangement falls within the requirements of the route.

Sponsor licence requirements

Most global business mobility routes require sponsorship by an organisation that holds an appropriate sponsor licence.

The sponsoring organisation must meet the relevant Home Office requirements and comply with its ongoing sponsor duties.

Depending on the route, the relationship between the UK organisation and overseas business can be particularly important.

Sterling Shore Solicitors can assist businesses with:

• Sponsor Licence applications;
• Assessing eligibility for Global Business Mobility sponsorship;
• Identifying the appropriate Global Business Mobility route;
• Certificate of Sponsorship advice;
• Sponsor compliance;
• Home Office compliance visits; and
• Ongoing immigration support for sponsored workers.

A successful Global Business Mobility application requires careful consideration of both the sponsor's position and the individual worker's circumstances.

Our approach is designed to identify potential issues before an application is submitted, reducing the risk of avoidable delays or refusal.

Global Business Mobility applications can involve both corporate and individual immigration considerations. The correct route will depend on the structure of the business, the relationship between the UK and overseas entities and the purpose of the proposed assignment.

At Sterling Shore Solicitors, we take the time to understand your business and your international workforce before advising on the most appropriate immigration strategy.

Our specialist immigration lawyers advise businesses on UK sponsorship and corporate immigration matters, including Sponsor Licence applications and sponsored worker routes.

We recognise that international businesses have different structures and workforce requirements. Our advice is tailored to your organisation and the specific circumstances of the proposed transfer or assignment.

From assessing the appropriate route and Sponsor Licence requirements through to preparing the visa application, we can support you throughout the process.

Where appropriate, we offer fixed-fee services, providing clarity over legal costs from the outset with no hidden charges.

For international businesses, entering or expanding into the UK can represent a significant commercial opportunity. Ensuring that your immigration arrangements are structured correctly from the beginning can help you move forward with greater confidence.

Whether you are establishing a UK operation, transferring specialist employees or fulfilling an international service arrangement, Sterling Shore Solicitors can provide specialist immigration advice to support your UK business objectives.

Contact Sterling Shore Solicitors today to discuss your Global Business Mobility requirements and arrange an assessment with one of our business immigration specialists.

Call 0203 150 2122 or complete our contact form.