The Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa is preferred for an individual who is required to work in the UK based on their overseas employment where the Sponsoring Employer is part of an international group. The GBM visa encircles different sub-categories like Graduate trainee or Senior or Specialist Worker etc. and so the duration of visa also depends on the same. It is the replacement of the former Intra-Company visas. Dependent partner & children can also join the Applicant on this visa; however, this route does not lead to settlement in the UK.
The Global Business Mobility collates different subcategories for visa where each of them have different eligibility requirements & purposes. The subcategories are listed below:
If you are already in the UK, you may be able to switch to this visa depending on your subcategory. However, you must not be on the following visas: Visit, short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic worker in a Private Household, Immigration Bail, Permission to stay outside of Immigration Rules.
Please see all requirements in detail below to fully understand the eligibility criteria. If you do not meet any of the requirements from below, you may also check for the exceptions mentioned in section (F), in case it is applicable to you.
The core requirements for your sponsorship are:
The subjective requirements for each subcategory are:
Documentary evidence needed to prove this shall be discussed below in the documents section.
Minimum Salary:
Your employer must pay you a salary that is equal to or above the going rate for the specific SOC-standard occupation code, which matches to your job (or in simple words, going rate for the SOC mentioned on your CoS).
However, the minimum salary threshold for select subcategories of GBM is different:
Therefore, if the going rate for your specific SOC is lower than your subcategory’s amount then your employer must pay you at least the minimum salary amount of your subcategory e.g. £45,800 for Senior or Specialist Worker. Meaning the employer must pay the amount whichever is higher. You can check your job’s going rate on the Home Office website here.
You may not have to meet this requirement, therefore please check the exemptions of your subcategory below in section (F).
Maintenance Funds:
You must also have at least £1,270 to support yourself for the first month when you start the job in the UK. This amount must be withheld for at least 28 days in a row.
If you are accompanied by partner/children, you need to prove additional funds:
If you do not have such amount in your possession, you may also ask your employer to cover this for you.
Documentary evidence needed to prove these requirements shall be discussed below in the documents section.
Although there is no English Language requirement for most of the subcategories of GBM visa, but if you are still required to prove this, you can meet this by either:
Although this requirement is not as strict under this route like in family visa, however you are asked about suitable accommodation meaning it is exclusively occupied by you and your Dependant(s) if any and meets the public health standards. This could also be provided by your employer/company, or you could rent a suitable place for yourself later when you arrive to the UK.
Following is the brief guide on all the documentary evidence you will need to prove the abovementioned requirements:
Our associates will help you collate all these documents and make sure these are submitted to UKVI on your behalf when you apply. Sign up through our enquiry form now to receive a free consultation on your matter.
Following is the Home Office fees & expected time for GBM visa decision that varies depending on each subcategory:
Intricacies and duration of stay
You cannot switch to GBM visa except only for the subcategory of Senior or Specialist Worker if you are already in the UK on Intra Company transfer visa, subject to maximum stay allowed (explained below).
The availability of extension and the duration of stay on this visa is subject to the select subcategory:
Immigration Health Surcharge
In addition to the Home Office application fee, you might also need to pay healthcare surcharge i.e. £1,035 per person for each year of stay (this can be multiplied for the number of years your CoS is valid for to obtain the total amount) under this route in order to avail free NHS and this is not optional.
Urgent procedure
If you wish to skip the queue and get a faster decision from the Home Office, depending on the subcategory you may be able to choose from the following services:
*The timeline & fees abovementioned does not include or specify our processing time for your application and legal services fee at any point, and it shall be conveyed to you after consultation.
Please note:
A decision may take longer if the Home Office needs to request additional information from you or verify your details with other government departments. You will be informed if this occurs.
In the event of a delayed decision, you will typically not receive a refund. However, you can inquire about obtaining a refund for your priority service fee.
Route to Citizenship
The GBM visa does not lead to settlement, but you can apply for any other visa like Skilled Worker visa or Graduate visa from outside the UK if you wish to settle in the UK alongside working. However, different requirements apply in that case, and you may have to find another employer or job. Your time on GBM visa in the UK does not count towards the qualifying period to be eligible for settlement.
During your time in the UK on a GBM visa you will be able to work (in an eligible job) or study. You may bring your dependant(s) if they are eligible. And you may also travel abroad & return to the UK.
Moreover, you will also be having free access to (NHS) Healthcare during your time in the UK, but this does not apply to prescriptions, dental treatment, eye treatment and assisted conception. However, you shall not be able to access the welfare benefits from Public Funds. Also, you cannot change or jobs or employer unless you update your visa.
You cannot work at a second job except for one case where you are on Senior or Specialist Worker visa and have previously had Intra-company Transfer visa or a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long term Staff visa.
Take the first step towards your future in the UK by starting your application with us. We understand that GBM visa requirements are complex, meaning it requires proper documentation, issuance of certificates & letters as well as strong legal representations to support the application. Therefore, we highly recommend you leave that to experts and relax! Our expert lawyers will guide you through the process, ensuring all documents are checked and the necessary evidence is provided to UKVI while addressing any potential issues.
Reach out to us at info@visamerch.com or fill out our short form for a prompt response and a free 15-minute consultation with our appointed immigration lawyer!
Yes, this is possible if you meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa, however this is subjective to the subcategory of GBM visa you are on in the UK and the period of stay you have left for staying in the UK since it takes 8 weeks for a decision when applied from inside the UK. You can instead easily apply from outside the UK and get a decision even sooner than inside the UK.
You need to update your visa if you are going to either change your job (different SOC), employer or even roles with the same employer that has different SOC code, or changing occupation from one that is listed on the immigration salary list to the one that is not, or also when you are going to take a second role/occupation with a different employer where you will be working for more than paid 20 hours a week unless it belongs to an eligible occupation.
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