GBM SecondmentROUTE

Global Business Mobility - Secondment Worker visa

For workers seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment by their overseas employer.

TemporaryOutside or inside the UKPoints-based
Check if you qualify →Indicative · ~60 seconds · free

The Global Business Mobility - Secondment Worker visa is a UK work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£769 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year) and processing time (~3 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.

Who the Global Business Mobility - Secondment Worker visa is for

For workers seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment by their overseas employer.

Does not lead to settlement; secondment is temporary.

Global Business Mobility - Secondment Worker visa - eligibility criteria

  • Seconded to the UK under a registered high-value contract or investment
  • Employed by the overseas business for 12+ months
  • Valid Certificate of Sponsorship
  • Contract registered with the Home Office
  • 20 points for sponsorship and the secondment

Global Business Mobility - Secondment Worker visa cost & processing time (2025)

The indicative government fee for the Global Business Mobility - Secondment Worker visa (United Kingdom) is ~£769 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year, with an indicative processing time of ~3 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.

TypeTemporary
Where you applyOutside or inside the UK
Length of stayUp to 2 years
Work rightsWork only for the sponsoring UK business on the secondment
Study rightsStudy allowed alongside work
Government fee~£769 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year
Processing time~3 weeks
Route to PRDoes not lead to settlement; secondment is temporary.

Pathway & next steps

Does not lead to settlement; secondment is temporary.

Many applicants also compare GBM Senior/Specialist · Global Business Mobility - Senior or Specialist Worker visa, GBM Service Supplier · Global Business Mobility - Service Supplier visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.

Common Global Business Mobility - Secondment Worker visa pitfalls we fix

Maximum of 2 years total on the route
Underlying contract must be registered in advance
Time does not count toward settlement

Global Business Mobility - Secondment Worker visa - frequently asked questions

How much does the Global Business Mobility - Secondment Worker visa cost?

The Global Business Mobility - Secondment Worker visa government fee is ~£769 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.

How long does the Global Business Mobility - Secondment Worker visa take to process?

Indicative processing time is ~3 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.

Does the Global Business Mobility - Secondment Worker visa lead to permanent residence?

Does not lead to settlement; secondment is temporary.

Can I work on the Global Business Mobility - Secondment Worker visa?

Work rights: Work only for the sponsoring UK business on the secondment.

Who can apply for the Global Business Mobility - Secondment Worker visa?

For workers seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment by their overseas employer.

Sources & official references

This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:

  • GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority
Figures are indicative for 2025 and government fees and rules change. Confirm current details at GOV.UK before applying. General information only - not immigration advice.