Global Business Mobility - Senior or Specialist Worker visa
For senior managers or specialist employees transferring to a UK branch of their overseas employer.
The Global Business Mobility - Senior or Specialist Worker visa is a UK work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£769-£1,519 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 - Senior or Specialist Worker visa is for
For senior managers or specialist employees transferring to a UK branch of their overseas employer.
Does not directly lead to settlement; switch to Skilled Worker to build an ILR pathway.
Global Business Mobility - Senior or Specialist Worker visa - eligibility criteria
- Employed by a business linked to the UK sponsor
- Worked for the overseas business for the required period
- Job at the required skill level with a valid CoS
- Salary at or above the route threshold
- 20 points for sponsorship, job and salary
Global Business Mobility - Senior or Specialist Worker visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Global Business Mobility - Senior or Specialist Worker visa (United Kingdom) is ~£769-£1,519 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.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside or inside the UK |
| Length of stay | Up to 5 years (longer for high earners) over a rolling period |
| Work rights | Work only for the sponsoring linked UK business |
| Study rights | Study allowed alongside work |
| Government fee | ~£769-£1,519 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks |
| Route to PR | Does not directly lead to settlement; switch to Skilled Worker to build an ILR pathway. |
Pathway & next steps
Does not directly lead to settlement; switch to Skilled Worker to build an ILR pathway.
Many applicants also compare Skilled Worker · Skilled Worker visa, GBM Graduate Trainee · Global Business Mobility - Graduate Trainee visa, GBM Expansion Worker · Global Business Mobility - UK Expansion Worker 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 - Senior or Specialist Worker visa pitfalls we fix
Global Business Mobility - Senior or Specialist Worker visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Global Business Mobility - Senior or Specialist Worker visa cost?
The Global Business Mobility - Senior or Specialist Worker visa government fee is ~£769-£1,519 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 - Senior or Specialist 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 - Senior or Specialist Worker visa lead to permanent residence?
Does not directly lead to settlement; switch to Skilled Worker to build an ILR pathway.
Can I work on the Global Business Mobility - Senior or Specialist Worker visa?
Work rights: Work only for the sponsoring linked UK business.
Who can apply for the Global Business Mobility - Senior or Specialist Worker visa?
For senior managers or specialist employees transferring to a UK branch of 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