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UKU — United Kingdom Uncovered

Sponsoring Workers

Global Business Mobility sponsorship

Global Business Mobility covers a group of routes used where an overseas business needs staff to work temporarily in the UK.

The right route depends on the corporate relationship, the purpose of the assignment and the worker's role overseas.

Speak to an Adviser07894 853654

Who this is for

  • groups transferring existing staff to a UK entity
  • overseas businesses establishing a UK presence
  • organisations sending workers to deliver a contract in the UK
  • businesses assessing which mobility route applies

Key considerations

  • a qualifying relationship between the overseas and UK business
  • an assignment that fits the purpose of the route chosen
  • an appropriate sponsor licence covering that route
  • a role and terms consistent with the certificate assigned

In detail

A set of routes, not one route

Global Business Mobility covers several distinct routes: Senior or Specialist Worker for intra-group transfers, Graduate Trainee for structured programmes, UK Expansion Worker for establishing a UK presence, Service Supplier for contractual service delivery, and Secondment Worker for high-value contracts.

Each has its own eligibility rules, sponsorship requirements and limits. Choosing between them, and between them and the Skilled Worker route, is usually the first decision to make.

Intra-group transfers

The Senior or Specialist Worker route requires a genuine link between the overseas entity and the UK sponsor, and normally a period of employment with the overseas business before transfer. It suits established groups moving experienced staff.

It does not lead to settlement and has limits on total time in the route. Where a transfer is likely to become permanent, the Skilled Worker route often produces a better long-term outcome.

Setting up in the UK

The UK Expansion Worker route allows an overseas business with no UK trading presence to send staff to establish one, under a provisional sponsor licence with a small number of workers.

It is a bridge, not a destination. Once the UK entity is trading, the business normally converts to a full licence and moves staff onto other routes.

Evidence and information commonly required

  • corporate documents evidencing the group relationship
  • the worker's employment history with the overseas business
  • the assignment purpose, duration and duties
  • contracts or agreements underpinning the work in the UK

What is actually needed depends on your circumstances. We confirm the list with you before anything is prepared.

How the process works

  1. Step 1

    Review the position

    We look at the organisation, the roles involved and what has already been done, so advice is based on the actual position rather than assumptions.

  2. Step 2

    Identify the requirements

    We set out what the Home Office will expect to see and where the evidence or the internal position needs work.

  3. Step 3

    Prepare the submission

    We help prepare the application, supporting documents and the internal record keeping that sits behind it.

  4. Step 4

    Deal with what follows

    We advise on requests for further information, compliance activity and any conditions attached to the outcome.

Issues that may need closer attention

  • corporate links that are harder to evidence than expected
  • assignments that look more like ordinary recruitment
  • expansion arrangements without a properly established UK footprint
  • routes chosen before the commercial arrangement is settled

How UKU can help

  • assessing the position before anything is submitted
  • identifying issues that could affect the outcome
  • preparing the application and supporting evidence
  • advising on internal processes and record keeping
  • responding to Home Office queries or compliance activity
Discuss your situation

Common questions

Related services

Back to Sponsoring Workers

This page is general information about UK immigration and is not advice on your individual circumstances. Requirements, guidance and procedures change. Please obtain advice before relying on anything published here.

Tell us what you need help with

We will tell you how UKU can assist, and what the realistic options are.

07894 853654Speak to an Adviser