Global Business Mobility Sponsor Licence
What is a Global Business Mobility Sponsor Licence?
The global business mobility (GBM) sponsor licence is a UK Home Office authorisation that enables businesses to sponsor overseas workers for temporary assignments in the UK. This licence is designed to facilitate the seamless mobility of international talent within linked organisations, supporting businesses in meeting critical operational needs and driving global collaboration.
The GBM sponsor licence allows organisations to bring professionals with specialised expertise to the UK for specific business purposes, such as expanding operations, fulfilling contractual commitments, or supporting strategic projects. It provides a structured pathway for businesses to enhance their capabilities while adhering to immigration laws.
5 Visa categories under Global Business Mobility Scheme
Senior or specialist worker
For senior managers or specialist employees assigned by their overseas employer to a linked UK business.
Secondment worker
For employees of an overseas business seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment.
UK expansion worker
For senior managers or specialist employees assigned to the UK to establish a branch or subsidiary of the overseas business.
Service supplier
For contractual service suppliers employed by an overseas business or self-employed professionals based overseas, providing services covered by a UK trade agreement.
Graduate trainee
For employees on a graduate training programme leading to a senior management or specialist position, requiring a UK work placement.
Eligibility criteria for a global business mobility (GBM) sponsor licence
To obtain a global business mobility (GBM) sponsor licence, your organisation must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the UK Home Office:
Global Business Mobility (GBM) Sponsor Licence process
To obtain this Global Business Mobility (GBM) Sponsor Licence, organisations must follow a structured application process as outlined by the UK Home Office.
1Determine eligibility
Ensure your organisation meets the Home Office's criteria, including:
- Established Presence: Your business must be legally operating in the UK.
- Appropriate HR Systems: Implement robust human resource and recruitment systems to monitor sponsored employees and ensure compliance with immigration laws.
- Compliance History: Maintain a clean compliance record, free from previous breaches of immigration laws or sponsor duties.
2Prepare supporting documentation
Gather necessary documents to demonstrate your organisation's legitimacy and capability to meet sponsorship duties. This may include:
- Financial documents: recent bank statements or audited accounts.
- Evidence of business operations: PAYE registration, VAT registration, employer’s liability insurance.
- Evidence that the UK company is linked to the overseas company or companies, for example by way of common ownership or control, a joint venture.
3Submit the application
Complete the online application form via the Home Office dedicated portal, providing all required information and emailing supporting documents. Ensure accuracy to avoid delays.
4Pay the application fee
The fee for a GBM Sponsor Licence depends on the size and type of your organisation. Small businesses and charities typically pay a lower fee compared to larger companies.
5Home office assessment
The Home Office will assess your application, which may include an on-site visit to verify your HR systems and compliance readiness.
6Decision and licence issuance
If the Home Office approves the application, the employer will be issued a Sponsor Licence and added to the online register of licensed sponsors. Once obtained, the licence does not need to be renewed, and it will last until the employer decides to surrender it or could be revoked by the Home Office in some circumstances. Now, the business can issue Certificates of Sponsorship (COS) to eligible overseas workers under the GBM routes.
7Ongoing compliance
As a licensed sponsor, you must adhere to ongoing duties, including:
- Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records of sponsored workers.
- Reporting Duties: Inform the Home Office of any changes, such as if a sponsored worker does not turn up for their first day of work.
- Compliance with Immigration Laws: Ensure sponsored workers comply with the conditions of their visa.
Processing timeline
The processing time for a Global Business Mobility (GBM) Sponsor Licence application is typically within 8 weeks. Employers can opt for a pre-licence priority service, which costs an additional £500, to expedite the decision process to 10 working days. However, the priority service has limited availability and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Why choosing MGBe Legal for Global Business Mobility (GBM) Sponsor Licence process?
Trust MGBe Legal to make the Global Business Mobility Sponsor Licence process seamless and hassle-free.
Latest from Our Blogs:
Benchmarking and performance metrics
20+
Years of expertise in immigration services
200+
Complex cases resolved annually
100%
Client satisfaction
Immigration Assistance
Expert services for individuals seeking UK immigration and visa support.
FAQs
1What is a Global Business Mobility Sponsor Licence?
It allows UK businesses to sponsor overseas workers for temporary assignments under specific visa categories.
2Who is eligible for this licence?
Businesses with an established UK presence, genuine vacancies, suitable HR systems, and financial stability.
3What visa categories fall under this licence?
Senior specialist, secondment, UK expansion, service supplier, and graduate trainee visas.
4What are the compliance requirements for sponsors?
Maintaining accurate records, timely reporting to the Home Office, and ensuring workers meet visa conditions.
5Why choose MGBe Legal for this licence?
They provide expert legal advice, proven success, and a compliance-focused, tailored approach.
6How long does it take to obtain a Global Business Mobility Sponsor Licence?
The standard processing time is typically 8 weeks from application submission. Employers can opt for a priority service by paying an additional £500 fee, which expedites the decision to 10 working days, though priority availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
7Do I need to renew my Global Business Mobility Sponsor Licence?
No, once approved and issued by the Home Office, the licence does not require renewal and will remain valid indefinitely. However, it can be revoked by the Home Office in certain circumstances if compliance breaches occur, or you can voluntarily surrender it.
8What is the relationship between UK business and overseas business?
Your UK company must be linked to the overseas company you're sponsoring workers from through common ownership or control, a joint venture, or similar business structure. You must provide evidence of this linkage, such as organizational charts or partnership agreements.
9What financial documents do I need to submit to my application?
You must provide recent bank statements or audited accounts to demonstrate financial stability. Additionally, you'll need evidence of PAYE registration, VAT registration (if applicable), and employer liability insurance to prove legitimate business operations and capability to meet sponsorship obligations.
10What happens once my Global Business Mobility Sponsor Licence is approved?
Once approved, your organisation is added to the Home Office's online register of licensed sponsors and can immediately issue Certificates of Sponsorship (COS) to eligible overseas workers under the GBM routes. You must then maintain ongoing compliance with record-keeping and reporting duties.
