In today’s fast-evolving global job market, skilled professionals and multinational companies are increasingly looking for flexible ways to access international talent and explore cross-border career opportunities. The UK Global Mobility Route, launched in 2022, is a game-changer in this space. This visa pathway is designed for businesses and professionals seeking to expand, relocate, or transfer talent into the United Kingdom without the limitations of traditional immigration routes.
If you’re aiming to work or establish your company presence in the UK, understanding this route could be your golden ticket. Whether you’re an employee being transferred by a global company or a business leader exploring expansion, the UK Global Mobility Visa simplifies the process of legally entering and working in the UK. And with the guidance of experts like Avian Global, the process becomes smooth, strategic, and stress-free.
What is the UK Global Mobility Route?
The UK Global Mobility Route is a set of sponsored immigration pathways introduced under the UK’s points-based immigration system. It replaces and enhances the older Intra-Company Transfer Visa with multiple sub-categories that cater to varying business and professional needs.
This route supports international organizations transferring employees, sending specialists for short-term assignments, or setting up new branches in the UK. It is designed to strengthen the UK’s appeal to international talent and investment, while also making visa access more efficient and relevant to modern business needs.
Types of UK Global Mobility Visas
There are five main categories under the Global Mobility Route:
1. Senior or Specialist Worker
Ideal for experienced professionals being transferred to the UK to work for a branch of their overseas employer.
- Minimum salary: £45,800 or £23.00/hour (as of 2025)
- Must have worked with the employer overseas for at least 12 months
2. Graduate Trainee
For recent graduates being transferred to the UK as part of a structured training program.
- Minimum salary: £24,220
- Job must be on the eligible list of skilled occupations
3. UK Expansion Worker
For foreign businesses expanding into the UK market.
- Must not yet be trading in the UK
- Allows sending a senior representative to set up operations
4. Service Supplier
Applicable under international trade agreements, allowing foreign workers to provide contractual services in the UK.
- Professionals must meet skill and qualification requirements
- Common for IT, engineering, and business consulting fields
5. Secondment Worker
For workers being seconded to the UK by an overseas company under a high-value contract or investment.
- Must demonstrate a contractual relationship between companies
- Used for project-based assignments or service delivery
Why the Global Mobility Route Matters
This route aligns with the UK’s goal of being a global business hub post-Brexit. It benefits not only UK-based employers but also professionals and companies across the globe looking for smoother mobility and access to the UK economy.
Key Benefits:
- Faster processing times compared to traditional routes
- No English language requirement for most categories
- No Immigration Skills Charge for Graduate Trainees
- Sponsorship flexibility for eligible companies
- Simplified compliance and documentation pathways
- Ideal for temporary stays and assignments without permanent settlement concerns
However, note that most Global Mobility visas do not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). They’re meant for temporary work or expansion, making them perfect for short-term goals.
Eligibility Criteria
Each category under the Global Mobility Route has unique criteria, but here are some common eligibility requirements:
- You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-licensed sponsor
- The job must meet skill and salary thresholds
- The role must be genuine and appropriate
- You may need to demonstrate previous employment with the sponsor
- Evidence of maintenance funds (unless certified by the sponsor)
Required Documents
To apply, most candidates will need:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Valid passport or travel ID
- Proof of employment with the overseas entity
- Salary and role details
- TB test results (for certain countries)
- Proof of relationship for dependents
- UK business registration documents (for UK Expansion Workers)
Visa duration varies based on the route, typically ranging from 6 months to 5 years with extension options in most cases.
Avian Global: Your Expert Partner in Global Mobility
Navigating the UK’s immigration system can be complex—especially when dealing with categories as nuanced as Global Mobility. That’s where Avian Global comes in.
As a trusted international consultancy, Avian Global specializes in skilled migration, talent transfer, and business expansion solutions. Their expertise in UK immigration makes them the perfect partner for professionals and companies seeking to utilize the Global Mobility Route.
Why Choose Avian Global?
- ✅ End-to-End Support: From sponsorship setup to document preparation and visa filing
- ✅ Business Advisory: Assistance with UK business registration and expansion strategy
- ✅ Compliance Assurance: Ensuring all legal and procedural requirements are met
- ✅ Fast-Track Solutions: Optimized for time-sensitive transfers and projects
- ✅ Global Reach: Offices in Kuwait, Qatar, and other regions for local accessibility
- ✅ Customized Advice: Tailored to your profession, industry, and company goals
Whether you’re an HR head looking to move staff across borders, a tech professional heading for a client project, or an entrepreneur planning UK expansion, Avian Global provides the guidance and execution support you need.
Final Thoughts
The UK Global Mobility Route is more than just a visa—it’s a strategic pathway that opens new doors for businesses and individuals alike. By leveraging this route, you can unlock global career opportunities, strengthen international partnerships, and gain a foothold in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
With the right visa strategy and expert assistance from Avian Global, your journey to the UK can be faster, easier, and fully compliant with immigration law.
So, whether you’re looking to scale your business or elevate your career—now is the time to go global.