Navigating the world of business visas can be daunting, especially when you're looking to expand or establish your business presence in the UK. The UK, with its rich history of trade and commerce, offers a range of Global Business Mobility visas tailored to different business needs. These visas are designed to foster international collaboration, trade, and investment. Here's a breakdown of these specialized visa routes:
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa:
Overview: Ideal for senior managers or specialist employees, this visa facilitates intra-company transfers, allowing businesses to bring in their key personnel to the UK.
Key Details: With a minimum salary requirement of £45,800 per year, it's a route that doesn't lead to UK settlement but ensures seamless business operations.
The maximum total stay allowed for a Senior and Specialist Worker visa is:
5 years in any 6-year period if you are paid less than £73,900 a year
9 years in any 10-year period if you are paid £73,900 a year or more
Graduate Trainee Visa:
Overview: Designed for budding professionals on graduate training courses, this visa is the gateway for placements leading to senior or specialist roles.
Key Details: With a minimum salary benchmark set at £24,220 annually, it's a stepping stone for future leaders, ensuring that businesses can nurture their talent.
You can stay in the UK with a Graduate Trainee visa for whichever is shorter of:
the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days
12 months
You cannot extend your visa, but you can apply for another Graduate Trainee visa from outside the UK.
UK Expansion Worker Visa:
Overview: Tailored for senior managers or specialists, this visa is for those spearheading a business's UK expansion.
Key Details: Exclusive to businesses that haven't commenced trading in the UK, it has a minimum salary requirement of £45,800 per year, ensuring that businesses can set up their operations with the right leadership.
You can stay in the UK with a UK Expansion Worker visa for whichever is shorter of:
12 months after the start date of the job on your certificate of sponsorship
the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days
If you want to stay longer in the UK, you can extend your visa by 12 months.
The maximum time you can stay in the UK on a UK Expansion Worker visa is 2 years.
Service Supplier Visa:
Overview: A boon for international trade, this visa is for contractual service suppliers or independent professionals.
Key Details: Applicants must provide services covered by one of the UK’s international trade agreements, fostering international trade relations.
How long you can stay in the UK depends on the type of trade agreement you’re providing services under.
You can stay for whichever is the shorter of:
6 months or 12 months - this depends on the trade agreement you’re providing services under
the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days
The maximum you can stay on a Service Supplier visa is 6 or 12 months depending on the type of trade agreement you’re providing services under.
Secondment Worker Visa:
Overview: Perfect for professionals seconded to the UK for high-value contracts or investments.
Key Details: This visa emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in business, requiring applicants to have worked for an overseas business for at least 12 months.
You can stay in the UK with a Secondment Worker visa for whichever is shorter of:
12 months after the start date of the job detailed in your certificate of sponsorship
the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days
If you want to stay longer in the UK, you can extend your visa by 12 months. The maximum time you can stay in the UK on a Secondment Worker visa is 2 years.
The UK's Global Business Mobility visas offer a diverse range of options, ensuring that businesses and professionals can seamlessly integrate into the UK market. Whether you're a seasoned specialist, a graduate trainee, or spearheading a business expansion, there's a visa route tailored for you, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.
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