Global Business Mobility Visa (GBM Visa)
Business immigration solicitors for UK employers
Our Business Immigration solicitors understand that a global workforce is essential for organisations looking to succeed in today’s economy. Our Immigration team supports companies needing to navigate the UK’s complex immigration system.
We specialise in providing tailored and strategic solutions for both employers and private clients across all sectors. Whether you're a dynamic start-up looking to bring in specialist skills, a growing SME expanding your international reach, or a large multinational managing global talent mobility, we have the expertise to provide your business with bespoke support to ensure you navigate the intricacies of immigration law effectively.
What services do we offer?
We know employers frequently face challenges such as deciphering complex visa routes, meeting stringent salary thresholds, and ensuring continuous adherence to sponsor duties.
We offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to address the diverse needs of businesses and individuals. For employers, this includes:
- Sponsor Licence applications. We handle sponsor licence applications for UK employers, including pre-licence compliance checks and submission support.
- Supporting Skilled Worker Visa applications. We also support end-to-end Skilled Worker Visa applications, including Certificates of Sponsorship and advice on role eligibility and salary thresholds.
- Facilitating Global Mobility visas for internal transfers. Where you are transferring staff from an overseas entity, we can advise on the Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa routes and the sponsorship requirements that apply.
- Advising on critical visa compliance and auditing.
What business immigration issues can employers face?
Employers often face a range of complex business immigration challenges. Our team understand that businesses need to stay up to date with the ever-changing immigration rules and guidance, which in-turn can result in risks of Home Office compliance visits. If businesses are unaware of the changes, it can lead to penalties, fines, or even their licence being revoked.
As part of ongoing risk management, we can help you strengthen right to work compliance so your business is better protected from penalties and enforcement action.
We specialise in advising companies looking to expand their international workforce, by providing training and advising on the intricacies of immigration law to ensure you remain compliant.
We also have a comprehensive employment law team who can support businesses with their HR requirements and operations. Immigration and HR risk often overlap, which is why we collaborate with our employment law solicitors who can also support policies, workforce changes and provide day-to-day HR advice.
Which businesses can we help?
We assist businesses of all sizes and across multiple sectors including start-ups, SMEs, large corporations, and those in niche areas such as creative arts, sports, healthcare, and agriculture. For high-achieving individuals and specialist sectors, we can also advise on the Global Talent Visa route where eligibility applies.
Our support includes streamlining complex applications, ensuring robust compliance, educating HR teams, and acting as your professional intermediary with the Home Office. Advising on employment law and ensuring compliance in both fields.
Why choose our business immigration solicitors?
We are proud of our client-centric approach, unparalleled expertise and proven track record, which enables our team to support your business by providing strategic guidance, proactive communication, and bespoke solutions that always align with your commercial objectives..
Led by Business Immigration Partner Adam Haines, our team take a partner-led approach, which ensures you work directly with senior solicitors who specialise in complex immigration matters. We deliver strategic solutions that go beyond process, supporting your workforce strategy and ensuring compliance at every stage.
Operating out of Chester, Shrewsbury, Altrincham and The Wirral, we are well-placed to service businesses across England and Wales. As members of the International Advisory Group (IAG Global) we also have deep rooted connections with firms in over 70 jurisdictions worldwide enabling us to provide seamless support to businesses wherever they are located.
Our expertise in action
- Securing urgent Sponsor Licences after they were rejected
- Advising on Visit Visa applications and permitted activity exemption
- Advising on UK electronic travel authorisation
- Securing Skilled Worker Visas and supporting the long-term business input arising from the salary thresholds
- Advising on the relocation of a manufacturing site requiring of the dismantling of 60 machines
- Advising on acquisitions and TUPE transfer implications.
Where business sales or restructures affect sponsored staff, our team can advise on TUPE implications alongside sponsor compliance responsibilities.
FAQs
What does business immigration mean?
Business immigration refers to the legal processes that allow UK employers to recruit and employ overseas talent. It includes securing a Sponsor Licence, managing Certificates of Sponsorship and supporting visa applications for skilled workers and global transfers.
Who needs a Sponsor Licence?
Any UK business that wishes to employ non‑UK workers under a Skilled Worker Visa or other sponsored route must hold a valid Sponsor Licence. Without one, an organisation cannot lawfully hire most overseas employees. It also opens a whole pool of recourses and a potential for a more diverse workforce.
What is the difference between a Skilled Worker Visa and a Global Mobility Visa?
A Skilled Worker Visa enables employers to recruit international workers for specific roles that meet certain skill and salary thresholds. A Global Mobility Visa is designed for companies that need to transfer existing employees to the UK from an overseas branch.
