Global Business Mobility Sponsor Licence - the imminova Guide

The Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes offer powerful options for international companies to transfer staff to the UK or establish a UK presence. Whether you're sending graduate trainees, senior executives, or independent service suppliers, you’ll need a GBM sponsor licence before any visa can be issued.

This guide covers who the GBM licence is for, how to apply, the costs involved, and how to avoid common pitfalls - with practical imminova insights woven throughout.

1️⃣ What Is the Global Business Mobility Sponsor Licence?

The GBM sponsor licence allows UK-based or linked overseas companies to sponsor overseas workers under five specific categories. These are not general work routes - each one has a defined purpose:

• Senior or Specialist Worker: For key staff transferred to a linked UK entity

• Graduate Trainee: For staff on overseas training schemes requiring UK placement

• UK Expansion Worker: For launching a UK branch or subsidiary

• Service Supplier: For overseas professionals delivering contractual services under UK trade agreements

• Secondment Worker: For secondments tied to high-value UK contracts or investment

💡 imminova Tip: Each GBM route is tightly defined and assessed for genuineness. Choosing the wrong route risks refusal or licence revocation. We guide clients to the correct match.

2️⃣ Who Is Eligible to Apply?

To qualify for a GBM sponsor licence, your business must show that it is:

• A genuine and lawful organisation, either operating in the UK or with credible expansion plans

• Linked to the overseas business (where required), typically by common ownership or control, or via a qualifying contract

• Offering employment that meets the relevant skill level and salary thresholds

• Compliant with sponsor duties, including HR systems and right to work checks

For UK Expansion Worker licences, your overseas business must also:

• Be actively trading overseas for at least 3 years

• Have a credible expansion plan and a UK footprint

• Not already be trading in the UK

💡 imminova Tip: Don’t underestimate how much scrutiny the Home Office gives your UK link. We help you document joint ownership structures, contracts, and expansion strategies in a way that aligns with Home Office expectations.

3️⃣ What Documents Are Required?

Supporting documentation must be sent within 5 working days of submitting the online application.

Typical documents include:

• Evidence of trading status (in the UK and/or overseas)

• Proof of ownership/control between entities

• Organisational charts, contracts, or agreements

• Expansion plans and financials (for UK Expansion Worker route)

• Proof of UK footprint (e.g. Companies House registration, business address)

💡 imminova Tip: Many applications fail because they rely on vague or generic evidence. Our platform walks you through exactly what to upload, tailored to your route, and alerts you before deadlines are missed.

4️⃣ Key Personnel and SMS Access

When applying, you must appoint:

• An Authorising Officer: usually a senior person with overall responsibility

• A Level 1 User: who manages the online Sponsorship Management System (SMS)

• A Key Contact: the Home Office’s main point of communication

For the UK Expansion Worker route, special rules apply - your Authorising Officer may still be overseas, and a UK footprint is required, even if you don’t have full operations yet.

💡 imminova Tip: We often see applications delayed due to unsuitable key personnel (e.g. someone with a recent visa breach). We screen your team in advance to ensure all roles meet Home Office standards.

5️⃣ How Much Does It Cost?

Here’s a breakdown of typical fees associated with a GBM licence:

Item	Cost (Small/Charitable)	Cost (Medium/Large)
Sponsor licence (Senior or Specialist Worker)	£574	£1,579
Sponsor licence (all other GBM routes)	£574	£574
Immigration Skills Charge	£364 + £182 per 6 months	£1,000 + £500 per 6 months
Certificate of Sponsorship	£525 (Senior/Specialist)	£525
CoS (all other GBM routes)	£55	£55

💡 Imminova Tip:The Immigration Skills Charge only applies to Senior or Specialist Workers - don’t overpay. We flag which charges apply, based on your route and company profile.

6️⃣ Application Process: Step-by-Step

✅ Step 1: Decide which GBM route(s) apply to your needs

✅ Step 2: Prepare and collate supporting documents

✅ Step 3: Submit online sponsor licence application

✅ Step 4: Upload documents within 5 working days

✅ Step 5: Await a Home Office decision - they may conduct a compliance check

Processing times vary, but most GBM licence decisions are issued within 8 weeks (or faster with priority processing).

💡 imminova Tip: We track every stage for you - document submission, SMS status, decision timelines - and intervene fast if the Home Office requests clarification or a site visit.

7️⃣ If Approved: What Happens Next?

Once approved, your organisation:

• Is listed on the Register of Licensed Sponsors

• Can issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)

• Gains SMS access to manage your sponsorship duties

For most GBM routes, you’ll receive an A-rated licence, valid for 4 years. However, for the UK Expansion Worker route:

• Your licence may start with a provisional rating if your Authorising Officer is overseas

• Your ability to sponsor new workers expires after 2 years, unless you've transitioned to full UK operations

💡 imminova Tip: If you're on the UK Expansion route, we build a transition plan from provisional to permanent sponsor status - including timelines for converting to Skilled Worker or other routes once trading begins.

8️⃣ Compliance Matters - Don’t Drop the Ball

Even after approval, your obligations are far from over. Sponsors must:

• Report changes in employee or company details via SMS

• Keep detailed records (contracts, visa copies, work locations, salary changes)

• Monitor visa expiry dates and right to work

• Cooperate with Home Office compliance visits

• Assign CoS only for genuine, qualifying roles

💡 imminova Tip: Our platform auto-detects document types, tracks licence expiry dates, flags List B right to work checks, and gives HR users a compliance dashboard to stay inspection-ready.

Final Thoughts

The Global Business Mobility sponsor licence is a powerful tool - but only if used correctly. Whether you’re establishing your first UK presence or rotating senior staff from overseas, the GBM licence gives you flexibility with oversight.

The key is preparation, documentation, and ongoing compliance.

📩 Need help with your GBM licence or expansion strategy? Contact imminova's expert team and tech-powered tools help you navigate the process with confidence - and zero compliance gaps.