Can I work for my US company in the UK with a work visa?

If you are an employee of a US-based company that wishes for you to work in the UK on their behalf, you may be able to do so under the Global Business Mobility route (GBM).

What is the GBM route?

The UK is a prominent destination for international business professionals, offering various routes for immigration through the Global Business Mobility (GBM) scheme. If you are considering moving to the UK for work, you may fall into one of the five GBM schemes.

What are my options?

>> Senior or Specialist Worker route

A Senior or Specialist Worker visa is designed for senior managers or specialist employees undertaking a temporary assignment for a UK business linked to their overseas employer.

>> Graduate Trainee route

The Graduate Trainee route is made for overseas workers on a graduate training programme leading to either a senior management or specialist position which requires the trainee to undertake a placement in the UK.

>> UK Expansion Worker route

The UK Expansion Worker route is specifically created for senior managers or specialist employees transferred to the UK to assist with business expansion. This route applies where the UK company has been  formed but has not yet begun to trade.

>> Service Supplier route

The Service Supplier route is for contractual service suppliers or self-employed independent professionals based overseas looking to undertake temporary assignments in the UK. This route only applies where migrant provides a service to a UK business under a contract that is covered by a valid international trade agreement.

>> Secondment Worker route

The Secondment Worker is an immigration route that requires the migrant to be an existing employee of an overseas organisation that has a high-value contract with a UK business sponsor which has been approved by the Home Office.

It is important to note that each GBM route has specific requirements and processes; however, none of them lead to indefinite leave to remain in the UK. If the aim is to remain in the UK permanently, you may need to consider a Skilled Worker visa.  It is advisable to consult with immigration experts to understand the best immigration route based on your circumstances.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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