UK Expansion Worker Visa
UK Expansion Worker Visa – Global Business Mobility Route
The UK Expansion Worker Visa allows foreign nationals to set up a branch of an overseas business that has not started trading in the United Kingdom yet. Only applicants who already work for the business as a senior manager or specialist employee are eligible for this visa.
Foreign companies looking to broaden their reach in the United Kingdom have the ability to temporarily designate experienced executives and skilled staff members, such as entrepreneurs, to establish a British branch.
UK Expansion Workers are initially entitled to a one-year permission. There is an option to extend this permission for an additional year, making a total maximum duration of continuous work for up to two years.
Regardless of continuity, this path has a maximum time constraint known as an overall limit. This limit allows individuals to spend a total of five years within a span of six years.
In the event that you desire to extend your stay in the United Kingdom beyond the specified period, you must transition onto the Skilled Worker visa.
Settlement as an Expansion Worker is an unattainable goal. The allocation for sponsorship of Expansion Workers by most companies is limited to 5 individuals, and these workers are granted the privilege of bringing their families along.
To embark on their international endeavour, the foreign enterprise must initially seek and obtain the Sponsor License for the Global Business Mobility Route.
Upon receiving the Sponsor Licence from the Home Office, the business gains the authority to allocate the Certificate of Sponsorship to the senior employee representing the overseas company. This individual will be responsible for supervising and facilitating the company’s expansion into the United Kingdom.
For you to apply for the UK Expansion Worker visa all you will need to provide is the following:
- your certificate of sponsorship reference number – your employer will give you this
- a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
- your job title and annual salary
- your job’s occupation code
- the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number – this will be on your certificate of sponsorship
- evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example bank statements( see below)
- proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you
- your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country( you are exempt as a US national)
The visa application currently take around 8 weeks to consider.
Processing can take longer if there is higher than usual demand and or additional queries are raised.
For more information on our UK Expansion Worker Visas, please get in contact where we would love to discuss how we could help you in your application.
Learn MoreOther documents you might need:
Depending on your circumstances, you might be asked to provide:
- evidence you’ve worked for your employer outside the UK
- a valid ATAS certificateif your employer tells you that you need one because your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher
When you apply for a UK Expansion Worker visa, you’ll need to have enough money to:
- pay the £259 application fee
- pay the healthcare surcharge – this is usually £624 per year
- support yourself when you arrive in the UK – you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)
Money to support yourself:
- You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK.
- You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply.
If you require assistance with applying for the UK Expansion Worker Visa, please contact us for a quote.
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