The UK Expansion Worker visa falls under the Global Business Mobility visa. This visa allows a worker of an overseas business to come to the UK to establish a new branch or subsidiary of their employer's company. Those senior managers/specialist employees who have worked continuously for their overseas employer for at least 12 months are eligible for application under this visa. The UK Expansion Worker visa may be granted for up to 12 months, subject to the possibility of an extension for 12 months, which means applicants can stay up to 2 years.
The article elaborates on requirements, eligibility criteria, application procedure, and other relevant information with respect to the UK Expansion Worker visa.
What is the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
UK Expansion Worker—Senior manager or specialist employee of an overseas business who wants to set up a new UK branch or subsidiary. The UK included This visa in the Global Business Mobility Visa Scheme 2022. It aims to ease the way towards the UK for business migration. The holder can work in the UK for 12 months or extend it for another 12 months; however, the maximum stay is limited to two years. Immigration Advice Service Immigration Advice Service .
Eligibility Criteria for UK Expansion Worker Visa
Several criteria are needed to be satisfied if a person is to be eligible for an Expansion Worker visa for UK entry:
Certificate of Sponsorship
The applicant must have a valid document of Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved UK Sponsor confirming the details of the job offer.
Work experience
The overseas entity must have employed the applicant for at least 12 months before the application. Discretion can, however, be exercised if an applicant earns an annual salary of £73,900 or above or if they are Japanese nationals relocating to the UK to work for a Japanese company opening a UK branch.
Job position
The occupation must be on the list of permissible occupations. In that way, the candidate would be filling a real job vacancy in a UK company.
Salary requirements
The applicant has to be paid at least £48,500 per annum or the market rate for the job, whichever is higher.
Personal savings requirement
The applicant must have personal savings of at least £1,270 to support themselves in the UK. This amount of money has to be continuous for at least 28 days leading up to making an application.
Application Process for the UK Expansion Worker Visa
A UK Expansion Worker visa application is online and can be done through the official website of the UK Government. The significant steps are:
Arrange your documents
Collect all the documents according to the application requirements. This shall include a valid passport, CoS, proof of your employment history, and evidence of sufficient funds, among other documents that might be required, such as tuberculosis test results, in case you need them.
Submit your application
You are required to fill in your application form online, followed by the payment of the application fee, which is £298. You will also need to pay for the immigration healthcare surcharge, which costs £1,035 per year.
Biometric information
You will need to provide fingerprints and a photograph at a local visa application centre for your biometric residence permit.
Wait for a decision
This UK Expansion Worker visa receives a decision from an application in an approximate period of about three weeks when applying from overseas, while from inside the UK, it can take up to eight weeks.
How Long Does Expansion Worker Visa Last?
A UK Expansion Worker visa can be granted for the shortest period, a maximum of 12 months from the commencement date of the job, as shown on the certificate of sponsorship, or 14 days after the work has ended. Students may apply for an extension but only once more, for a maximum total stay of 2 years. However, UK Expansion Workers are subject to the maximum cumulative period for any other Global Business Mobility visa route. Therefore, if they have already held any GBM visa or are intra-company graduate trainees or transferees, such workers can only stay in the UK for a maximum of 5 years within a six-year limit.
The UK Expansion Worker visa does not lead directly to settlement. Senior or specialist employees can apply for leave to remain in a different immigration route if they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
Extending or Switching the Visa
This UK Expansion Worker visa can be extended for another 12 months, but this can be a maximum of two years. To extend this type of visa, you must still work for the same employer in the same job role. This can be switched to other visa categories in the UK, except for a few, such as visitor visa or short-term student visa categories.
Obligations and Prohibitions
While holding a UK Expansion Worker visa, you are entitled to work for the job described in your CoS, bring eligible dependents into the UK, study, and travel abroad. However, You cannot take on additional employment or claim public funds.
Always Get Professional Assistance
The UK Expansion Worker visa provides an invaluable route for businesses looking to establish a footprint in the country. Successful entry by senior managers and specialist employees can be achieved if all requirements regarding this type of visa have been observed and an application process concerning the complexities of UK immigration law has been followed.
If you need professional guidance in your Global Business Mobility visa application, look ahead and contact A Y J Solicitors. A team of experts can guide you through the application's accurate and efficient completion with peace of mind and at the best for establishing your business in the UK.
A Y J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with the UK Expansion Worker visa. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us at +44 20 7404 7933. We’re here to help!
