UK Expansion Worker Visa

Introducing the UK Expansion Worker Visa.

The UK Expansion Worker visa, part of the Global Worker Mobility Visa UK update, allows employees of overseas businesses to establish a branch or subsidiary in the UK. Here are the key points to remember:

·??????Sponsored Application: Applicants must be sponsored by their overseas employer, who needs to possess a sponsor licence and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.

·??????Media Professionals: Long-term assignments for employees from overseas media organisations still fall under the Representative of an Overseas Business visa scheme.

·??????Senior Managers or Specialists: The UK Expansion Worker visa is for senior managers or specialist employees being sent to the UK.

·??????Extension for Current Visa Holders: If you have a valid Representative of an Overseas Business visa, you can apply to extend your stay.

·??????Indirect Route to ILR: The UK Expansion Worker visa does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), but it allows you to switch to a different visa category to obtain ILR after residing in the UK for a qualifying period (typically 5 years).

·??????Accompanying Dependents: You can bring your spouse and children as dependents when relocating to the UK under the UK Expansion Worker visa.

·??????Duration of Stay: UK Expansion Worker visa holders can stay in the UK for up to 12 months (can be extended for another year provided you meet certain requirements)

Requirements for the UK Expansion Worker Visa:

·??????Valid Certificate of Sponsorship from the overseas employer

·??????Minimum 12 months of work experience with the employer outside the UK or earning over ￡73,900

·??????Occupations listed as eligible

·??????Minimum salary of ￡45,800 or the 'going rate' (whichever is higher)

·??????Adequate funds to support yourself in the UK

Sponsorship and Sponsor Licence Requirements:

To sponsor a worker under the UK Expansion Worker visa scheme, an overseas business must:

·??????Meet skill-level and salary requirements

·??????Provide genuine employment

·??????Comply with rules on third-party working (if applicable)

·??????Intend to establish a new UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary

·??????Not be trading in the UK presently

·??????Have a UK "footprint" with business premises in the UK and evidence of registration

·??????Demonstrate overseas trading presence in the 12 months before applying for a sponsor licence

·??????Present a detailed business plan for UK expansion with financial projections

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Employment Duration Requirement:

Unless earning over ￡73,900 or being a Japanese national working for a Japanese company planning UK expansion, applicants must have worked for their overseas employer for at least 1 year.

Eligible Occupation Requirement:

Ensure your job is listed as eligible by checking the Home Office's list of eligible occupations using the standard occupation code (SOC) provided by your employer.

Minimum Salary Requirement:

The minimum salary for the Expansion Worker Visa is ￡45,800 or the 'going rate' for the job role. This includes basic pay and additional guaranteed allowances.

Support Funds Requirement:

Applicants must have a minimum of ￡1,270 in their bank account as proof of funds to support themselves upon arrival in the UK. Some exceptions may apply for those already residing in the UK for 12 months or more.

Required Documents:

Documents necessary to support your Expansion Worker Visa application may include:

·??????Unique Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your employer

·??????Valid passport

·??????Job title and annual pay details

·??????Standard occupational code (SOC) for your job

·??????Employer details, including name and sponsor licence number

·??????Bank statements showing personal savings of at least ￡1,270

·??????Relationship evidence for dependents (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)

·??????Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)

·??????Additional documents based on individual circumstances may be required.

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Application Process:

To apply for the UK Expansion Worker visa, follow these steps:

·??????Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer.

·??????Complete and submit the online UK Expansion Worker Visa application form.

·??????Pay the application fee of ￡259 per person and other associated costs.

·??????Prove your identity through a biometric appointment or using the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' mobile app.

·??????Upload requested documents to support your application.

·??????Depending on the situation, an eligibility interview may be required before the Home Office makes a decision.

Fees:

The application fee for the Expansion Worker visa is ￡259 per person. Additional costs include a biometric fee of ￡19.20 and an immigration healthcare surcharge of ￡624, granting access to the National Health Service during the stay in the UK.

For more information and assistance with your UK Expansion Worker visa, contact CLS Solicitors today.

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