Senior managers or specialist employees who have been working for their company outside the UK for at least 12 months are eligible. Exceptions to the 12-month requirement include individuals earning over £73,900, Japanese nationals working for a Japanese company that is expanding to the UK, and Australian nationals or permanent residents working for an Australian company expanding to the UK. These roles should be critical to the company's expansion plans within the UK.

The minimum salary required for an Expansion Worker depends on their role within the company. For lower-level roles, the minimum annual salary is £38,700. For higher roles such as Chief Executives and senior officials, the minimum is £84,100 per annum. These figures are the base salaries excluding bonuses, commissions, or any other benefits, and must be met to comply with the visa requirements.

Applicants must demonstrate that their overseas business has a genuine intent to establish a UK operation. The company must provide a detailed business plan, evidence of financial stability, and confirm that the applicant has the necessary skills and experience to undertake the role in the UK.

No, unlike other work visas such as the Skilled Worker Visa, the Expansion Worker Visa does not require applicants to meet a specific English language proficiency level, making it accessible for those who may not yet meet the language requirements for other visa categories.

For the UK Expansion Worker Visa, there isn't a mandatory requirement for the company to appoint a UK-based director or Level A user initially. Senior personnel or directors from the overseas company can enter the UK to undertake the expansion work. However, once these Expansion Workers are in the UK, a UK resident must be appointed as a Level A user to ensure compliance with Home Office regulations​.

Yes, you can bring your dependent family members with you, including your spouse and children under the age of 18.

As the Expansion Worker Visa is initially granted for one year, your expenses for a single application would be around £25,000. This includes the costs for preparing a business plan, government fees, legal fees, visa application fees, and the NHS surcharge. For a family of four, the total expenses would be approximately £30,000.

No, the visa is designed for temporary assignments in the UK and does not directly lead to settlement. However, visa holders can switch to other categories, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, which can lead to permanent residence after meeting certain criteria.

After the visa expires, you must either leave the UK, switch to another visa category, or apply for an extension if applicable. Extensions are granted based on the business's progress and ongoing need for your role in the UK.

Far far away, behind the word The processing time for an Expansion Worker Visa can vary based on several factors such as the completeness of the application, the nature of the business, and the detail of its business plan. Generally, the initial review of documents and the business plan can take about 4 to 6 weeks. Overall, the timeline for processing can range from 12 weeks to 6 months. Applications from businesses with well-established revenue streams and robust growth potential may be processed more quickly, facilitating a smoother transition for the expansion into the UK market.

If your company's sponsor licence application is refused, it's crucial to note that the refusal affects the company itself, not individual directors, shareholders, or employees. This means it does not impact your personal immigration history. The company is eligible to reapply after six months, providing an opportunity to address any deficiencies highlighted in the initial refusal. During this waiting period, it is advisable to carefully prepare by rectifying the reasons for the refusal to increase the likelihood of approval upon reapplication. In instances where the refusal seems based on unreasonable conclusions by a caseworker, it may be appropriate to request a review or consider legal action, such as an appeal to the high court, to challenge the decision.

It's essential to recognize the impact of submitting a poorly prepared sponsor licence application, typically seen with inexperienced consultants. A refusal not only delays your plans but can tarnish your company's immigration record, making subsequent applications more challenging. This underscores the importance of partnering with experienced and reputable legal professionals. Working with seasoned lawyers ensures that your application is logical, well-prepared, and aligned with UK immigration laws, significantly reducing the risk of unnecessary refusals and enhancing the likelihood of a successful reapplication.

To begin the application process for an Expansion Worker Visa, please contact us to arrange an initial consultation. During this meeting, we'll assess your overseas company's intentions and confirm eligibility requirements. Our comprehensive services include support in establishing your UK branch and overseeing the professional drafting of your business plan. To be eligible, your business should not yet have started trading in the UK. Once the sponsor licence is secured, we will obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from the Home Office, which will enable us to apply for your entry clearance. This permits you to legally enter the UK and begin working at your new UK branch office.