UK Expansion Worker Visa
The UK expansion worker Visa allow foreigners to migrate to the UK to set up a branch or subsidiary of their overseas business, which will then allow them to switch to another visa that will lead to permanent residency. Applicants can apply to become UK permanent residents after living in the UK for 5 years with a qualifying visa that leads to settlement.
UK Expansion Worker Visa Benefits
Residency and Family Inclusion
- Enables a senior employee of an overseas company to move
to the UK and run a new branch or subsidiary.
Dependents included:
- Spouse;
- children under 18;
- children over 18 currently in the UK as a dependent.
Travel and Quality of Life
- One of the highest standards of living in the world and is a member of the G-7 group of countries.
- A high standard education and healthcare system.
- Access to business opportunities throughout Europe.
UK Expansion Worker Visa Requirements
UK Expansion Worker Visa
To qualify for the UK Expansion Worker Visa the applicant must:
- Currently work for an overseas employer that has been
active and trading for at least 3 years. - The overseas company must establish a new UK branch or
company as a subsidiary of the overseas business. - Have worked for the employer outside the UK for at least 12
months prior to date of application (some exceptions apply). - Have a valid certificate of sponsorship from the employer.
- Perform a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations.
- Be sponsored to undertake a genuine job in the UK.
- Be paid the minimum eligible salary required for the job or
at least £45,800 (whichever is higher). - Have sufficient funds – at least £1,270 available held for at
least 28 consecutive days before the date of application.
UK Permanent Residency
- Can apply to become UK permanent residents after living in the UK
for 5 years with a qualifying visa that leads to settlement. - Must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-
month period. - Must demonstrate a knowledge of the English language and life in
the UK.
UK Citizenship
- Must have lived for at least 5 years continuously in the UK.
- Must have held Permanent Residence (ILR) for at least 1 year.
- Must not have spent more than a total of 450 days outside the UK
during the 5 years of living in the UK. - Not be ineligible for citizenship under the UK Immigration Rules.
the UK.
UK Expansion Worker Visa Process
Due Diligence And Application
- Overseas business must establish a UK subsidiary company.
- The UK business must obtain a Sponsorship Licence to be able to
sponsor the applicant. - The UK business must issue a certificate of sponsorship to the
applicant.
Approval And Investment
- Within 3 months of issuing certificate of sponsorship, the applicant
must apply for the UK Expansion Worker visa. - Applicant must attend a Visa Application Centre for biometrics.
Residency
- Visa will be issued for 1 year and may be extended for a further year
for a maximum of 2 years in total. - Once a UK trading presence is established, the applicant can switch
to a Skilled Worker visa. - Can apply for settlement after holding Skilled Worker visa for 5
years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
Eligibility for the UK Expansion Worker Visa requires a certificate of sponsorship, at least 12 months employment with the parent company outside the UK, a job on the list of eligible occupations, and minimum salary requirements. Applicants must also show sufficient funds, pay the health surcharge, and have no criminal convictions or health issues.
How long is the UK Expansion Worker Visa valid?
The UK Expansion Worker Visa is generally valid for 1 year from the job start date as per the Certificate of Sponsorship, or the time on the certificate plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.
What are the requirements for the overseas business under the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
An overseas business must not be currently trading in the UK and must operate for at least 3 years overseas to qualify for setting up a UK branch or subsidiary.
How long must the applicant have been employed by the overseas business before applying?
Applicants must have been employed by the overseas business for at least 12 months, unless they earn over £73,900 annually or are establishing a UK branch under specific trade agreements.
What are the job requirements for obtaining a UK Expansion Worker Visa?
Job requirements for the UK Expansion Worker Visa include having a role on the list of eligible occupations, performing a genuine job in the UK, and meeting or exceeding the minimum salary threshold of £42,400 or the job’s standard rate.
Can holders of the UK Expansion Worker Visa extend their stay in the UK?
UK Expansion Worker Visa holders can extend their stay for an additional 12 months, but the total time allowed in the UK may be affected by previous stays on similar visas.
Does the UK Expansion Worker Visa allow automatic work rights in other EU countries?
Eligibility for the UK Expansion Worker Visa requires a certificate of sponsorship, at least 12 months employment with the parent company outside the UK, a job on the list of eligible occupations, and minimum salary requirements. Applicants must also show sufficient funds, pay the health surcharge, and have no criminal convictions or health issues.
Can the spouse and minor children of the applicant benefit from the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
Dependents of UK Expansion Worker Visa holders, including spouses and minor children, can accompany the main applicant and are permitted to work or study in the UK.
Does the UK Expansion Worker Visa lead to permanent settlement?
The UK Expansion Worker Visa does not directly lead to settlement, but holders may switch to a visa category that allows for this after establishing a UK trading presence.
When is the applicant eligible to apply for UK permanent residence?
Eligibility for permanent residence requires 5 years of residence in the UK on a visa that leads to settlement.
When can the applicant apply for UK citizenship?
Eligibility for British citizenship requires at least 5 years of UK residency and 1 year of permanent residence, along with fulfilling other residency and language requirements.
Does the UK recognize dual citizenship?
The UK recognizes dual or multiple citizenships, allowing individuals to hold nationality in more than one country simultaneously.