UK Expansion Worker Visa – Global Business Mobility

Requirements for UK expansion workers

To be eligible to apply for leave under the UK Expansion Workers route, applicants must:

• Have worked for the sponsor group for at least 12 months, unless they are high earners or are Japanese / Australian nationals relying on relevant trade agreements
• Have a job code and receive at least £45,800 gross per annum or the appropriate annual salary for their role, whichever is greater
• Be working in a genuine role by showing they have the appropriate skills, qualifications and experience to do the job
• Provide proof that personnel have been appointed to manage the sponsor licence
• Provide the history of immigration compliance by the sponsor
• Prove that the company intends, and is able, to establish a new UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary of an established overseas business within two years by providing an expansion plan
• Prove that the company has a UK footprint, either by evidence of a UK premises for the business, or by showing that a business has been registered with Companies House
  Submit evidence to show that the overseas business has been active and trading for at least three years, and trading throughout the 12-month period immediately prior to a sponsor licence application

Successful applicants will be granted permission to enter for up to one year initially, and can extend their permission to remain for one further year. Two years is the maximum period that a UK Expansion Worker can stay in the UK. This is because UKVI expects businesses to have established a trading presence in the UK within two years.

Workers are able to stay longer in the UK if they meet the requirements to make a switch to either the Senior or Specialist Worker category of the GBM, or the Skilled Worker category. However, the organisation will need to add the relevant sponsor licence first.

Why choose Latitude Law?

The process of sending overseas workers to the UK temporarily can be complex and tricky to navigate, and so our solicitors have helped many thought leaders, innovators and business people to work and establish their businesses in the UK. Our deep understanding of the law means you can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to ensure your application is successful.

We are here to help with your immigration needs so you can achieve your business goals in the UK. Our service includes:

• Advising on the appropriate type of sponsorship application
• Assisting with your sponsor licence application
• Helping to gather the appropriate supporting documents
• Making sure you are meeting the relevant sponsor compliance duties
• Advising on assigning Certificates of Sponsorship
• Making applications for sponsor licence renewals

If you are looking to expand your business into the UK, get in touch with Latitude Law today for expert advice and representation.