Overview
The UK Expansion Worker visa route is part of the UK’s Global Business Mobility (GBM) scheme, designed to allow overseas businesses to expand their operations in the UK. Here are the key details about this visa route:
Purpose:
The UK Expansion Worker visa allows a senior manager or specialist employee to come to the UK to establish a presence for a foreign company that is not yet trading in the UK.
Eligibility Checklist:
- Sponsorship: You must have a valid certificate of sponsorship from an approved UK sponsor, which will be the UK branch of the overseas company you work for.
- Job Role: Your role must be genuine, requiring skills at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or above.
- Salary: You must be paid at least £42,400 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher.
- Experience: You must have been working for the overseas business for at least 12 months prior to the application (unless you’re earning over £73,900 or more).
Application Process:
- Certificate of Sponsorship: Obtain a certificate of sponsorship from your employer, detailing your job and salary.
- Proof of Employment: Provide evidence of your employment and qualifications.
- Application: Complete the online visa application form, pay the application fee, and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Biometrics: Submit your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application center.
Duration and Extensions:
- Initial Duration: The visa is typically granted for a maximum of 1 year.
- Extensions: You can extend your visa for up to 1 additional year, bringing the total stay to a maximum of 2 years.
- Switching: You cannot switch to this visa from another visa category within the UK.
Conditions:
- Dependants: You can bring family members (spouse/partner and children under 18) with you.
- Work Restrictions: You can only work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship.
- No Public Funds: You cannot access public funds.
Key Benefits:
- Enables international businesses to establish a UK presence.
- Provides a pathway for senior managers and specialists to work in the UK.
This route is specifically aimed at facilitating the entry of employees of overseas businesses to establish a foothold in the UK market, promoting international business expansion and investment.
FAQ (Frequently asked questions):
The UK Expansion Worker Visa is part of the Global Business Mobility routes. It allows senior managers or specialist employees to come to the UK to work for a business that is expanding into the UK.
Eligibility criteria include:
- You must be employed by an overseas business that has no active trading presence in the UK.
- You must have worked for the overseas business outside the UK for at least 12 months.
- You must be a senior manager or specialist employee required for the expansion into the UK.
- You must meet the English language requirement.
- You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK sponsor.
- The cost for a UK Expansion Worker visa includes several components:
Application Fee: £298
Healthcare Surcharge: £1,035 per year2.
Personal Savings: You need to have at least £1,270 available to support yourself when you arrive in the UK.
- Is there anything else you need to know about the visa
A Certificate of Sponsorship is a reference number which holds information about the job and your personal details. It is not an actual certificate or paper document.
You will need:
- A valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality.
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
- Proof of your relationship with your dependents if they are applying with you.
- Tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test.
- Evidence that you have worked for your employer outside the UK (such as payslips or confirmation of your role).
You can stay in the UK for whichever is shorter of:
- 1 year after the start date of the job listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship
- 12 months
You may be able to extend your visa by up to another year, as long as your total stay is not more than 2 years.
Yes, you can extend your visa if you still meet the eligibility requirements. However, the maximum total stay allowed under this visa route is 2 years.
Yes, your partner and children can apply to join you in the UK as your dependents. They will need to pay the application fee, healthcare surcharge, and provide relevant documentation.
No, you cannot switch to a different visa category while in the UK on the UK Expansion Worker Visa. If you want to switch, you will need to leave the UK and apply for a different visa from outside the UK.
No, the UK Expansion Worker Visa does not lead directly to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK. However, you may be able to switch to a different visa route that does lead to settlement, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.
The processing time can vary, but you should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK. It’s advisable to apply as early as possible to ensure timely processing.
No, you can only work for the sponsor who provided your Certificate of Sponsorship. You cannot take up any other employment.
No, there is no requirement to provide proof of funds for this visa. However, your sponsor must confirm that they will maintain and accommodate you for the first month of your stay if needed.
Summary
The UK Expansion Worker Visa is designed for senior managers and specialist employees who need to come to the UK to establish a new branch or subsidiary for their overseas employer. It has specific eligibility criteria and does not lead directly to settlement in the UK. Always ensure to check the latest guidance and fees on the official UK government website as policies and fees are subject to change.
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