Expansion Worker (Global Business Mobility)

The Expansion Worker replaces the Sole Representative route from the 11^{th of} April 2022. Through this route you are able to come to the UK to set up a branch of an overseas business that has not started trading in the UK yet. You must work for the overseas business as either a senior manager or specialist employee.

Workers with permission on the Representative of an Overseas business route can continue to apply for extensions and settlement in that route and are not expected to switch to GBM routes (but they can if they meet the requirements but will not be able to settle on this route if they do).

The Expansion Worker category is similar to its predecessor but with some changes, including, allowing the sponsorship of up to five employees of the overseas business, making it easier for the business to grow more quickly with multiple workers to establish a new branch. However, unlike its predecessor companies will need to provide substantial evidence that they can fund the UK expansion as well as further company information.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify you must:

• Be employed by a branch or subsidiary of an established overseas business that hasn’t begun trading in the UK
• Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Have a job on the list of eligible occupations
• Be skilled up to at least RQF Level 6 (graduate equivalent) – this does not mean that you need to hold a degree, but the job role must be equivalent to a graduate-level role.
• Meet the salary threshold of £42,400 or the ‘going-rate’ for your job, whichever is higher.
• Have worked for your employer outside the UK for at least 12 months unless you earn a salary of at least £73,900 (in a maximum 48-hour job) you do not need to have worked outside the UK for 12 months.
• Japanese nationals establishing a UK branch or subsidiary under the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement do not need to have worked outside of the UK for 12 months.

With the visa you can:

• Work for your employer
• Study
• Travel abroad and return to the UK
• Do voluntary work
• Bring your dependant family members over on a dependant visa

You cannot:

• Access public funds
• Change jobs
• Have a second job
• Gain permanent settlement

Length of Stay

The end date for applicants will be whichever is earlier:

• End date on CoS plus 14 days
• 1 year after the work start date on the CoS
• The date the applicant has continuous permission as a UK Expansion Worker totalling 2 years

You can extend your stay by 12 months but the maximum stay on this route is 2 years.

Settlement

The UK Expansion Worker route does not lead to settlement in the UK. However, you may be eligible to apply for leave to remain under a different immigration route if you are eligible.

When should you apply?

You can apply for an Expansion Worker visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK as listed in the CoS.

Our team has experience in assisting employers and skilled workers in many established companies. If you require assistance on the Expansion Worker visa or any other immigration matters please get in touch at [email protected] or talk to one of our friendly experts on 01403 801801.