The Home Office UK has made some important adjustments to the UK immigration laws for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to start a firm or branch there.
The Home Office revised, amended, and added additional visa routes to Appendix Global Business Mobility on April 11, 2022.
How can a UK Expansion Worker visa be used to open a branch of a foreign corporation in the UK?
The UK Expansion Worker visa is available to international employees who are accepting temporary employment in the UK. Senior management or a specialist in that overseas company must be the employee. Remember that if your company hasn't already done business in the UK, your only option is to use the UK Expansion Worker visa to open a branch there.
If the company is already established in the UK, workers should instead apply for a "Global Business Mobility - Senior or Specialist Worker visa."
Even though the UK Expansion Worker visa does not grant permanent residency in the UK, the candidate may switch to a skilled worker visa, which does allow settlement.
Required paperwork for a worker visa under UK expansion
If you wish to establish an Expansion Worker branch of a foreign corporation in the UK, you must meet all conditions. When applying for a UK Expansion Worker visa, the following papers are required:
- Carry a certificate of sponsorship
- Evidence that you have worked for the company for at least a year, such as pay stubs, bank statements, etc.
- A balance sheet, profit and loss statement, etc., are examples of evidence indicating the company has been in operation for at least three years.
- The applicant has a valid passport.
- Proof that the applicant has the funds necessary in their own accounts to cover their stay in the UK. For instance, bank statements.
- As proof of a connection, children or a spouse (if they are applying along with the applicant).
- TB test outcomes (if required)
How much does a visa for UK expansion workers start at?
According to the UK Expansion Worker visa regulations, the wage requirements for UK Expansion Workers are as follows:
The applicant's yearly income must be at least £42,400 or, if greater, the "going rate" for that specific occupational role.
Every profession code has a unique annual going rate.
Using a UK Expansion Worker visa to pursue a settlement and build a UK branch
Setting up a branch in the UK with a UK Expansion Worker visa has several benefits, but it does not lead to permanent residency. Although it has a one-year validity period, this visa's validity can be extended for an additional year.
In order to be eligible for settlement, applicants can switch to a skilled worker visa if their business can meet the requirements in less than a year. If not, you can make a change and have your visa renewed in two years.
A UK Skilled Worker visa is valid for five years. As a result, you have six years to submit an application for an indefinite leave to remain.
Click here to read more about some alternatives for setting up a business in the UK
In summary
The UK Expansion employee will help businesses set up shop in the UK and expand to a country with a booming economy. Since the UK Sole Representative visa path has been closed, the UK Expansion Worker visa is the best choice for starting a branch in the UK.
Many of the clients who sought our UK immigration attorneys' help with their immigration went on to launch international businesses in the UK.
Our expert team will examine your supporting documents and application to make sure there are no delays or rejections. In addition to Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru in India. Additionally, we provide worldwide clients with Zoom and Skype sessions. We also encourage clients to visit us in person at our offices.