UK Business Expansion
UK’s Global Business Mobility Visa, specifically the UK Expansion Worker Visa, caters to senior managers and specialist employees seeking temporary assignments in the UK to expand an overseas business. This visa allows sponsors to send up to 5 workers at a time, offering flexibility for businesses aiming to establish or bolster their presence in the UK market.
It’s important to note that the UK Expansion Worker route is applicable only when the UK business has not yet commenced trading. If your business is already operational in the UK, alternative visa options like the Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker Visa may be more suitable. Alternatively, for entrepreneurs interested in setting up new ventures or owners of existing UK businesses, the Skilled Worker visa route via self-sponsorship provides a viable option.
To obtain a UK Expansion Worker Visa, sponsorship from a licensed employer is mandatory. This entails being sponsored for a specific job that meets predefined skill and salary criteria. Employers must hold a valid sponsor license issued by the Home Office. Detailed guidance for employers considering applying for a UK Expansion Worker sponsor license is available to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
Although the UK Expansion Worker Visa does not directly lead to settlement in the UK, it may pave the way for transitioning into other immigration routes that offer settlement opportunities. Moreover, applicants have the provision to be accompanied by their partner and dependent children, offering a holistic approach to relocation and temporary residence in the UK.
Requirements for UK's Global Business Mobility Sponsor License
UK’s Global Business Mobility Sponsor license Application is accessible to businesses of all sizes, provided they maintain a trading presence outside the UK and hold a qualifying link to a UK-based business entity. To qualify for a Global Business Mobility sponsor license, the UK business receiving the worker must meet specific criteria:
Existing Presence in the UK
The business must demonstrate an established presence in the UK, either through a physical office or registered with Companies House.
Qualifying Links to Overseas Business
There must be credible ties between the UK business and an overseas entity, from which workers will be sourced.
Suitable Key Personnel
The UK business should appoint competent personnel to manage the sponsor license, ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations.
Systems for Sponsor license Duties
Adequate systems must be in place to fulfill sponsor license duties, such as monitoring sponsored workers and reporting changes.
Criteria for UK's Global Business Mobility Sponsor License
Qualifying links to UK businesses vary based on the type of work assignment. For the Global Business Mobility–UK Expansion Worker sponsor license, the UK business must demonstrate intent and capability to establish a new UK branch or a wholly-owned subsidiary of an overseas business. The overseas business should have a track record of at least 3 years of trading, although exceptions may apply.
Businesses seeking a UK Expansion Worker sponsor license should have a UK footprint, indicating readiness for expansion but not yet commenced trading in the UK. Meanwhile, the overseas business should exhibit active trading and financial stability, with a credible business plan for UK expansion.
Identification of key personnel responsible for managing the sponsor license is essential. In cases where no settled worker in the UK can act as the Authorising Officer, exceptions may apply, allowing for a Proposed Authorising Officer located outside the UK. Once the Proposed Authorising Officer relocates to the UK, the sponsor can transition to an ‘A-rating’ and expand sponsorship opportunities. Alternatively, if a suitable settled worker is available in the UK, the sponsor can attain an ‘A-rating’ without relying on exceptions.
