Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility) replaced the Overseas/Sole Representative Visa. A UK Expansion Worker visa allows you 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 already be working for the overseas business as either a senior manager or specialist employee.  Applications for the UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility) are complex in nature and substantial ground work and extensive documentation is required to be submitted, not only in respect of the business outside the UK, but also in respect of the branch/subsidiary you intend to set up in the UK. 

We provide advice in respect of both businesses; that is the business outside the UK and the branch office which will be set up in the UK. The advice would include the legal criteria which must be complied with under the UK immigration rules; required documentary evidence and guidance on the business plan. We will prepare detailed representations, complete the online application form, assist with the preparation and submission of the application and prepare and guide you for the interview for the UK Expansion Worker Visa. Please be rest assured that we would cover all aspects you will need to deal with in respect of this entry clearance application.

To establish a branch office in the UK under the Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility) , you must satisfy the following criteria:

To be eligible for a UK Expansion Worker visa you need to:

- have a valid certificate of sponsorship from your employer

- have worked for your employer outside the UK for at least 12 months unless you are earning over £73,900

- do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations

- be paid at least £45,800 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your job - whichever is higher.

How long you can stay:

You can stay in the UK with a UK Expansion Worker visa for whichever is shorter of:

  • 12 months after the start date of the job on your certificate of sponsorship
  • the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days
  • If you want to stay longer in the UK, you can extend your visa by 12 months. The maximum time you can stay in the UK on a UK Expansion Worker visa is 2 years.
  • There can be options to switch to another category leading to British citizenship

Under this category you can also bring members of your family (‘dependents’) with you to the UK and they are entitled to work and/or study.

UK visa laws and rules are not as straightforward as they used to be and we can guide you through the entire application process. Aschfords Law offers best service for UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility).

Professional fees:

Normally, instructions in respect of all UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility) categories are undertaken on the basis of an agreed fixed fee having consideration of the complexity of the matter and the level of expertise involved. All disbursements are additional such as the Home Office / UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility) and Immigration Health Surcharge fee. If we are unable to agree a fixed fee, our standard hourly rate will be £300 plus vat equating to £360 (if applicable).

Our agreed fixed fee usually includes meeting with one of our experienced solicitors for the UK Expansion Worker Visa to establish the details of your case; advice you on your option(s) and merits in the matter; guidance in collating supporting and relevant documents; preparing and submitting the application/representations with the Home Office / British High Commission in your home country and advising you on the likely outcome(s) of your matter.

Time scale:
Upon receiving instructions, we will provide you with an initial list of documents. Thereafter, we shall provide a comprehensive list of documents for the UK Expansion Worker Visa tailored to your individual circumstances. If your matter is urgent it will be dealt with as a priority. As soon as we have received the requested information and supporting documents and we have reviewed your matter, we shall prepare and submit your application with the relevant Immigration department bearing in mind applicable deadlines. The timescale on when a decision will be received will depend on the type of application being made and the backlog of the decision making body. It can take 2- 6 weeks for the visa officer to give a decision. We shall keep you informed of the progress of your matter throughout the entire application process.

Please contact us today for further advice and assistance on 020 3002 9147, 075 8293 2830 or email us at info@aschfordslaw.com.