Westkin Associates

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UK Expansion Worker Visa Solicitors In London

This visa route allows Entrepreneurs, Directors, Owners and Senior Employees to enter the UK in order to establish a branch of a company from outside the UK.

After assessment we can offer select clients this service on a No Win No Fee Basis.

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Send Your Expansion Worker Visa Enquiry Via The Form Below

We guarantee that only a fully qualified immigration lawyer will take this appointment with you.

I had a fantastic experience! Very kind, professional, and communicative lawyers. As I had experienced a few law firms, I would definitely refer this one to my friends and family and highly recommend to anyone.

Chalisa K
28 March

ABOUT THIS SERVICE

Establishing a UK branch or subsidiary

The UK Expansion Worker route allows an overseas business that has not yet started trading in the UK to send eligible senior managers or specialist employees to establish its UK operation.

The UK business must obtain a Global Business Mobility sponsor licence and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to each worker. The route can generally support up to ten sponsored UK Expansion Workers at the same time.

Applicants must normally have worked for the overseas business for the required period, perform an eligible role and be paid at least £52,500 per year or the applicable going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. Exceptions and transitional provisions may apply in limited cases.

  • Up to ten workers: the route can support a team of senior or specialist employees during the expansion stage.
  • Initial permission: permission is normally granted for up to 12 months at a time.
  • Maximum stay: an individual can normally spend no more than two continuous years on the UK Expansion Worker route.
  • No direct settlement: the route does not itself lead to indefinite leave to remain.

Expanding your overseas business into the UK?

We can advise on the UK entity, sponsor licence, key personnel, business evidence and visa applications required to launch your UK operation.

Arrange an expansion strategy consultation
We are an IT services consultancy business based on the UAE. We approached Westkin as we wanted to set up a branch of our company in the UK, in order to service UK, EU and US customers better. Westkin helped us apply for the Expansion Worker visa. They supported us every step of the way and were very clear and responsive with their communication. All the fees were made clear from the start and we got our decision in record time. Our UK branch is now established and going from strength to strength.

Meet our UK Expansion Worker Visa Solicitors In London Team

Further detail

Detailed information about our Expansion Worker Visa service

Established in April 2022, the expansion worker visa is a direct replacement for the Overseas Representative Visa (which was also known as the Sole Representative of an overseas company visa). This status is designed to allow for up to 10 senior employees and others to come to and live in the United Kingdom in order to establish a UK branch of a company.

How Do I Apply For An Expansion Worker Visa?

Requirements include proof of a UK footprint for the proposed branch in the UK, evidence of the overseas company’s trading presence in its home country, evidence of the planned expansion in the UK.

What Does A UK ‘Footprint’ Mean As A Requirement Of The Expansion Worker?

A UK footprint is defined as having a registered company in the UK or a business premises in the UK. It does not mean a UK trading history. It is important that the UK company must not have undertaken any active trading before the visa is granted. Westkin can guide on this issue and assist in company formation and registration as part of our overall visa preparation fee.

How Do I Show Evidence Of A Planned Expansion In The UK For The Expansion Worker?

Usually this done by the preparation a business plan with supporting evidence which will also help to show the genuineness of the expansion and application. Westkin support you with the preparation of the business plan as part of our project management of the application, but within appropriate ethical guidelines.

How Much Does An Expansion Worker Need To Be Paid As A Minimum?

£52,500 per year or the ‘going rate’ for their job title. This is not an amount that needs to have been earned previously, rather it is the amount of income that is due to be paid once the visa is granted and the applicant starts work in the UK.

Westkin provide complete project management of all the steps and assists obtaining the documents where appropriate so you are left to build your life in the United Kingdom, with your family and to establish the UK business.

To book an appointment today for a UK Expansion Worker Visa to setup an overseas branch in the UK contact our London immigration lawyers on 0207 118 4546 or via info@westkin.com, we look forward to working with you.

FAQS

Your frequently asked questions

This visa allows up to 5 people to come to the United Kingdom and set up a branch of a foreign company.
This Visa is Opened to all businesses and all sectors.
No, this is not true. The visa is split into 2 parts, an initial part which lasts for 12 months to allow you to set up the UK branch, once this is done then indefinite leave can be obtained 5 years after that.
Yes, it remains the primary visa category for businesspeople to come to the UK to expand their business and you can apply for this visa with Westkin's help.
Westkin provides a complete umbrella service that takes you from the initial application to come to the United Kingdom all the way to the point where you obtain British nationality.

Send Your Expansion Worker Visa Enquiry Via The Form Below

We guarantee that only a fully qualified immigration lawyer will take this appointment with you.

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