An Expansion Worker Visa allows an individual to come to the UK to set up a branch of an overseas business that has not yet started trading in the UK. The individual must already work for the overseas business as either a senior manager or specialist employee. Our Immigration Team frequently assists clients on making successful UK Expansion Worker Visa Applications. This article outlines the common confusions faced by clients and the requirements for a UK Expansion Worker visa. 

Difference between the UEWV and ROB

A number of our clients occasionally confuse the UK Expansion Worker visa category (UEWV) with the Representative of an Overseas Business (ROB). 

The UEWV came into effect recently and impacts the representatives of foreign businesses who plan to immigrate to the UK before the implementation of this new category.

However, only people who qualify as an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency, or broadcasting organisation posted on a long-term assignment to the UK can apply under the Representative of an Overseas Business (“ROB”) category.

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
• do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
• be paid the minimum eligible salary required for your job

If your gross annual salary is less than £73,900 and you are not a Japanese national seeking to establish a UK subsidiary under the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, then you must be currently working for an organisation that is linked to your UK sponsor by common ownership. Additionally, you must have worked outside the UK for this business for a period of at least 12 months.

What you Can and Cannot Do

You can:

• work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
• study
• bring dependents if they are eligible.
• do voluntary work.
• travel abroad and return to the UK.

You cannot:

• apply for public funds or pensions.
• change jobs unless you are eligible and apply for a change in visa.
• have a second job.
• apply to settle permanently in the UK.

Successful UK Expansion Worker Visa Applications 

The key ingredient to success is having the right support. Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in to get you the best result

We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of the merit of your case before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. Our team of immigration lawyers are extremely skilled and hold considerable experience in advising clients on an array of visa applications they may undertake, including UK Expansion Worker visas. Our team looks at the issues from both sides so that a balanced and correct evaluation of the case is achieved. We are also proud of being able to mobilise with speed and act as tenaciously as the client’s needs and case demands. All options available are discussed with the client, consideration is given to personal and financial pressures and future action is only taken after proper consultation and agreement.

We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. UK Immigration Experts is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.

Preparation is integral to success. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and develop a timely strategy for your successful UK Expansion Worker Visa.