Are you considering expanding your business to the United Kingdom? If so, you’re not alone. The UK is a popular destination for businesses looking to grow internationally, thanks to its robust economy, diverse consumer market, and business-friendly policies. However, to successfully establish your business in the UK, you may need to bring in key personnel from your home country. This is where the UK Expansion Worker Visa comes into play. This visa category allows businesses to transfer their employees to the UK to set up a UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary. In this article, we will delve into the details of the UK Expansion Worker Visa, providing you with all the information you need to start your business expansion in Britain today.
Understanding the UK Expansion Worker Visa
The UK Expansion Worker Visa is a type of Tier 2 Intra-company Transfer Visa. It is designed for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred by their overseas employer to a UK branch of the organisation. The visa is particularly useful for businesses looking to expand into the UK, as it allows them to bring in experienced staff from their home country to help set up and run the new UK operation.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a UK Expansion Worker Visa, both the employee and the employer must meet certain criteria. These include:
- The employee must be from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
- The employer must have a valid Tier 2 Sponsor Licence.
- The employee must have worked for the employer overseas for at least 12 months, unless they will earn £73,900 or more in the UK.
- The job in the UK must be at a skill level of RQF6 or above (equivalent to a graduate level job).
- The employee must be paid an appropriate salary for their job, as defined by the UK government.
Application Process
The application process for a UK Expansion Worker Visa involves several steps:
- The employer must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the employee.
- The employee must apply for the visa online from outside the UK.
- The employee must have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre to get a biometric residence permit.
- The employee must collect their biometric residence permit within 10 days of when they said they’d arrive in the UK (even if they actually arrive at a later date).
Duration and Conditions
The UK Expansion Worker Visa can last for up to 5 years, after which the employee can apply for an extension. However, the total stay, including extensions, cannot exceed 9 years. The visa holder can work for their sponsor in the job described in their certificate of sponsorship, do a second job in the same sector and at the same level as their main job for up to 20 hours per week, and do a job on the Tier 2 shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week. They can also study, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the job they’re sponsored for.
Benefits of the UK Expansion Worker Visa
The UK Expansion Worker Visa offers several benefits for businesses looking to expand into the UK:
- It allows businesses to bring in experienced staff from their home country, ensuring continuity and consistency in business operations.
- It provides a straightforward and relatively quick way to establish a presence in the UK.
- It offers flexibility, as visa holders can work for their sponsor, do a second job in certain circumstances, and study.
Conclusion
Expanding your business into the UK can be a complex process, but the UK Expansion Worker Visa can make it easier by allowing you to bring in key personnel from your home country. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits of this visa, you can take the first step towards successful business expansion in Britain today.
