UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility) - What Have We Learned?

Introduction

The UK Expansion Worker visa is one of five new sponsored routes under the Global Business Mobility (GMB) visa umbrella and allows workers to come to Britain to set up the first UK branch or subsidiary of their overseas business.

Since its introduction in April 2022, it is fair to say there has been a trickle rather than a flood of applications, with just 221 licences being added to the sponsor register as of August 2023.

We can all read the rules and guidance, but that can only take you so far.

During this virtual classroom seminar expert speakers Gary McIndoe & Faydelys Robinson will share what they have learned since the route was introduced and will offer practical tips on how to ensure your Expansion Worker licence application stands the best chance of success.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive session will cover the following:

• Home Office interpretation of the ‘UK footprint’ and ‘not actively trading’ requirements
• Are there clear lines in the sand?
• Handling additional document requests
• Are serviced office agreements sufficient?
• Handling a range of business ownership structures in the context of the ‘wholly-owned subsidiary/same legal entity’ requirement
• Handling restructuring while licence is held
• How to evidence a ‘credible expansion plan’ and interpretation of the ‘same kind of business’ requirement
• What level of evidence is required?
• Providing evidence of UK contracts
• Enhanced scrutiny of licence applications, when compared to more common routes such as skilled or senior/specialist worker
• Alternatives to the route - why would a business want to go down the expansion worker road?
• Home Office policy objectives in setting the bar relatively high
• Transitioning from an expansion worker to a skilled worker licence
• The impact of Trade Agreements on the requirements of the rules

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.