Securing an Expansion Worker Licence in the UK is a significant milestone for any business aiming to grow its presence in the UK market. It allows you to sponsor skilled overseas workers to help expand your business operations in the UK. However, obtaining the licence is just the beginning. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do next to ensure a smooth and compliant transition.
Sponsoring Workers
If you hold a valid Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence, you can sponsor workers, but you will have to satisfy the relevant UK skill and salary requirements. After meeting these Home Office pre-requisites, you can proceed to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to your worker who is to enter the UK to assist with the expansion of the business. The worker will then have to apply for an entry clearance visa application before they can enter the UK to start work.
The UK Expansion Worker visa – a points-based system visa, requires applicants to earn a total of 60 points across three categories: sponsorship, skill, and salary.
To gain 20 points for sponsorship, you will need to provide the worker with a valid CoS containing their employment details in the UK. Eligibility for sponsorship requires the applicant to have worked for an overseas linked employer for at least 12 months. Certain exemptions may apply to specific overseas employees, for example, a high earner or an eligible Japanese or Australian national.
For the remaining 40 points, 20 points can be earned by having sponsorship for an eligible job role, at or above a suitable minimum skill level. Twenty further points can be earned if the applicant is being paid a salary at the required level.
Additionally, the applicant must provide a valid TB test certificate if they are from one of the listed countries. Applicants must also meet the financial requirement. This can be met by showing proof of funds of at least £1,270, unless you, as the sponsor, certify maintenance for the applicants under this route.
Understand Your Responsibilities as a Sponsor
As a sponsor with anExpansion Worker Licence, you have a responsibility to comply with UK Visas and Immigration regulations. You must be diligent in maintaining accurate records of your sponsored workers, including their contact details and up-to-date right to work documents. You will also have to undertake ongoing monitoring for keeping track of your workers’ visa status, ensuring they comply with the conditions of their stay. This is in addition to ensuring that a valid CoS is assigned, and eligibility criteria is met for the specific visa category.
Obtaining an Expansion Worker Licence is a pivotal step in expanding your business in the UK. By understanding and fulfilling your responsibilities as a sponsor, you can ensure a smooth process of expanding your business in the UK. Remember, staying compliant not only helps you avoid penalties, but also supports your business’s growth and reputation in the UK market.
If you need further assistance or have any questions, please reach out, we are specialists in Expansion Worker visa applications, and will smoothly guide you through the process.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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