Bring the right people to establish your UK operation
Entering the UK market involves decisions about premises, staffing, investment and timing. If someone needs to relocate to establish the operation, their immigration arrangements should form part of that planning.
Knightsbridge Immigration helps overseas businesses assess the options for bringing personnel to the UK. We consider your existing operations, the stage of your UK expansion and the work your people will undertake, so you can identify the appropriate route and preparation.
Start with the stage your business has reached
The immigration options available can depend on whether the UK operation is being established or is already trading.
We begin by examining the overseas business, its connection to the proposed UK operation and the steps already taken. We also consider who needs to come to the UK, their current role and the intended duration of the assignment.
This helps establish which options deserve closer assessment before you commit to a particular application or relocation timetable.
Consider the UK Expansion Worker route
The UK Expansion Worker route may be relevant where an established overseas business is setting up a UK branch or subsidiary that has not yet started trading.
It is intended for qualifying senior managers or specialist employees who already work for the overseas business. Sponsorship, the proposed occupation, salary and the individual’s circumstances all require assessment.
The sponsor application also requires evidence of the overseas business and its planned expansion, including an appropriate UK footprint.
Where the UK operation is already trading, we examine the other routes relevant to the proposed employment and business structure.
Build the evidence around the expansion plan
A commercial intention to enter the UK market needs to be supported by information that addresses the immigration requirements.
Our preparation considers:
- The overseas operation: its activities, trading history and organisational structure.
- The UK proposal: the planned activities, connection to the overseas business and evidence supporting the expansion.
- The personnel involved: their existing employment, experience and proposed UK duties.
- Sponsorship arrangements: the appropriate licence, responsible personnel and supporting procedures.
We identify gaps and inconsistencies across these areas so they can be addressed before the application is submitted.
Coordinate the applications and business timetable
Sponsor licensing, sponsorship of the individual and the visa application are separate stages. The order and requirements should be understood alongside your intended launch date.
Where you instruct us, we agree which applications and preparatory work we will handle. We explain what information is needed from the overseas business, the UK operation and the individuals involved.
We also identify dependencies that may affect progress, such as outstanding business evidence or a decision required before the next application can proceed.
Consider the position beyond the initial assignment
The UK Expansion Worker route is temporary and does not itself lead to settlement. Permission under this route is normally limited to a maximum of two years, subject to the applicable rules.
If your plans involve a longer-term UK presence, that should form part of the initial discussion. Future recruitment, the development of the UK business and any later immigration applications need separate consideration.
Our Business Sponsor Licence and HR & Compliance services can support the sponsorship requirements of an established UK operation.
Understand the scope and costs
Before paid work begins, we explain our fees, the relevant government charges and which business and individual applications are included. Our work concerns the immigration arrangements.
Your company formation, tax, property and wider commercial requirements should be addressed with the appropriate advisers.
Discuss your UK expansion
Our Free Case Review is an initial discussion of your overseas business, UK plans and proposed personnel. We identify the matters requiring closer assessment and explain the available support.
Tell us where your business operates, whether the UK operation has started trading and your intended timetable.
Prefer to begin in writing? Send an enquiry by email with a brief outline of your expansion.
