Immigration and Asylum
An overseas business opening a UK branch, transferring an employee and posting a journalist do not necessarily use the same immigration route. The old Sole Representative route has changed. SJS can help you check the current position, or review an extension where you already hold Sole Representative permission.
Understanding your next steps
UK Expansion Worker may be relevant where an overseas business has not yet started trading in the UK and needs an eligible senior manager or specialist to establish a branch. It requires sponsorship and has specific eligibility and time limits.
People already in the UK with Sole Representative permission may still be able to extend under the applicable rules. We review the earlier grants, the business relationship and the work undertaken before advising on the documents needed for a further application.
The Representative of an Overseas Business route remains available for eligible employees of overseas newspapers, news agencies and broadcasters on long-term UK assignments. If a business already trades here, another route such as Senior or Specialist Worker may need consideration.
A clear way forward
Tell us whether the business trades in the UK, the ownership and overseas activities, your role and any existing UK immigration permission.
We assess the distinction between expansion, an established UK operation and an existing representative case, including the relevant sponsor requirements.
We identify the corporate, employment and personal evidence needed and agree the legal work and timetable with you.
Planning ahead
Costs depend on whether the work concerns a sponsor licence, an individual application or an existing representative case. We will distinguish our fees from Home Office charges and other professional costs.
Begin before committing to a relocation date. Sponsor preparation and business evidence can take time. UK Expansion Worker permission is time limited and does not itself provide a direct settlement route.
Read our published Price Guide, then contact us to confirm the work you need and the costs involved.
View Price GuideUseful to know
The old route for establishing a first UK branch is closed to new Sole Representatives. UK Expansion Worker may need consideration, subject to its separate requirements.
Potentially. The current rules still provide for qualifying existing holders. Bring the previous grants and evidence of the overseas and UK business activities.
The expansion route may not be appropriate. We can discuss whether a company transfer or another route fits the proposed role and the sponsor's position.
No. Eligible employees of overseas newspapers, news agencies or broadcasting organisations may still use the Representative route for qualifying long-term assignments.
General information about UK immigration. Contact us for advice about your circumstances.
SJS Solicitors · Balham
