UK Sole Representative Visa – Now Replaced by the Expansion Worker Visa
Expert Business Immigration Guidance from HM & Co. Solicitors
At HM & Co. Solicitors, we have proudly supported international businesses in expanding their presence to the UK through the Sole Representative Visa. While this visa route has now officially closed to new applicants, the good news is that the UK Expansion Worker Visa has taken its place—offering even more opportunities for businesses and their representatives.
Whether you’re a small to medium-sized business exploring UK expansion or an individual representing a foreign company, our team of expert immigration solicitors is here to guide you through this process with clarity, precision, and fixed-fee transparency.
What Was the Sole Representative Visa?
The Sole Representative Visa allowed an overseas business to send a senior employee to the UK to establish a branch or subsidiary. This visa was ideal for foreign companies with no current UK presence and offered:
A stay of up to 3 years, with an extension pathway.
A route to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years.
No minimum investment requirement.
No mandatory English language test at the outset.
It was particularly suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) wanting to test their entry into the UK market without heavy financial commitment.
The Expansion Worker Visa – The Modern Alternative
On 11th April 2022, the UK Government replaced the Sole Representative Visa with the Expansion Worker Visa, part of the Global Business Mobility scheme.
Key Features of the Expansion Worker Visa:
✔ Pathway to British nationality after 5 years.
✔ Allows applicants to relocate with their family, including children under 18 who benefit from free UK education.
✔ No English language test required initially.
✔ The UK branch can sponsor multiple staff, not just one representative.
✔ Ideal for establishing a commercial presence in the UK.
How HM & Co. Solicitors Can Help
With decades of combined experience, our business immigration specialists offer a full-service package to support your application under the Expansion Worker route. We provide:
Tailored Business Plan Support
We’ll help develop a comprehensive and compliant business plan including:
Detailed financial forecasts.
Analysis of your target UK market.
Your UK company structure.
Advertising and marketing strategies.
Evidence of capital, funding and readiness to launch in the UK.
Visa Preparation & Submission
Advice on eligibility criteria and documentary requirements.
Completion and review of all visa forms.
Correspondence with the Home Office and assisting with Certificate of Sponsorship applications.
Full support for dependant applications for family members.
Why Choose HM & Co. Solicitors?
✔ Fixed-fee services – no hidden charges or surprises.
✔ Clear, honest legal advice – we tell you the strengths and risks of your case upfront.
✔ Specialists in international business immigration – trusted by clients worldwide.
✔ Decades of experience with SME and corporate visa clients.
✔ Tailored solutions based on your business model and goals.
Whether you’re launching your first UK office or expanding your business footprint, we’re here to ensure the process is straightforward, successful and stress-free.
Contact HM & Co. Solicitors Today
Speak to one of our business immigration solicitors for tailored advice on establishing your UK branch through the Expansion Worker Visa.
📍 Visit us: 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
📞 Call us: 0207 112 8180
📧 Email us: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com
Book a consultation today and let HM & Co. Solicitors help bring your business to the UK.
Your Questions, Answered
FAQs
Sole Representative Visa – FAQs
Is the Sole Representative Visa still open?
No, the Sole Representative Visa route is now closed to new applicants.
However, if you are already on this visa, you may still:
-
Apply for an extension if your leave has not yet reached five years.
-
Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five continuous years in the UK, provided you meet the requirements.
If you're a business looking to send staff to the UK now, the Expansion Worker Visa is the current route to use.
How do I apply for ILR under the Sole Representative Visa route?
You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain once you’ve completed five years of continuous residence in the UK under this visa.
You do not need to apply for an extension at the five-year mark if you’re eligible for ILR.
What do I need to prove to obtain ILR after five years?
To qualify for ILR, you must show that:
✔ You have established and maintained a UK branch or subsidiary of the overseas company.
✔ The UK entity is actively trading.
✔ You continue to work full-time for the UK branch as a senior representative.
✔ You meet the residency and absence requirements, and pass the Life in the UK Test and English language requirement.
Our solicitors can guide you through compiling the right documentation to support your ILR application.
Was the Sole Representative Visa difficult to obtain?
In its final years, the Home Office applied stricter scrutiny to Sole Representative applications, making approval harder to achieve.
Thankfully, the Expansion Worker Visa—introduced in 2022—has a more flexible framework, making it more accessible for eligible overseas businesses.
Can I still bring staff to the UK under a business visa?
Yes. Most clients who previously considered the Sole Representative Visa now choose the Expansion Worker Visa.
This visa allows:
✔ Multiple representatives to be sponsored.
✔ Entry without a prior English language test.
✔ A route to settlement and eventual British nationality.
At HM & Co. Solicitors, we provide full legal assistance with both the Expansion Worker route and Sole Representative Visa ILR applications.
Need Advice? Contact HM & Co. Solicitors
Whether you’re applying for ILR as a Sole Representative or considering the Expansion Worker Visa, our business immigration team is here to help.
📍 Visit us: 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
📞 Call us: 0207 112 8180
📧 Email: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com
Reach out today to book your consultation and receive expert advice tailored to your business immigration needs.
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