UK Expansion Worker Visa

What is the UK Expansion Worker Visa?

The UK Expansion Worker visa is a specialised immigration route within the Global Business Mobility framework that enables overseas businesses to send senior managers and specialist employees to the United Kingdom to establish a new UK branch or subsidiary. The UK Expansion Worker Visa allows senior managers and specialist employees to be posted to the UK to set up a UK branch or subsidiary.

This visa category is specifically designed for companies looking to expand their operations into the UK market by bringing experienced personnel from their overseas operations to oversee the establishment and initial operations of their new UK entity.

Key Features of the Expansion Worker Visa

• Business Expansion Tool – launch a UK branch without needing to show trading history.
• No English Language Requirement – easier and faster application compared to other work visas.
• Bring Family Members – partners and dependent children can join the main applicant.
• Pathway to Long-Term UK Presence – while it doesn’t directly lead to settlement, applicants can later switch into settlement-eligible routes (such as the Skilled Worker visa).

• Granted for up to 12 months from your job’s start date—or CoS validity plus 14 days—whichever is shorter.
• Can be extended once for another 12 months; max stay is 2 years.
• If you’ve spent time under any Global Business Mobility or Intra-company routes, your total time is capped at 5 years within any 6-year period.
• No path to settlement or permanent residence
• Tied to the specific sponsoring employer

• Can only work for the sponsoring employer
• Must work exclusively on the expansion project
• Cannot undertake other employment
• No self-employment permitted

Eligibility Requirements for UK Expansion Worker Visa

The overseas organisation must obtain a sponsor licence before the employee can apply for their visa. The company must apply for a UK sponsor licence specifically for the Global Business Mobility route.

• Must be an established overseas business (usually 3+ years)
• Must demonstrate genuine intention to establish a UK branch or subsidiary
• Must provide evidence of business activities and trading history
• Must show financial capability to support the expansion

For the Employee (Applicant)

• Must be a senior manager or specialist employee
• Must have worked for the overseas company for at least 12 months immediately before the application
• Must possess the necessary skills and experience relevant to the UK expansion

• Earning £73,900 or more annually (“High Earner” exemption)
• A Japanese national expanding under the UK-Japan CEPA
• An Australian national/resident expanding under the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement

• The job must be a genuine vacancy.
• Must be assigned to establish or work in the new UK branch/subsidiary
• Role must be at an appropriate senior level, i.e. skilled to at least RQF Level 6 (graduate equivalent)
• Must have specific responsibilities related to the expansion process
• Appear in the Appendix Skilled Occupations with a valid SOC 2020 code

As of 2025, it is £48,500. The applicant must be paid at least £48,500 per year or the "going rate" for their specific occupation, whichever is higher.

No, the Expansion Worker visa does not have an English requirement. Unlike many other UK work visas, there is no mandatory English language requirement for the Expansion Worker visa.

You must show £1,270 in cash funds held for a consecutive 28-day period before applying—unless you’ve been in the UK with permission for 12 months or more.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Before any employee can apply, the overseas company must:

1. Apply for Sponsor Licence
   • Complete online application for Global Business Mobility sponsor licence
   • Pay the sponsor licence fee (£536 for small companies, £1,476 for medium/large companies)
   • Provide supporting documents demonstrating business legitimacy
   • Wait for Home Office approval (typically 8 weeks)
2. Assign Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
   • Once licensed, assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the employee
   • Complete all required fields accurately
   • Pay the CoS fee if applicable

The employee must then:

1. Complete Online Application
   • Submit visa application online via GOV.UK
   • Pay the visa application fee
   • Book biometric appointment
2. Attend Biometric Appointment
   • Provide fingerprints and photograph
   • Submit supporting documents
   • Complete any additional security checks
3. Await Decision /Processing Times
   • Standard processing time: 3 weeks (outside UK)
   • Priority service available for faster processing
   • Applications inside the UK: usually within 8 weeks.
   • Decision notification via email.

Required Documents for UK Expansion Worker Visa

• Certificate of incorporation or equivalent
• Business accounts for the last 3 years
• Trading history and business activities evidence
• Organisational structure chart
• Details of senior management
• Evidence of expansion plans for the UK
• Financial statements demonstrating ability to support expansion

• Job description for the role in the UK
• Salary details and employment terms
• Evidence of the employee's current role and responsibilities
• Confirmation of the employee's length of service (minimum 12 months)

Documents from the Employee (Applicant)

• Valid passport
• Current passport-style photographs
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificates for dependent children (if applicable)

• Employment contract with the overseas company
• Payslips for the last 6 months
• Employment letter confirming role, salary, and length of service
• CV/resume demonstrating relevant experience
• Professional qualifications (if relevant to the role)

• Bank statements for the last 3 months
• Evidence of salary payments
• Any additional income sources

• TB test certificate (if required based on country of residence)
• Police certificates from countries of residence (if required)
• Medical examination results (if requested)

Application Fees and Costs

• Small companies: £536
• Medium and large companies: £1,476
• Assignment of COS: £55

• Standard application: £319
• Priority service (available in some countries): Additional £500
• Super priority service (where available): Additional £1,000

• Biometric enrolment: Varies by country
• Document translation and certification
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year
• Professional legal assistance (recommended)

Family Members and Dependants

• Spouse or civil partner
• Unmarried partner (in relationship for at least 2 years)
• Children under 18
• Children over 18 who are financially dependent

• Must apply separately for dependant visas
• Same visa duration as the main applicant
• Can accompany or join the main applicant in the UK
• Work and study rights may be restricted

Compliance and Ongoing Obligations

• Maintain sponsor licence compliance
• Report any changes to the Home Office within 10 working days
• Keep accurate records of sponsored employees
• Ensure employee is working in the approved role
• Report if employee stops working or fails to take up employment

• Work only for the sponsoring employer
• Work only in the approved role
• Maintain sufficient funds for support
• Comply with UK immigration conditions
• Register with police if required

Common Reasons for Refusal

• Insufficient evidence of genuine business operations
• Lack of suitable premises or infrastructure
• Inadequate financial resources
• Key personnel lack the necessary experience
• Failure to demonstrate expansion intentions

• Invalid or expired Certificate of Sponsorship
• Failure to meet salary requirements
• Insufficient evidence of employment history with sponsor
• Inadequate personal funds
• False information or documentation
• Previous immigration violations

After Visa Approval: Next Steps

• Check visa validity and conditions
• Register with police if required (based on nationality)
• Set up UK bank account
• Arrange National Insurance number
• Register for Council Tax
• Begin work for sponsoring employer

• Maintain compliance with visa conditions
• Keep accurate records of work activities
• Prepare for eventual departure (no extension possible)
• Consider alternative immigration routes if seeking longer-term residence

Alternative Visa Options

If the Expansion Worker visa doesn't meet your needs, consider:

• Senior or Specialist Worker visa: For longer-term assignments (up to 5 years)
• Skilled Worker visa: For permanent roles with a path to settlement
• Global Talent visa: For exceptional talent in specific fields
• Innovator Founder visa: For entrepreneurs establishing new businesses

Settlement & Switching Out

FAQ

• Q. How long must I work for the overseas company before applying?v

  • At least 12 months, unless exempt as a high earner (£73,900+), Japanese national (CEPA) or Australian national (FTA).

• Q. Can dependants join me?v

  • Yes – spouses/partners and children under 18 can apply as dependants.

• Q. Does this visa lead to settlement?v

  • No – but you can later switch to a Skilled Worker visa or another route that leads to ILR.

• Q. Can I work for another employer in the UK?v

  • No – you can only work for your sponsoring employer in the role stated on your CoS.