The UK Expansion Worker visa provides a unique opportunity for senior employees or specialists to establish a new branch of an overseas company in the UK. As part of the Global Business Mobility route, this visa facilitates international growth and access to one of the world’s most competitive markets.
For detailed guidance on eligibility and the application process, our experienced legal professionals are here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today at 02033939272 or connect with us online to explore how we can support your UK expansion worker visa application.
The UK Expansion Worker Visa, also known as Global Business Mobility, is intended for senior managers and specialised staff who want to relocate temporarily to the UK to work on projects linked to the growth of an international company there. Sponsors are allowed to send up to five employees at once.
This visa is intended for situations where the UK company has not yet begun operations. If the company is already operational in the UK, a Global Business Mobility Senior or Specialist Worker Visa may be a more suitable option. Alternatively, if you are looking to establish a new business or already own one, a Skilled Worker Visa through self-sponsorship or sponsorship by your own UK company could also be a viable option.
An employer regulated by the Home Office must sponsor you to perform a specific task that satisfies skill and salary standards in order to obtain a UK Expansion Worker Visa.
Getting a worker visa does not guarantee that you will settle in the UK. On the other hand, you might be able to change to another immigration path that does result in settlement. Applicants may bring dependent children and a partner with them.
To qualify for an Expansion Worker Visa UK under the Global Business Mobility route, you must meet the following criteria specified by UK Visas and Immigration:
The applicant must submit an online application utilising their CoS reference number in order to apply for an Expansion Worker visa UK. As stated on the sponsorship certificate, they are allowed to apply for a visa up to three months before the day they are supposed to begin working in the UK.
They must submit identification and supporting documentation with their application. In order to accomplish this and supply their biometric data, they might also have to schedule an appointment. At the time of application, they will be informed if an appointment is necessary.
The documents required for a UK expansion worker visa include the following:
The application process for a UK expansion worker visa entails a number of expenses. The applicant must have £1,270, pay a £298 application fee, and cover the immigration health surcharge if required.
In addition to the expense of issuing each CoS, the company must also consider the cost of asking for sponsorship. The standard fee for a Temporary Worker sponsor licence is £536, regardless of the sponsor’s size or charitable status. Issuing a Certificate of Sufficiency to a UK Expansion Worker costs £25.
Requests for UK Expansion Workers submitted from outside the UK, usually take three weeks to process, but those submitted from within the UK take eight. If you’d like a decision in 5 business days, you may pay an extra £500 for priority processing. If you want a decision by the end of the next business day, you can pay an extra £1000 for super priority service.
You will have the following privileges while in the UK on an Expansion Worker visa:
Importantly, you can’t expect to be able to:
To submit an application for an Expansion Worker visa, all applicants must first achieve the points criteria. Achieving 60 points across all three areas is mandatory. Each of these groups is worth twenty points.
Here are the several types:
It is important to remember that if you want to qualify for this visa, you must achieve a total of 60 points across the criteria mentioned above. Additionally, you must meet all of the other eligibility conditions.
To extend your Expansion Worker visa, you must apply online via the Gov.uk website. Your visa can only be extended if each of the following conditions is met:
You must make sure you’re in the UK before you apply to extend your visa. Your application will be withdrawn if you leave the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man while it is being processed.
If you’re already in the UK on another type of visa and meet the eligibility requirements, you can switch to an expansion worker visa.
However, if you are in the UK on certain visas, you will not be allowed to switch, even if you meet the criteria. These include:
Reasons such as compassionate grounds may have resulted in an exception to the immigration laws allowing you to remain in the country
If you meet any of the criteria listed above, you are required to depart the UK and submit your visa application while overseas.
Additionally, to switch from a Student visa to an Expansion Worker visa, you must meet one of the following conditions:
In most cases, you can expect to receive a decision on your application within eight weeks.
You must seek to upgrade your Expansion Worker visa if your work changes to a different occupation code. To qualify for a visa extension, your employment with your current company must remain unchanged.
You need to make sure that your new job still qualifies for the Expansion Worker visa. Additionally, a fresh sponsorship certificate is required.
If you have less than a year of residency in the UK, you will additionally be required to submit extra supporting papers. An extension of your visa can be requested up to three months prior to the commencement of your new employment.
As long as you submit your application before your current visa expires, you are allowed to keep working in your current position while your new application is being reviewed.
Before beginning your new employment, you need to obtain confirmation of your new authorisation.
A decision on your application is typically communicated to you within eight weeks.
If your company is planning to grow into the UK market, the business immigration experts at Rees Claytons can help.
We help businesses navigate the UK Expansion Worker route and meet all of the requirements set out by the Home Office. This includes assisting with sponsorship licence and compliance duties, guiding employees through the visa application process, and providing strategic immigration advice for businesses once they have established themselves in the UK.
This visa allows overseas businesses without an existing UK branch to send key personnel, such as senior managers or specialist employees, to set up a UK-based subsidiary or branch.
To be eligible, applicants must be employed by a related overseas company in a senior or specialist role, have worked for at least 12 months outside the UK (unless exceptions apply), and meet sponsorship requirements.
Yes, applicants should obtain a CoS from a licensed UK employer approved by the Home Office for this visa category.
The application fee is £298. Applicants are also responsible for the annual immigration health surcharge and must show they have at least £1,270 in personal savings unless exempt.
No, this visa does not directly lead to indefinite leave to remain. However, other visa routes can be explored for settlement.
Yes, as long as the business continues to meet the eligibility criteria and the applicant stays in the same role with the same employer.
Applicants must provide a valid passport, a CoS, proof of employment with the overseas business, financial maintenance evidence, and a tuberculosis test certificate (if needed).
Employers must follow sponsorship regulations, keep records, ensure compliance with visa conditions, and notify the Home Office of any significant changes affecting the worker.
