UK Expansion Worker Visa - Global Business Mobility Visa
Secure a UK Global Business Mobility Visa with the UK Expansion Worker Visa Sub-Category
The UK Expansion Worker visa is part of the Global Business Mobility visa scheme and is designed for overseas businesses looking to establish a presence in the UK. This visa allows senior employees or specialists to expand their company’s operations by setting up a UK branch or subsidiary.
Unlike other work visas, the UK Expansion Worker visa does not lead directly to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). Instead, it acts as a stepping stone for businesses to enter the UK market, after which they can apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence and transition their employees to the UK Skilled Worker visa, which leads to long-term residency and ILR after five years.
This guide provides detailed information on eligibility, salary requirements, application process, restrictions, and next steps after the UK Expansion Worker visa expires.
For information on how overseas companies should apply for a UK Expansion Worker sponsor licence, read THIS GUIDE.
Who Can Apply for the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
To qualify for the UK Expansion Worker visa, you must:
- Be an employee of an overseas business that is expanding into the UK.
- Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-registered sponsor.
- Have worked for the employer overseas for at least 12 months unless you meet an exemption.
- Have a job on the list of eligible occupations and meet the minimum salary threshold.
- Meet the financial and English language requirements.
Employer Requirements – What Your Company Must Have
The UK Expansion Worker visa is only available to businesses that do not yet have a trading presence in the UK but want to establish one. The overseas company must:
- Be an active and trading business outside the UK.
- Have no existing UK trading presence (if they already have one, they should apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence instead).
- Be able to prove they have a genuine need to send a senior employee to the UK to expand the business.
- Obtain a UK Expansion Worker sponsor licence before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship to an employee.
Only ten workers can be sponsored under this visa at a time.
Job and Salary Requirements
To qualify for a UK Expansion Worker visa, your job must be on the list of eligible occupations and meet minimum salary requirements.
Minimum Salary
- £52,500 per year.
- Your salary must also meet 100% of the ‘going rate’ for your job’s SOC code.
Exemptions from the 12-Month Employment Requirement
You do not need to have worked for your employer for 12 months if:
- You will be earning £73,900 or more per year.
- You are a Japanese national working for a Japanese company expanding into the UK.
- You are an Australian national or permanent resident working for an Australian company expanding into the UK.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Requirement
Your employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which contains details about your job and salary.
- The CoS reference number is required for your visa application.
- The CoS must have been issued within three months before applying.
- Your sponsor must confirm they intend to expand their business into the UK and that you are a key employee for this purpose.
Financial Requirements of the UK Expansion Worker Visa
To apply for the UK Expansion Worker visa, you must show:
- At least £1,270 in your bank account.
- The money must be held for 28 consecutive days before applying.
- Alternatively, your UK sponsor can certify maintenance on your CoS, confirming they will cover your costs.
How to Apply for the UK Expansion Worker Visa
The UK Expansion Worker visa application process involves several steps.
Step 1: Employer Obtains a Sponsor Licence
- The overseas company must first apply for a UK Expansion Worker sponsor licence.
- Once approved, they can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the employee.
Step 2: Submit the Online Application
- Apply via the UK government website.
- Provide your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
- Upload supporting documents.
- Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Step 3: Attend a Biometric Appointment
- If required, visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
- Some applicants can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app instead.
Step 4: Await a Decision
- Processing time: Typically three weeks.
- Priority processing (optional): Five working days for an additional fee.
How Long Can You Stay on a UK Expansion Worker Visa?
- Initial grant: Up to one year.
- Extension: Up to one additional year (maximum stay of two years).
- You cannot apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) on this visa.
Once the UK entity begins trading, the company can apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence. Employees can switch to the Skilled Worker visa, which is long-term and leads to settlement (ILR) after five years.
Fees and Costs of the UK Expansion Worker Visa
- Visa application fee: £319
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year (£2,070 for two years)
Total estimated cost for two years: £2,389.
What You Can and Cannot Do on a UK Expansion Worker Visa
What You Can Do
- Work in your sponsored job for your UK employer.
- Set up and manage the new UK branch of your company.
- Bring dependants (partner and children under 18).
- Travel in and out of the UK.
What You Cannot Do
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
- Take on additional work outside your sponsorship.
- Access public funds or benefits.
Next Steps After the UK Expansion Worker Visa
Since the UK Expansion Worker visa is temporary, most businesses and employees transition to long-term visa routes, such as:
Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa
- Once the UK entity starts trading, the business can apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
- Employees can then switch to the Skilled Worker visa, which leads to ILR after five years.
Other Visa Options
- Innovator Founder Visa – If the employee plans to start a business rather than work for an employer.
- Global Talent Visa – For highly skilled individuals in tech, science, arts, or culture.
How Immtell Can Help
Navigating the UK Expansion Worker visa process can be complex. Immtell provides expert guidance to ensure your business expansion and employee relocation go smoothly.
We assist with:
- Sponsor Licence Applications – Helping overseas businesses secure a sponsor licence for UK expansion.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Issuance – Ensuring compliance with UK Home Office regulations.
- Transition Planning – Advising on moving from the UK Expansion Worker visa to long-term visa routes.
Start Your UK Expansion with Expert Support
Immtell can help you expand your business into the UK with confidence.
Immtell can help you expand your business into the UK with confidence.
Further Reading
UK Business Residency: UK Self-Sponsorship and Expansion Worker Visas
A Guide to UK Business Residency. Leverage the UK Self-Sponsored and Expansion Worker Visas in 2025
Self Sponsorship Visa UK
Mastering the UK Self Sponsorship Visa Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide
How Much Do UK Business Immigration Consultants Charge?
A Guide to Understanding UK Business Immigration Consultant Charges in 2025
Become a Sponsor: Steps for Employers and Businesses
Business Requirements for a Sponsorship Licence in 2025
The UK Immigration Process: A Guide for Newcomers
Your Essential Guide to Navigating the UK Immigration Process with Confidence
Immigration Skills Charge: A Guide for Employers
Everything Employers Need to Know about the UK Immigration Skills Charge in 2025
Home Office Sponsor Licence Holders: Reporting Duties
A Guide to Complying with Home Office Sponsor Duties for Employers
UK Sponsor Licence Compliance: 2024 in Review and What to Expect in 2025
Be Prepared for Increased Home Office Sponsor Compliance Activities in 2025
All You Need to Know About Sponsor Licences
Guide to Hiring Global Talent: Everything You Need to Know About Sponsor Licences
What is the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?
Your Guide to the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK: Meeting Eligibility and Navigating Compliance