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 five 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

£45,800 per year or £22.58 per hour, whichever is higher.
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: £298
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year (£2,070 for two years)

Total estimated cost for two years: £2,368

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.