UK Expansion Worker

What is a UK Expansion Worker visa

The UK Expansion Worker visa is one of the five sub-routes under the UK Global Business Mobility umbrella. Replacing the previous Representative of an Overseas Business visa, this route provides the opportunity for non-British senior managers and specialist employees who are based overseas to work in the UK on a temporary basis for the purpose of setting up a UK branch for their overseas employer. 

Not all businesses are able to sponsor migrant workers to apply for this type of visa. To be able to do this, the overseas business must not have begun trading in the UK, but plan for a UK business expansion. The employer must also first obtain a Sponsor Licence which allows them to issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) to the individual. As the Sponsor Licence application can sometimes be a lengthy process, it is recommended to start the preparation in advance to account for any delays.

The following page will continue with an overview of the UK Expansion Worker visa. If you are an overseas business looking to send employees to the UK to set up a branch, you may find more information on our Sponsor Licence page.

General requirements

In order to qualify for a UK Expansion Worker visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you meet the following requirements:

• You are aged 18 or over;
• You are currently employed by an overseas business that is linked to your UK sponsor by common ownership or control;
• You have worked for the overseas business outside the UK, for at least 12 months, unless you will earn £73,900 per year or more, or you are a Japanese national seeking to establish a UK branch under the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement;
• You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your UK sponsor for the job you are planning to do;
• The job you are planning to do is genuine and is skilled to at least RQF Level 6;
• You will be paid at least £42,400 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher;
• You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds; and
• You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration specialist for expert advice.

How long can you stay in the UK

If your application is successful, you will be granted a visa for the duration in line with the work start and end dates specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship, up to a maximum of 12 months each time.

At the end of your initial visa. you may be able to apply for further leave to remain provided you can obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK sponsor, with the maximum total stay of 2 years.

If you have previously stayed in the UK on Intra Company Transfer route or any Global Mobility Business route, you can only stay for an accumulative total of 5 years in any 6-year period.

This route does not lead directly to settlement / Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. However, you may be able to switch into another immigration route which does lead to settlement.

Dependants

Your family members (spouse/partner and any children under 18) can come with you. They will need to apply for a Dependant visa and if successful, will be granted a visa in line with yours.

Processing time and application fees 

The current standard application fee will be £259.

Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the application, set at £624 per year (or £470 per year for Student / Youth Mobility Scheme / applicant under 18). 

Applications from outside of the UK usually take 3 weeks to process, while from within the UK it usually takes 8 weeks.

Priority service may be available for in-country applications and entry clearance applications made from certain countries, subject to availability and an additional priority fee.

How we can help

Our knowledgeable and experienced immigration team can:

• Assess your case and advise whether you are eligible to apply
• Provide you with a tailored & comprehensive document list
• Review all your documents and advise on necessary amendments
• Suggest on how to improve your application
• Complete your application forms in accordance with the UKVI requirements
• Assist you to complete the application submission process
• Provide our representation letter to support your application with necessary legal arguments
• Liaise with UKVI on your behalf

Depending on your need and budget, we have different levels of services that you may choose from. Check out Our Services to see which one is for you. 

Want to discuss your case with an immigration specialist? Contact Us now.