UK EXPANSION WORKER VISA

What Is the Expansion Worker Visa?

The UK Expansion Worker visa is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) route and allows a foreign business that has not yet started trading in the UK to send senior employees to establish a UK branch or subsidiary.

This visa has replaced the Sole Representative route and is designed for companies expanding their presence into the UK market.

Who Can Apply?

• Senior managers or specialist employees from an overseas business
• The business must not already be trading in the UK
• The worker must have worked for the overseas business for at least 12 months (unless a high earner)
• The UK entity must hold a sponsor licence for the Expansion Worker category

Main Requirements

• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the UK sponsor
• A genuine role that meets the required skill level
• Minimum salary of £42,400 per year or the “going rate” for the job (whichever is higher)
• Proof that the business has a credible UK expansion plan
• The company can assign CoS to up to 5 workers under this route

Visa Duration & Conditions

• Initial stay: up to 1 year, extendable to a maximum of 2 years
• The visa does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• However, switching to a Skilled Worker visa is allowed if the UK branch becomes fully operational
• Dependants (spouse and children) can apply to join the main applicant

Application Process

1. Obtain a sponsor licence for the Expansion Worker route
2. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the applicant
3. Submit the online application, pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
4. Attend a biometric appointment and submit documents
5. Decision typically within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK

Is This Route Right for You?

• You are a foreign company planning to enter the UK market
• You are sending experienced employees to establish and run the UK branch
• You need a short-term, non-settlement visa to start business operations

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this visa lead to permanent residency (ILR)?
No, it does not count toward ILR. However, applicants may switch to a Skilled Worker visa, which is a settlement route.

What happens after the branch is set up?
Once the UK entity is active and trading, the company can sponsor more employees under other routes and apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.