UK Expansion Worker

01

Is the business at the right stage?

UK Expansion Worker is intended for expansion of an overseas business. It is not a general permission for anyone who registers a UK company. The proposed UK operation, its relationship to the overseas business and the credibility of the expansion need to meet the sponsor requirements.

Where the business is already trading in the UK, a different route may be appropriate, such as Senior or Specialist Worker. Establish the trading position before choosing the licence category or making commitments based on an assumed visa outcome.

• Explain the overseas business’s activity and ownership.
• Describe the UK activity to be established and who will manage it.
• Prepare a realistic timetable and evidence supporting the expansion.

02

Check the proposed employee and role

The worker must have a qualifying Certificate of Sponsorship and an eligible senior or specialist role. Overseas employment is normally required for at least 12 months, with specific exceptions. A director’s title alone does not establish eligibility.

The salary must be at least £52,500 a year or the occupation’s going rate, whichever is higher. The occupation code, working hours and permitted salary components need checking against the applicable rules. The worker must also meet the other immigration requirements.

• Identify the worker’s employment history with the overseas business.
• Set out the actual duties, proposed salary and contractual hours.
• Include current immigration status and previous UK business-mobility stays.

03

Coordinate sponsorship and the move

The sponsor-licence work and the individual visa application are separate stages. The proposed start date should allow for preparing corporate evidence, assigning sponsorship and completing the visa process. Published processing indications are not a promise of a particular decision date.

Budget for the relevant official application charges and any family applications as well as the agreed professional work. Avoid fixing non-refundable relocation plans solely on a proposed start date.

04

Plan beyond the initial permission

An initial grant is normally up to 12 months, subject to the sponsorship dates, with a possible further 12 months. The maximum on this route is two years. Previous time in related categories can also affect the overall period available.

UK Expansion Worker does not directly lead to settlement. Once the operation develops, a different route may need to be assessed on its own requirements. Partners and children also require separate consideration; there is no automatic promise that the whole family can later switch or settle.

Common questions