The Expansion Worker Visa, part of the Global Business Mobility route, is designed for senior executives or specialist employees of overseas companies who intend to establish a branch or subsidiary in the United Kingdom (UK). This visa enables eligible individuals to enter the UK for the purpose of setting up a new UK entity on behalf of their employer.
To qualify, the UK-based entity must not yet be trading at the time of application.
The UK Expansion Worker Visa has replaced the former Representative of an Overseas Business visa.
This visa operates under a points-based system, and applicants are required to meet specific eligibility criteria in order to be granted leave.
UK Expansion Worker Visa Requirements
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Issued by the Employer
To apply for a UK Expansion Worker Visa, your employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is an electronic document confirming that the employer is a licensed sponsor authorised by the UK Home Office and that they are offering you a valid role. The CoS includes a reference number, which must be submitted as part of your visa application.
A CoS can only be issued by companies that hold a valid sponsorship licence granted by the Home Office. If your company does not currently hold such a licence, Visavis Immigration can support you throughout the sponsorship licence application process and assist with obtaining the necessary authorisations.
For further details, please visit our Sponsorship Licensing Services page.
Your Role Must Fall Under an Eligible Occupation Code
When preparing the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), your employer must select an occupation code that corresponds to your role. If there is no exact match, the most closely aligned occupation code must be chosen. This code is included in the CoS and is required for your visa application.
When assessing your application, the case officer will consider the following:
- Whether you possess the necessary skills, experience, and qualifications to perform the role as described in the job offer.
- Whether the selected occupation code accurately reflects the duties of your position.
You can view the list of eligible occupations here.
In some cases, your employer may also be required to demonstrate that you have already been working in the role prior to the visa application, particularly depending on the visa subcategory and proposed salary. For personalised guidance, please contact us directly.
Corporate Relationship and Salary Threshold
The UK-based entity you will establish must be a branch or subsidiary, not a parent company. The business in the UK must operate in the same line of work and remain organically connected to the overseas company for which you currently work. It cannot act independently or engage in activities unrelated to those of the parent company abroad.
In addition to this corporate link, the UK sponsor must offer a minimum annual salary of £48,500 to any overseas employee assigned under the UK Expansion Worker Visa route.
Furthermore, you must have been employed by the overseas entity for at least 12 months prior to the date of application.
This requirement may only be waived if your UK sponsor is offering you a position with an annual salary of £73,900 or above.
Visa Duration and Associated Rights
The UK Expansion Worker Visa allows you to stay in the United Kingdom for up to 12 months, or up to 14 days beyond the period stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship, whichever is shorter. If you wish to extend your stay, the visa may be renewed once for an additional 12 months, permitting a maximum stay of 2 years under this route. However, you cannot remain in the UK beyond two years on this visa, and it does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). You may, however, switch to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
During your stay, you are permitted to participate in training programmes or professional development courses related to your job. This can be a valuable opportunity to enhance your skills and take advantage of the UK’s diverse educational resources.
If your spouse or partner accompanies you on this visa, they will be permitted to work in the UK without requiring a separate work permit. This can be a significant advantage for families planning to relocate together.
Visa processing times typically range from 3 to 8 weeks.
Application Costs
Applicants must hold a minimum of £1,270 in their bank account for at least 28 consecutive days prior to the visa application.
This requirement is intended to demonstrate sufficient financial means to support oneself while residing in the United Kingdom. If your employer agrees to cover this amount on your behalf, this commitment must be explicitly stated in the Certificate of Sponsorship at the time of application.
The application fee for the UK Expansion Worker Visa is £298, payable upfront at the time of application. This fee covers the processing and assessment of your visa request. In addition, applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which provides access to the UK’s National Health Service. The annual surcharge is currently £1,035 and is calculated based on the total length of your stay. If you extend your visa, the surcharge must be paid again for each additional year.
If family members are included in the visa application, separate fees must be calculated and paid for each dependant. All applicable costs must be fully paid for the visa application to be considered valid and complete.
10 Questions About the UK Expansion Worker Visa
Yes, the Expansion Worker Visa grants permission to work in the UK. This visa is designed for senior executives or specialists employed by an overseas company seeking to establish a branch in the UK.
For tailored guidance and support regarding the UK Expansion Worker Visa process, please contact us directly.