UK Expansion Worker Visa

The UK Expansion Worker visa (global business mobility) allows a person to come to the UK to open a branch of an overseas business that has not yet started its operations in the UK. This visa is designed specifically for overseas businesses that are trying to establish a new UK branch or subsidiary. For businesses the UK business expansion visa (global business mobility) is beneficial as they can access the UK business market and enhance their presence while complying with the legal regulations of the UK. Also, the UK expansion visa provides opportunities for Senior Managers and specialists to enhance their careers and get exposure to the international business environment.  

The UK expansion worker visa is different from the other visa routes, such as the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa. It is specifically for businesses that have not started their operations in the UK. While the senior and specialist worker visa is for those businesses that are already running their business in the UK. The expansion worker visa provides employees with a legal work status in the UK to work for his employer. Moreover, it provides them with access to public services of the UK, including the healthcare service, i.e., National Health Service NHS for which they are required to pay a fixed fee namely Immigration Health Surcharge IHS. 

Sunrise Solicitors can provide expert UK Expansion Worker visa guidance ensuring a smooth and compliant application.  Book an appointment today!

What is the UK Expansion Worker Visa?  

The expansion visa allows senior managers or specialist employees of an eligible business to expand overseas business into the UK. These employees work temporarily in the UK and run their business operations. The UK Expansion Worker visa (global business mobility) effectively replaces the Sole Representative Visa which was leading to settlement after completing 5 years residence in the UK.  under expansion worker visa, settlement cannot be achieved, and it requires the businesses to hold a valid sponsorship license and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which was not required for the Sole Representative Visa.   

Activities Permitted under Expansion Visa UK 

The UK expansion worker visa comes under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) category. The UK expansion worker is permitted for the following activities under the gbm visa:   

• Working in the UK for a sponsored job   

• To undertake voluntary work and study in the UK  

• To travel in and out of the UK  

• To bring their partner and children to live in the UK as dependents 

 One of the limitations of the UK business expansion visa is that it does not provide a direct path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This means that the expansion worker cannot get permanent residence in the UK because this visa is for temporary business expansion.  Hence, the applicants can consider the option under self-sponsorship who can establish their own business in the UK by establishing their own company, obtaining sponsor license and get certificate of sponsorship issued to themselves.  

 Eligibility Criteria for the UK Expansion Worker Visa   

The UK expansion worker visa requirements are as follows: 

• Your age must be 18 years or more. 

• You have a job that is on the list of eligible occupations, including Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Secondment Worker and Service Supplier.  

• You must have worked for your employer outside of the UK for at least 12 months. 

• You have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by your employer before you submit the application for entry clearance or permission to stay in the UK. 

• You are paid at least £48,500 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher. 

• You must have funds of at least £1,270. 

• A valid Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if applicable.  

The UK home office will check if the job you are sponsored for is legitimate and all the requirements are met. If there is any suspicion and you do not meet the UK expansion worker visa requirements, your application can be refused.  

UK Expansion Worker Visa Requirements & Application Process 

Following is the list of documents required for the UK expansion worker visa:  

• A valid passport 

• A certificate of sponsorship reference number  

•  Financial Evidence  

Here’s the step-by-step guide to the application process for the UK expansion visa program: 

• Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).  

• Complete the online application.  

• Pay visa fees and Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS).  

• Submit documents and attend biometric appointments.  

• Processing time and possible interview. 

UK Expansion Worker Visa Fees & Processing Times (2025)  

The UK expansion worker visa fee is as follows: 

• The application fee is £319. 

• The Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) fee is £1,035 per year.

The processing time for an expansion visa is 3 weeks if outside the UK, or 8 weeks if inside the UK.  

The priority service fee and their processing times for the expansion visa UK is given below:  

Expansion Worker Visa UK Duration, Extensions & Switching Options 

The initial validity period for the UK expansion worker visa is up to one year (12 months). However, the visa can be extended to a period of another 12 months, leading to a maximum stay of 2 years. Moreover, you can stay in the UK for a maximum of 5 years in any 6-year period across all Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes. As there is no direct route to ILR under the UK expansion visa, you may switch to other routes including Skilled Worker Visa, Scale-Up Visa, Innovator Visa and Family Visa, to gain ILR.  

Bringing Family Members – Expansion Worker Visa for Dependents 

The holders of the UK Expansion Worker visa (global business mobility) can be joined by their immediate family members, including spouse/partner or dependent children.  

The following are the rights of the dependents: 

• Right to work in the UK 

• Right to get education in the UK 

• Right to access healthcare through NHS  

The applicant must maintain the balance of £1270 for a period of 28 days prior the application date. For dependents, the financial requirements are listed below: 

Dependents are also required to maintain the above-mentioned balance for 28 days prior to the application date.   

If the applicant is applying for permission to stay and living in the UK lawfully then they meet the financial requirements.  

UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence – What Businesses Need to Know 

Any overseas business that wants to start its business operations in the UK requires a sponsor licence. To apply for the sponsor licence, the overseas business must fill out the online application at the UK home office website. The business must submit the supporting documents to prove its overseas trading presence, credible UK expansion plan and UK footprint (e.g., business premisses lease or Companies House registration) to get a sponsor licence.   

Compliance Requirements & Responsibilities of the Sponsor 

The following are the compliance requirements and responsibilities of the sponsor:  

• Confirm that jobs align with the required skills and salary requirements   

• Maintain precise documentation, including contracts, payroll information, and records of employee absences.  

• Notify the Home Office of any updates (such as changes in job title, salary adjustments, or terminations).  

• The company must establish operational activities in the UK within 2 years.  

• Non-compliance could result in the suspension of the licence.  

 The cost for the sponsor licence application fee for all businesses is £574, and for the certificate of sponsorship for a UK expansion worker visa, the fee is £55.   

 To apply, the company needs to complete an online application and provide supporting documents within five business days. This submission should demonstrate a credible plan for expanding in the UK, evidence of a UK presence (e.g., lease or Companies House registration), and a history of active overseas trading spanning at least three years. 

Additionally, key personnel such as an Authorising Officer (AO) and a Level 1 user must be designated to oversee the sponsorship system. If the Authorising Officer is in the UK, the sponsor will receive an A-rating and a maximum of 5 Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS). However, if the AO is based overseas, the company will initially receive a provisional rating and only 1 CoS, with the opportunity to upgrade after the AO relocates to the UK and the business commences operations. 

What to Do If Your Expansion Worker Visa Is Refused?

Common reasons for UK Expansion Worker visa (global business mobility) refusal include: 

• Missing or invalid CoS 

• Inadequate evidence of employment history from the overseas business 

• Not fulfilling salary or skill level criteria 

• Failure to provide accurate or complete supporting documentation 

• Failure to demonstrate a real intention to grow the business in the UK 

• Sponsor holding incorrect licence or rating 

If the visa is refused, you can opt for one of the options listed down below:  

• Administrative review: Refusal based on error in the decision-making (e.g. misinterpretation of evidence). You can request an Administrative Review within 28 days (if outside the UK) or 14 days (if inside the UK). 

• Judicial Review: The refusal was unlawful, unreasonable or procedurally unfair. You can choose this option after an unsuccessful Administrative Review or when no right of appeal or review exists.  

A guide to re-applying after the UK expansion worker visa is refused: 

• Review the refusal letter carefully  

• Rectify the issue (gather missing documents, correct errors etc.) 

• Seek legal advice  

• Submit a new application 

Why Choose Sunrise Solicitors for Your Expansion Worker Visa? 

Sunrise Solicitors holds expertise in GBM visas and sponsor licences, providing personalised guidance for businesses and employees. Our team of expert expansion worker visa lawyers provide you with end-to-end application support. With a high success rate with UK immigration cases, we aim to provide the best service to our clients. For free consultation regarding GBM visas and sponsor licences visit our website.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Related FAQs 

What is the processing time for a Expansion Worker Visa?  

The processing time is 3 weeks outside UK and 8 weeks inside UK, the time can reduce if you opt for priority service.  

Can I switch from a Expansion Worker Visa UK to a Skilled Worker Visa?  

Yes, you can.  

What are the financial requirements for dependents?  

The financial requirement for dependent partner is £285, £315 for one child and £200 for additional child.  

Can I apply for ILR after holding this visa? 

No, you cannot directly apply for ILR under the UK expansion worker visa, you may need to switch to other visa routes.  

Contact Us for Expert UK Expansion Worker Visa Assistance   

Call:  +44 208 543 0999 

Office: 228 Merton High Street South Wimbledon, London SW191AU United Kingdom 

Email: enquiries@sunrisesolicitors.co.uk