UK Expansion Worker Visa
UK Expansion Worker Visa – Global Business Mobility Route
The UK Expansion Worker Visa allows foreign nationals to set up a branch of an overseas business that has not started trading in the United Kingdom yet.
It enables overseas businesses seeking to expand into the UK to temporarily assign senior managers and specialist employees, including business owners, to the UK to establish a British operation.
Initial permission as a UK Expansion Worker can be granted for up to a year. This can be renewed for a further year, to a maximum of two continuous years.
There is also an overall limit on time allowed in this route, even if not continuous: five years in any 6-year period.
If you wish to remain in the UK for longer than that you will need to switch into the Skilled Worker visa.
It is not possible to get indefinite leave to remain (settlement) as an Expansion Worker. Most businesses can sponsor up to 5 Expansion Workers at any one time and they can bring their families.
The overseas business will firstly be required to apply for and be granted the Sponsor Licence under the Global Business Mobility Route.
Once the Sponsor Licence has been granted by the Home Office, the business will be able to assign the Certificate of Sponsorship to the senior employee of the overseas business who will be assigned to the UK to oversee the expansion.
For you to apply for the UK Expansion Worker visa all you will need to provide is the following:
- your certificate of sponsorship reference number – your employer will give you this
- a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
- your job title and annual salary
- your job’s occupation code
- the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number – this will be on your certificate of sponsorship
- evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example bank statements( see below)
- proof of your relationship with your partner or childrenif they’re applying with you
- your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country( you are exempt as a US national)
The visa application currently take around 8 weeks to consider.
Processing can take longer if there is higher than usual demand and or additional queries are raised.
For more information on our UK Expansion Worker Visas, please get in contact where we would love to discuss how we could help you in your application.
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Other documents you might need:
Depending on your circumstances, you might be asked to provide:
- evidence you’ve worked for your employer outside the UK
- a valid ATAS certificateif your employer tells you that you need one because your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher
When you apply for a UK Expansion Worker visa, you’ll need to have enough money to:
- pay the £259 application fee
- pay the healthcare surcharge – this is usually £624 per year
- support yourself when you arrive in the UK – you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)
Money to support yourself:
- You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK.
- You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply.
If you require assistance with applying for the UK Expansion Worker Visa, please contact us for a quote.
UK Expansion Worker Visa
This Visa facilitates the immigration of workers from non-EU countries to the UK for the purpose of expanding business and creating job opportunities.
Specialist Worker Visa
The Specialist Worker Visa is a gateway into the United Kingdom for individuals looking to pursue their career abroad. This visa allows individuals to enter the UK to work in an occupation with a specific skill and knowledge set.
Graduate Trainee Visa
The Graduate Trainee Visa is a special visa designed to help foreign students transition from academic studies into the professional world.
Secondment Worker Visa
The Secondment Worker Visa provides an opportunity for businesses or companies to temporarily hire qualified professionals from other countries.
Get in Touch
With years of experience working in UK immigration and British nationality law, our advisors can help you understand the process and take the right steps to obtain your visa. Get in touch today.