Expansion Worker Visa for UK Business Transfers
Unlock Global Opportunities with Seamless Business Expansion in the UK
The UK Expansion Worker Visa is a key route under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) framework, designed to support international businesses looking to establish or expand their operations in the UK. This visa enables overseas companies to bring skilled employees to the UK to help set up a new branch, subsidiary, or office, ensuring smooth business continuity and operational growth.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Facilitates UK Business Expansion
The visa is specifically for companies that do not yet have a UK presence but wish to send employees to establish a branch or subsidiary. It allows businesses to deploy essential staff for planning, development, and operational setup, ensuring a successful market entry. - Skilled Workforce Mobility
Businesses can transfer key personnel with the right expertise, ensuring that critical knowledge and leadership are available in the UK. This helps maintain global standards, implement company procedures, and train local teams efficiently. - Streamlined Application Process
The route offers a simplified and flexible application process for both employers and employees, making it easier to obtain the necessary sponsorship and work authorization. Employees must hold a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK sponsor to apply. - Strategic Advantage
By using this visa, companies can accelerate UK operations, maintain global competitiveness, and leverage international talent. Employees gain the opportunity to contribute directly to business growth in one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic economies. - Compliance and Oversight
Employers must meet UK Home Office requirements, including maintaining records, reporting obligations, and ensuring that the role meets the relevant skill and salary thresholds. This ensures a compliant and secure pathway for business expansion.
What is the Expansion Worker Visa?
The UK Expansion Worker Visa enables employees to move to the UK to establish the first branch or subsidiary of their overseas company. This visa is an essential route under UK immigration services for business growth and expansion, allowing companies to sponsor senior managers or specialist staff for temporary assignments focused on setting up and developing UK operations.
Sponsor Requirements for Expansion Workers & Eligibility
Sponsor Requirements for Expansion Workers
To sponsor employees under the Expansion Worker Visa, the UK employer must be a branch or wholly-owned subsidiary of an established overseas company. This visa allows businesses that have not yet started trading in the UK to establish their first UK presence, making it a key route for international companies expanding operations under UK immigration services.
Eligibility for Expansion Worker Visa
Applicants must be 18 years or older and currently employed by a linked overseas business. To qualify under the UK immigration routes for business expansion, applicants must:
- Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK sponsor.
- Demonstrate they have worked for the overseas employer for at least 12 months, if applicable.
- Meet the financial requirements, including having a minimum of £1,270 in personal savings.
This ensures that employees are suitably qualified and financially prepared for their role in establishing UK operations.
Requirements
Expansion Worker Visa Requirements
Points-Based System
Applicants must score 60 points to qualify for the UK Expansion Worker Visa. Points are awarded based on factors such as sponsorship, skill level, and salary, ensuring that only eligible candidates meet the requirements.
Valid Sponsorship
A licensed UK sponsor must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This confirms that the applicant has a genuine role in the company’s UK operations and forms the basis for the visa application.
Skill Level Requirement
The job must meet the appropriate skill level, as defined under UK immigration rules. This ensures that employees transferring under this route possess the expertise needed to support the company’s UK branch or subsidiary.
Minimum Salary Threshold
The role must offer an annual salary of at least £42,400, or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. This ensures that positions filled under this visa provide adequate compensation and reflect the skill and responsibility required.
Contribution to UK Business Expansion
This visa is designed to support international business growth in the UK. Applicants must take on a role that directly contributes to establishing or expanding a UK branch or subsidiary, aligning with the objectives of UK immigration services for business development.
UK Immigration Services for Business Expansion
If you are seeking UK immigration services, our dedicated business immigration team is here to guide you through the entire process, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition. From assisting with the UK Expansion Worker Visa to obtaining your sponsorship licence and ensuring compliance with Home Office regulations, we provide end-to-end support. Whether it’s processing visa applications for your staff or offering post-arrival strategic guidance, we cover every aspect of business expansion.
Our Services for Business Expansion Include:
- Comprehensive Business Assessment
We evaluate your company’s needs to identify the most suitable immigration route, ensuring the strategy aligns with your expansion goals.
- Sponsorship Licence Guidance
Our team assists in applying for and maintaining a UK sponsor licence, ensuring full compliance with Home Office requirements. - Visa Application Support
We provide expert advice on visa applications for your employees, helping them meet all documentation, eligibility, and procedural requirements. - Strategic Immigration Planning
We help optimise your UK business expansion, offering guidance to make the process efficient, compliant, and hassle-free.
With our services, your company can confidently navigate UK immigration rules and successfully expand its presence in one of the world’s most dynamic business environments.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The UK Expansion Worker Visa is designed for overseas companies that do not yet have a trading presence in the UK. It allows key employees to move to the UK to establish a branch or subsidiary and support business expansion.
The application fee for this visa is currently £298.
Yes. Applicants must be assigned a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK sponsor authorised by the Home Office.
- From outside the UK: A decision is usually made within 3 weeks.
- From inside the UK: A decision typically takes up to 8 weeks.
