UK Expansion Worker Visa: Requirements, Process & Guidance

The UK Expansion Worker visa, under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes, is designed for senior managers or specialist employees of overseas businesses who are looking to expand and establish a UK branch that has not started trading yet.

This route does not lead to permanent settlement, but it allows for short-term mobility with potential business growth opportunities.

🔗 For personalised legal assistance, visit: Chisty Law Chambers – UK Expansion Worker Visa Services

✅ Eligibility Criteria (As per Gov.uk – April 2025)

To be eligible for a UK Expansion Worker visa, the applicant must:

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Hold a valid CoS from an authorised UK sponsor (an entity listed on the Home Office register of licensed sponsors).
  
  

• Employment with Overseas Employer: Have worked for the sponsor outside the UK for at least 12 months, unless exempt.
  
  

• Eligible Job Role: The role must be on the list of eligible occupations published by the Home Office.
  
  

• Salary Requirement: Must be paid at least £48,500 per year or the "going rate" for the role – whichever is higher. (Source: GOV.UK – UK Expansion Worker Salary Rules)
  
  

🔗 Explore our full range of UK immigration services: UK Immigration Advice – Chisty Law Chambers

Duration & Extensions

• The initial visa is granted for 12 months, or the time stated on the CoS plus 14 days (whichever is shorter).
  
  

• It can be extended for an additional 12 months.
  
  

• Maximum total stay is 2 years under this route.
  
  

Note: This route does not count towards indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

Application Process 

The process includes the following steps:

1. Online Application: Apply via the official UK visa application portal.
   
   

2. Biometric Verification:
   
   

   • Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app or
     
     

   • Visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
     
     

3. Supporting Documents:
   
   

   • Certificate of Sponsorship reference
     
     

   • Proof of employment and salary
     
     

   • Personal bank statements (to show savings)
     
     

   • Proof of relationship (if dependants apply)

✅ Financial Requirements

Applicants must:

• Show they have at least £1,270 in personal savings (held for 28 days before applying), unless the sponsor certifies maintenance.
  
  

• Pay:
  
  

  • Application fee: £298 (outside UK) / £719 (inside UK)
    
    

  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year

✅ Processing Time

• Outside UK: Approximately 3 weeks
  
  

• Inside UK: Up to 8 weeks
  
  

Priority or super-priority services may be available depending on your location.

✅ Family Members (Dependants)

Partners and children can apply to join the primary visa holder if:

• They meet relationship and financial criteria.
  
  

• They submit their applications as dependants of a UK Expansion Worker.

❌ Restrictions Under This Visa

• No access to public funds (benefits)
  
  

• Cannot switch employers without a new visa
  
  

• Cannot work additional jobs
  
  

• Cannot apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR)

💼 Legal Help for Your Application

UK immigration law can be complex, and the Expansion Worker visa route requires strict compliance with sponsor rules and job eligibility.

At Chisty Law Chambers, we provide tailored legal support for individuals and companies applying under the Global Business Mobility routes, including:

• Sponsor licence applications
  
  

• Expansion Worker visa assistance
  
  

• Legal representation in case of refusals or compliance checks
  
  

📞 Contact our legal team to ensure your expansion to the UK is smooth, compliant, and strategically sound.