UK Expansion Worker Visa

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is designed for professionals who are assigned to the UK as part of their company’s business expansion. This visa enables businesses to send key employees to the UK to establish a branch or subsidiary of an overseas company that has not yet begun trading in the UK.

Benefits of the UK Expansion Worker Visa

To qualify for the UK Expansion Worker Visa, applicants must:

• Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor.

• Have been employed by the overseas business for a required minimum period.

• Be assigned to a role at the appropriate skill level with a minimum salary.

• Demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency.

• Provide proof of financial stability to support themselves and their dependents during their stay.

Length of Stay in the UK

• Initial Stay: 365 days from the start date of the role stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship.

• Extension: Duration of the Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days.

• Maximum Stay: Visa extensions up to 2 years are possible, but applicants can spend a maximum of 5 years in any 6-year period under the Global Business Mobility routes, including:

  • Graduate Trainee Visa

  • Secondment Worker Visa

  • Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

  • Service Supplier Visa

  • UK Expansion Worker Visa

Processing Timeline

• Apply up to 90 days before the start of your UK role.

• Applicants must prove identity and submit required documents.

• Decision timeframes:

  • 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK.

  • 8 weeks if applying within the UK.

• Expedited services may be available, offering faster decisions depending on your application location.