UK Expansion Worker Visa

You can apply for a UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) if you want to come to the UK to set up a branch of an overseas business.

Applying for a UK Expansion Worker visa can be a complex process, with specific requirements and documentation needed to ensure a successful application. To ensure a successful outcome, it is important to seek expert guidance.

If you have any questions or require legal assistance with your UK Expansion Worker visa application, please contact us at 0203 417 3700. Our experienced immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors are here to guide you every step of the way.

Page Contents

1. What is a UK Expansion Worker visa?
2. UK Expansion Worker visa requirements
3. Salary requirements for the UK Expansion Worker visa
4. How long do you need to have worked for your employer outside the UK?
5. Documents required for UK Expansion Worker visa
6. Applying for the UK Expansion Worker visa
7. UK Expansion Worker visa application processing time
8. How long you can stay in the UK?
9. How can we help with your UK Expansion Worker visa application?
10. Book a consultation with an immigration solicitor
11. Need legal advice & assistance?

What is a UK Expansion Worker visa?

The UK Expansion Worker visa is a type of Global Business Mobility visa that allows you to set up a branch of an overseas business in the UK that has not started trading in the UK yet. Applicant must already work for the overseas business as either a senior manager or specialist employee.

Like other work visas, applicants typically need to have a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor.

To ensure a successful application for the UK Expansion Worker visa, it is advisable to seek expert guidance. Our experienced immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors are ready to assist you throughout the application process. Contact us today at 0203 417 3700 for personalised legal advice and support.

UK Expansion Worker visa requirements

To apply for the UK Expansion Worker visa, you must meet certain requirements and demonstrate your eligibility. You need to:

• have a genuine intention to work in the UK
• have a valid certificate of sponsorship from your employer
• have worked for your employer outside the UK
• do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
• be paid the minimum eligible salary required for your job

You must meet all other requirements depending on your circumstances. Feel free to ask a question to our expert immigration solicitor regarding a UK Expansion Worker visa application.

Salary requirements for the UK Expansion Worker visa

You must be paid at least £45,800 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your job - whichever is higher. Each occupation code has its own annual going rate. Check the going rate for your job in the going rates table.

How long do you need to have worked for your employer outside the UK?

You must have worked for your employer outside of the UK for at least 12 months unless you meet one of the following criteria:

• you’re earning over £73,900
• you’re a Japanese national doing work for a Japanese company that is expanding to the UK
• you’re a national or permanent resident of Australia doing work for an Australian company that is expanding to the UK

Documents required for UK Expansion Worker visa

When applying for the UK Expansion Worker visa, you will need to submit several documents to support your application. When you apply, you’ll need to provide:

• copy of your current passport or travel document
• copy of your employment contract
• your certificate of sponsorship reference number
• your job title and annual salary
• your job’s occupation code
• the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number
• proof of maintenance funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK
• valid tuberculosis (TB) test results, if applicable

Remember, the checklist provided is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required based on your circumstances. It's always advisable to consult with an immigration solicitor to ensure your application is complete and accurate.

Applying for the UK Expansion Worker visa

Once you have gathered all the required documents, it's time to begin the application process. Below, we outline the step-by-step procedure for obtaining a UK Expansion Worker visa:

• Complete the online application: Start by filling out the online application form on the official UK government website. Provide accurate and up-to-date information, including your personal details, employment information, and sponsorship details.
• Pay the application fee: Once you have submitted your application, you will need to pay the required application fee. Make sure to check the current fee amount on the government website and have the payment ready.
• Attend biometrics appointment: After submitting your application, you will need to schedule a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre. During this appointment, your fingerprints and photographs will be taken to verify your identity.
• Submit supporting documents: Along with your application, you will need to provide supporting documents to prove your eligibility. This may include your passport, proof of sponsorship, employment contract, and financial documents.
• Wait for a decision: Once you have completed the application process and submitted all the required documents, you will need to wait for a decision on your visa application. The processing time may vary, so it's important to check the current processing times on the government website.

If you have any questions or require legal assistance throughout the application process, Wembley Solicitors is here to help. Contact our team at 0203 417 3700 to speak with one of our experienced immigration solicitors who will guide you and ensure you have the best chance of success.

UK Expansion Worker visa application processing time

You should get a decision on your UK Expansion Worker visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK using a standard service.

You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks if you’re applying from inside the UK.

Applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website either applying from inside the UK or outside the UK.

How long you can stay in the UK?

If the application is successful, you'll be given a UK Expansion Worker visa to live and work in the UK for 12 months after the start date of the job on your certificate of sponsorship, or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

How can we help with your UK Expansion Worker visa application?

At Wembley Solicitors, our experienced immigration solicitors can provide expert guidance and support throughout the entire UK Expansion Worker visa application process. From assessing your eligibility and preparing your application to representing you in any correspondence with the Home Office, we are here to ensure a smooth and successful application journey.

Book a consultation with an immigration solicitor