Complete Guide to the UK Expansion Worker Visa for 2024

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is a new type of visa under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) route, introduced to help overseas businesses send key employees to the UK to establish a UK presence. Unlike other work visas, this visa is specifically for businesses that do not yet have a trading presence in the UK but want to expand operations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the UK Expansion Worker Visa, including eligibility requirements, application steps, and benefits.

Table of Contents

1. What is the UK Expansion Worker Visa?

The UK Expansion Worker Visa allows overseas businesses to transfer senior managers or specialist employees to the UK to set up a branch or subsidiary. This visa is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) scheme, which was launched to support international businesses expanding into the UK.

Key Benefits:

No Need for Prior UK Presence: Ideal for businesses with no existing trading presence in the UK.
Establish a Branch or Subsidiary: Allows companies to send key employees to the UK to set up operations.
Multiple Entry: The visa permits employees to enter and exit the UK as needed within the visa validity period.

2. Eligibility Requirements for the UK Expansion Worker Visa

To qualify for the UK Expansion Worker Visa, both the overseas business and the employee must meet specific eligibility criteria.

Business Eligibility:

No Prior Trading Presence: The business must have no existing active branch or subsidiary in the UK.
Sponsor License: The company must have a valid Sponsor License for the Expansion Worker route before applying for the visa. The business must apply for this license and receive approval from the Home Office.
Proof of International Operations: The business must be actively trading outside the UK and be financially stable to support expansion.

Employee Eligibility:

Job Role: The employee must be a senior manager or specialist employee with essential skills relevant to establishing the new branch.
Employment Requirement: Must have worked with the overseas business for at least 12 months prior to the application, unless they earn over a specific salary threshold.
Skill Level: The job role must be at least RQF Level 6 (graduate level).
Salary Threshold: The minimum salary requirement is £42,400 per year or the going rate for the specific job role, whichever is higher.

Meeting both business and employee eligibility requirements is essential for a successful application.

Before applying for the UK Expansion Worker Visa, the overseas business must first obtain a Sponsor License to sponsor the employee’s visa.

Application Form: Complete the sponsor license application through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal.
Submit Supporting Documents: Provide evidence of the company’s operations, financial stability, and intent to expand into the UK.
Pay Sponsor License Fee: The current fee for a sponsor license for this visa route is £536.
Await Approval: Processing times may vary, but it typically takes around 8 weeks.

Once approved, the company will be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) allocation, allowing them to assign a CoS to the Expansion Worker Visa applicant.

4. Application Process for the UK Expansion Worker Visa

The application process involves submitting personal details, proof of employment, and other relevant documents. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the visa application.

Step-by-Step Application Guide:

Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The sponsoring business provides the employee with a CoS, which contains details about the job role and intended work in the UK.
Complete the Online Application: Fill out the Expansion Worker Visa application on the UKVI website.
Pay Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
- Application Fee: £259 for each applicant.
- IHS: Currently £624 per year.
Attend Biometric Appointment: Submit fingerprints and a photograph at a visa application center.
Await a Decision: Processing usually takes 3 weeks for overseas applications, but timelines can vary.

If approved, the applicant receives a visa that allows them to enter the UK and start working on establishing the business.

5. Duration and Extensions of the UK Expansion Worker Visa

The initial duration of the UK Expansion Worker Visa is typically up to one year, with the option to extend.

Duration and Extension Details:

Initial Duration: Up to 12 months.
Extension: The visa can be extended for an additional 12 months, allowing a total stay of up to 2 years.
No ILR Eligibility: This visa does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), but employees can switch to other visa routes that may qualify them for ILR.

It’s essential to apply for an extension before the visa expires if additional time is needed to establish the business.

6. Required Documents for the UK Expansion Worker Visa

Supporting documentation is essential for proving eligibility for the UK Expansion Worker Visa.

Required Documents Include:

Passport: Valid passport or other travel document.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Provided by the UK sponsor, containing details about the role and company.
Employment Proof: Evidence of at least 12 months’ employment with the overseas company (e.g., employment contract, payslips).
Job Description: Details about the job role, salary, and responsibilities.
Financial Evidence: Documents showing that the overseas business is actively trading and financially capable of supporting UK operations.

Submitting all required documents helps ensure a smooth application process.

7. Limitations of the UK Expansion Worker Visa

While the Expansion Worker Visa provides valuable opportunities for companies to establish a presence in the UK, it has specific limitations.

Key Limitations:

No Direct Path to Settlement: The Expansion Worker Visa does not lead directly to permanent residency or ILR.
Dependent Family Members: Dependants, such as spouse and children, can accompany the applicant, but they must meet separate application requirements.
No Existing Trading Presence Allowed: Companies that already have an active branch or subsidiary in the UK are not eligible for this visa.

Understanding these limitations can help businesses and employees plan their UK presence accordingly.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I switch to a different visa route from the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
Yes, in many cases, you can switch to another eligible work visa (like the Skilled Worker Visa) to pursue a path to ILR.

2. How long does it take to process the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
Applications typically take 3 weeks to process from outside the UK. It’s best to apply well in advance of planned travel.

3. Can my family join me in the UK on an Expansion Worker Visa?
Yes, dependant family members, such as your spouse and children, can apply to accompany you. They will need to meet specific requirements and pay separate fees.

4. Is the UK Expansion Worker Visa renewable after 2 years?
No, the visa can only be extended once for a maximum of 2 years. After this period, the employee must switch to a different visa or leave the UK.

5. Can I establish more than one branch in the UK with this visa?
The visa allows the employee to work on behalf of the sponsoring business to establish one branch or subsidiary in the UK.

6. What happens if my employer’s Sponsor License is revoked?
If the Sponsor License is revoked, your visa may be curtailed, and you may need to leave the UK or switch to a different visa category.