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Expansion Worker Visa

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UK Expansion Worker Visa

The UK Expansion Worker visa allows employees to move to the UK to establish a new branch or office of an overseas company that hasn't yet started trading in the UK. To qualify, you must already be employed by the company as a senior manager or specialist.

Who Should Apply?

If your business is already operating in the UK, you should apply for a different visa, such as the Senior or Specialist Worker visa.

Eligibility for the UK Expansion Worker Visa

To qualify for a UK Expansion Worker visa, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Have a valid sponsorship certificate - from your employer, which details your role in the UK. You need to apply for your visa within 3 months of receiving this certificate.
  • Have worked for your employer outside the UK - for at least 12 months, unless you are earning over £73,900 GBP, or are a Japanese or Australian national working for their expanding companies in the UK.
  • Hold a job on the list of eligible occupations - You can check your job’s eligibility by its 4-digit occupation code, which can be obtained from your employer or your sponsorship certificate.
  • Meet the minimum salary requirement - which is at least £52,500 GBP per year or the specific ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher.

Acceptable proof of Employment includes:

  • Payslips (printed or online, supported by a letter from your sponsor)
  • Bank or building society statements
  • Passbook showing savings

Additional Employer Requirements

Your employer must ensure your role pays the UK’s minimum wage and complies with UK working hours rules. If your employer is not currently authorized to sponsor workers, they can apply for a sponsor license.

This visa is designed for employees of overseas companies expanding into the UK, helping facilitate international business growth while ensuring workers meet set standards.

Duration of Stay

  • You can stay in the UK for up to 12 months initially, with the possibility of extending your visa for another year.
  • The maximum total stay is 2 years.
  • If you have previously spent time in the UK on certain other visas, your total stay may be limited to 5 years within a 6-year period.

How to Apply

Applications are made online, whether you're outside the UK, extending your current visa, or switching from another visa.

Cost

  • Pay a Visa Application fee, healthcare surcharge, and show proof of funds to support yourself during your stay.

 

Processing Time

Usually within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, or 8 weeks if inside.

What You Can Do in the UK

  • Work for your sponsor in your designated role.
  • Study, volunteer (unpaid), and bring your partner and children as dependents.
  • Travel abroad and return to the UK.

Visa Restrictions

  • You cannot claim public funds or benefits.
  • You cannot change jobs without updating your visa, or apply for permanent settlement during your stay.

Application Documents

When applying, you will need to submit:

  • Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number from your employer
  • A valid passport or other official ID showing your identity and nationality
  • Details of your Job title and Annual salary
  • Your Job’s occupation code
  • Your employer’s Name and Sponsor license number (found on your sponsorship certificate)
  • Evidence that you have enough ''Personal savings' to support yourself in the UK, such as bank statements
  • Proof of your 'relationship' with your partner or children if they are applying with you
  • Tuberculosis test results - if you are from a listed country

Additional Documents You May Need

  • Evidence showing you have worked for your employer outside the UK
  • A valid ATAS certificate if your job involves research at PhD level or higher and your employer requires it

This visa is designed for employees supporting overseas businesses expanding into the UK, helping facilitate international growth while allowing flexibility for workers to live and work in the UK temporarily.

In 2026, call or email our UK Visa Advisers and Lawyers for a Consultation or specialist and experienced assistance with your Expansion Worker Visa application for the UK! Schedule a meeting for advice at our offices in Sydney, Australia and Singapore and Hong Kong.