What is the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
This visa allows senior managers or specialist employees to come to the UK to set up a branch of an overseas business that has not started trading in the UK yet. It's a specific route under the Global Business Mobility visa category. If your company is already trading in the UK, you should use the Senior or Specialist Worker visa instead.
Do You Qualify?
- Certificate of Sponsorship: You must have a valid CoS issued by your UK sponsor.
- Prior Employment: You must have worked for the overseas parent company for at least 12 continuous months.
- Eligible Occupation: Your job must be on the official list of eligible occupations for this route.
- Minimum Salary: You must be paid at least £48,500 per year or the "going rate" for your job, whichever is higher.
Important Information at a Glance
Length of Stay
The visa is granted for 12 months and can be extended once for another 12 months, for a maximum total stay of 2 years.
Family Members
Your partner and dependent children can apply to join you in the UK as your dependents.
Application Process
You must apply online up to 3 months before your start date and attend a biometric appointment. Decisions usually take 3-8 weeks.
Restrictions
You can only work in the sponsored job and cannot settle permanently in the UK on this visa. You must switch to another visa to stay long-term.