UK Expansion Worker Visa: Expert Legal Guidance from London Immigration Lawyers

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is a specialized immigration route designed for senior managers or specialist employees of overseas businesses looking to establish a new presence or expand into the United Kingdom. This visa, part of the Global Business Mobility route, enables key personnel to come to the UK specifically to set up a new branch or subsidiary. At Conroy Baker Ltd., our specialist UK Expansion Worker Visa Immigration Lawyers in London are dedicated to guiding individuals through the precise requirements of this unique visa process, ensuring your vital role in your company’s UK expansion is securely launched.

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is tailored for employees being assigned to the UK by an established overseas business that does not yet have a trading presence in the UK. The purpose of the visa is to allow these individuals to facilitate the initial establishment of the UK entity. This visa is distinct from a standard Skilled Worker Visa as it focuses on the temporary nature of establishing a new business, rather than ongoing employment with an already trading UK entity. Our expert team ensures you understand all aspects of this specific visa category.

Eligibility for the UK Expansion Worker Visa is stringent and requires both the individual and the overseas employer to meet specific criteria. Our UK Expansion Worker Visa Immigration Lawyers in London provide comprehensive assessments to confirm your suitability:

Your overseas employer must have obtained a UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence. This licence is issued to the overseas business, allowing them to sponsor you.

You must have a genuine job offer for a senior manager or specialist position from your overseas employer, specifically to set up the UK branch or subsidiary.

You must typically have worked for your employer outside the UK for at least 12 months, unless you are a high earner (earning £73,900 or more per year).

Your role must be skilled to at least RQF Level 6 (graduate level) and be on the list of eligible occupations.

You must demonstrate English language proficiency to at least level B1 CEFR.

You must show sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependants in the UK without recourse to public funds.

You must meet general immigration suitability requirements.

The UK Expansion Worker Visa application process requires meticulous preparation, focusing on both your individual credentials and your employer’s expansion plans. Our UK Expansion Worker Visa Immigration Lawyers in London will guide you through each necessary step:

We ensure your overseas employer has successfully secured the UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence before your application.

We review your specific job role and prior experience to confirm it meets the “senior manager” or “specialist employee” criteria and the required skill level.

We confirm you meet the English language requirement and assist in preparing evidence of your maintenance funds.

We assist in gathering all required personal and employment documentation, including your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by your employer, evidence of your prior employment overseas, and proof of your qualifications.

We ensure the online visa application form is accurately completed, and all necessary government fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) are paid.

We assist with arranging and attending biometrics appointments for fingerprints and a photograph.

We oversee the submission of your visa application and monitor its progress, handling any queries from the Home Office.

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is initially granted for the period needed to establish the UK business, up to a maximum of one year. You may be able to apply for an extension for a further year, but the maximum time you can spend on this route is two years.

Critically, the UK Expansion Worker Visa does not directly lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). To settle in the UK, Expansion Worker visa holders typically need to switch to another eligible long-term visa route (such as the Skilled Worker Visa or an Innovator Founder Visa) before their Expansion Worker Visa expires. Our team can provide strategic advice on the most suitable onward immigration pathways.

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is a niche category with very specific eligibility criteria related to both the individual’s role and the overseas company’s expansion plans. Ensuring all aspects align with Home Office expectations is vital for a successful application.

As Top UK Immigration & Business Advisors in the UK, Conroy Baker Ltd. offers a holistic and client-focused approach, combining unparalleled expertise to deliver outstanding immigration solutions. Your UK Expansion Role. Securely Launched.

Our comprehensive services for UK Expansion Worker Visa applications include:

Verifying that both your individual role and your employer’s expansion plan meet visa requirements.

Working closely with your overseas employer regarding their sponsor licence and Certificate of Sponsorship.

Ensuring all personal and employment documents are perfectly presented.

Advising on suitable onward visa routes (e.g., Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder) to transition from Expansion Worker to a settlement pathway.

Minimizing potential errors and processing delays.

Expert legal guidance if an application is refused.

We are committed to helping you successfully launch your company’s presence in the United Kingdom.