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

Your UK Expansion Role. Securely Launched.

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Unlocking Your Pathway to the UK

Trusted Visa & Immigration Experts

Unlocking Your Pathway to the UK

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Facilitating Your Role in UK Business Expansion: The Expansion Worker Visa

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.

Understanding the UK Expansion Worker Visa

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.

UK Expansion Worker Visa Eligibility: Are You Qualified?

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:

Sponsorship by an Expanding Overseas Business

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.

Genuine Job Offer

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.

Prior Employment

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).

Eligible Role

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

English Language

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

Maintenance Funds

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

Immigration History

You must meet general immigration suitability requirements.

The UK Expansion Worker Visa Application Process: Expert Management

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:

1. Sponsor Licence Confirmation

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

2. Role Suitability Assessment

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.

3. English Language & Maintenance Proof

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

4. Document Collection & Preparation

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.

5. Online Application & Fee Payment

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

6. Biometrics Submission

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

7. Application Submission & Monitoring

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

Visa Duration, Extensions, and Pathway to UK Settlement (ILR)

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.

Why Choose Conroy Baker Ltd. for Your Expansion Worker Visa?

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:

Role & Company Suitability Assessment

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

Sponsor Liaison

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

Meticulous Document Preparation

Ensuring all personal and employment documents are perfectly presented.

Strategic Future Planning

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

Accurate Application Submission

Minimizing potential errors and processing delays.

Refusal Assistance

Expert legal guidance if an application is refused.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About the UK Expansion Worker Visa

The UK Expansion Worker Visa allows a senior manager or specialist employee of an established overseas business to come to the UK to set up a new branch or subsidiary. It facilitates the initial expansion of an overseas company into the UK.

Yes, you need to be sponsored by your overseas employer, who must first obtain a UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence from the Home Office. Your employer will then issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is initially granted for up to one year. You may extend it for a further year, but the maximum time you can spend on this route is two years. It does not typically allow for extensions beyond this period.

No, the UK Expansion Worker Visa does not directly lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). To qualify for settlement, you will typically need to switch to another eligible long-term visa route, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.

You must generally have worked for your employer outside the UK for at least 12 months. This requirement is waived if you are a high earner, earning £73,900 or more per year.

Yes, your spouse or partner and dependent children can apply to join you on a UK Expansion Worker Visa as your dependants. They will typically receive a visa for the same duration as yours.

Ready to Launch Your UK Expansion Role?

if you have questions about the UK Expansion Worker Visa or require expert assistance with your application, our specialist UK Expansion Worker Visa Immigration Lawyers in London are ready to provide support.

Please complete the form below with your details and specific questions. A member of our Top UK Immigration & Business Advisors in the UK team will contact you promptly to provide the dedicated guidance and strategic solutions you require for your successful role in the UK.

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