An Application Guide for The UK Expansion Worker Visa for Business Owners

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa route designed for business owners and senior employees of overseas companies looking to expand their business operations into the UK. This visa allows individuals to establish a branch or subsidiary of an existing company in the UK without needing to invest large sums of capital upfront.

Introduced in April 2022, the Expansion Worker Visa replaces the previous Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa, offering more flexibility and streamlined processes for business owners, executives, and specialists. This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the UK market while also providing a pathway to long-term residency.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about applying for the UK Expansion Worker Visa, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, required documents, and tips for success.

What is the UK Expansion Worker Visa?

The UK Expansion Worker Visa allows employees of an overseas business to come to the UK to set up a branch or subsidiary of that business. Unlike other business visas, it focuses on company expansion rather than new start-ups or individual investments.

Key Features of the UK Expansion Worker Visa:

• For business owners, senior managers, and specialists expanding operations in the UK.
• Requires a sponsorship certificate from the overseas company.
• Provides permission to work in the UK temporarily (initially up to 12 months, extendable up to 2 years).
• Does not lead directly to permanent residency, but applicants can switch to other visa routes later.

Benefits of the UK Expansion Worker Visa

1. Business Expansion Opportunities:
   • Establish a physical presence in the UK to access the European and global markets.
2. Flexible Sponsorship Process:
   • Easier for overseas businesses to sponsor employees without complex investment requirements.
3. Family Inclusion:
   • Bring your spouse/partner and dependent children with you to the UK.
4. Work Flexibility:
   • Work in your company’s UK branch without restrictions on your job role within the business.
5. Potential Path to Permanent Residency:
   • Though not a direct PR route, you can switch to other visa categories that lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Eligibility Criteria for the UK Expansion Worker Visa

To qualify for the UK Expansion Worker Visa, you must meet specific requirements related to your role, employer, and personal eligibility.

1. Employment with an Overseas Business

• Must be an employee of an active overseas business intending to set up a UK branch or subsidiary.
• The overseas company should not already have a trading presence in the UK (though it can have a registered office).

2. Job Role Requirements

• Your job must be in a senior management or specialist position critical to the business expansion.
• The role must meet the UK’s skill level requirements.

3. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

• You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by your employer.
• The CoS should outline:
  • Job details (title, responsibilities, salary)
  • Duration of assignment in the UK
  • Sponsorship license number of the overseas company

4. Salary Threshold

• The job must meet the minimum salary requirements:
  • At least £42,400 per year or £20.29 per hour, whichever is higher (as of 2024).
  • Certain exceptions apply for specific job roles or industries.

5. Proof of Financial Support

• You must show you can support yourself in the UK:
  • At least £1,270 available in your bank account (unless your employer covers this).

6. English Language Requirement

• No formal English language test required for this visa.
• However, good command of English is beneficial for business operations.

Documents Required for the UK Expansion Worker Visa Application

When applying for the UK Expansion Worker Visa, ensure you have the following documents:

1. Valid Passport or Travel Document
   • Must have at least one blank page for the visa.
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Reference Number
   • Provided by your overseas employer.
3. Proof of Employment
   • Employment contract, job offer letter, or company documentation confirming your role.
4. Evidence of Business Operations
   • Business registration documents of the overseas company.
   • Proof of active trading for at least 3 years outside the UK.
5. Financial Evidence
   • Bank statements showing at least £1,270 (unless your sponsor provides this).
6. Proof of Relationship (for family members)
   • Marriage certificate for spouse/partner.
   • Birth certificates for dependent children.
7. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results
   • Required if you’re from a country where TB testing is mandatory.
8. Proof of Accommodation (Optional)
   • Details of where you’ll live in the UK.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the UK Expansion Worker Visa

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

• Ensure you meet the criteria for:
  • Employment role and salary requirements
  • Being sponsored by an eligible overseas company

Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

• Your overseas employer must apply for a sponsorship license from the UK Home Office (if they don’t already have one).
• Once licensed, they will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with a unique reference number.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

• Prepare your:
  • Passport
  • Proof of employment
  • Financial documents
  • Business registration papers (for your employer)

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

• Apply through the UK government’s visa portal.
• Fill in personal details, job information, and CoS reference number.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fees

• Visa Application Fee: £259 (as of 2024).
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year.

Step 6: Book and Attend a Biometrics Appointment

• Schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country.
• Provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph).

Step 7: Submit Your Documents

• Upload or submit all supporting documents as per the application guidelines.

Step 8: Wait for a Decision

• Processing time is typically 3 weeks for applications outside the UK.
• You may receive an invitation for an interview if additional information is required.

Step 9: Receive Your Visa

• If approved, you’ll receive a vignette sticker in your passport, valid for 30 days to enter the UK.
• Once in the UK, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

Financial Requirements for the UK Expansion Worker Visa

1. Salary Threshold

• You must be paid at least:
  • £42,400 annually or
  • £20.29 per hour

Note: Some exceptions apply for specific industries.

2. Maintenance Funds

• At least £1,270 in personal savings for 28 consecutive days (unless your sponsor provides a guarantee).

3. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• £624 per year of your stay (required for healthcare access in the UK).

Bringing Family Members with You

You can bring your dependents to the UK, including:

• Spouse or Civil Partner
• Unmarried Partner (if in a relationship for at least 2 years)
• Dependent Children under 18 (or over 18 if financially dependent)

Requirements for Dependents:

1. Proof of Relationship (marriage or birth certificates)
2. Financial Requirement:
   • £285 for your partner
   • £315 for the first child
   • £200 for each additional child

Duration of Stay and Visa Extensions

Initial Visa Duration:

• Up to 12 months initially.

Extensions:

• Can be extended for another 12 months, up to a maximum of 2 years total.

Switching to Other Visas:

• You can switch to other visa categories (like the Skilled Worker Visa) that offer a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Processing Times and Application Fees

• Processing Time:
  • 3 weeks (outside the UK)
  • 8 weeks (inside the UK)
• Application Fees:
  • £259 (visa fee)
  • £624 per year (IHS fee)
• Priority Processing (Optional):
  • Available in some countries for an additional fee.

Common Reasons for Visa Refusal

1. Incomplete Documentation
2. Incorrect or Inconsistent Information
3. Failure to Meet Financial Requirements
4. Issues with Sponsorship License
5. Criminal Record or Security Concerns

How to Avoid Refusal:

• Double-check all documents before submission.
• Ensure your employer’s sponsorship license is valid.
• Provide accurate financial evidence.

Switching to Other UK Visa Categories

If you wish to stay longer or apply for permanent residency, you can switch to:

1. Skilled Worker Visa (leads to ILR after 5 years)
2. Innovator Founder Visa (for entrepreneurs)
3. Global Talent Visa (for industry leaders)

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Work with an Immigration Consultant (Optional):
   • Seek expert advice for complex cases.
2. Prepare a Strong Business Case:
   • Ensure the UK expansion plan is realistic and well-documented.
3. Ensure Sponsor Compliance:
   • Your employer must meet all Home Office sponsorship obligations.
4. Meet Salary and Job Requirements:
   • Double-check that your salary and job description meet the eligibility criteria.

Conclusion

The UK Expansion Worker Visa offers an excellent opportunity for business owners to establish a strong presence in the UK’s vibrant economy. By meeting the eligibility criteria, securing the necessary sponsorship, and preparing a well-documented application, entrepreneurs can successfully expand their businesses and enjoy the benefits of living and working in the UK.

With its flexible structure, opportunities to bring family members, and potential pathways to long-term residency, this visa is an ideal solution for business growth in one of the world’s leading markets.