UK Expansion Worker Visa

UK Expansion Worker Visa – Establish Your Business Presence in the United Kingdom

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes. It allows senior managers and specialist employees of an overseas business to come to the UK to establish a new branch or subsidiary. This route is designed for companies that do not yet have a trading presence in the UK, making it an ideal option for international businesses planning to expand their operations into the UK market.

At The McKenzie Friend, we assist business owners, HR teams, and executives with the end-to-end process of UK Expansion Worker Visa applications — from initial sponsor registration to ensuring full compliance with Home Office requirements.

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Who Can Apply?

This visa is suitable for individuals who:

• Work for an overseas business that has no active UK branch yet.
• Hold a senior or specialist position in the company.
• Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by a licensed sponsor under the GBM routes.
• Have been employed by the overseas entity for at least 12 months outside the UK (unless earning £73,900+).

Applicants must also meet minimum salary thresholds and be able to demonstrate genuine business intentions to expand into the UK market.

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Key Features of the UK Expansion Worker Visa

• Allows eligible staff to come to the UK to open and operate a new business branch.
• Can bring dependants (partner and children) with you to the UK.
• Permits multiple team members to apply under the same expansion plan.
• Leads to potential transitions to other routes, such as the Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder Visa.

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Visa Duration and Conditions

The visa is typically granted for up to 12 months and can be extended for another 12 months — giving a total maximum stay of 2 years. During this period, you must actively establish your business presence in the UK, including registration, office setup, and compliance reporting.

• You cannot take additional employment outside your sponsored role.
• You cannot access public funds or claim benefits.
• Dependants can study or work in the UK under their respective permissions.

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Does This Visa Lead to Permanent Residence?

The UK Expansion Worker Visa does not directly lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), but it can be a strategic step towards it. Once your business is established, you may switch to other settlement-eligible categories such as the Skilled Worker Visa or Innovator Founder Visa.

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How We Can Help You

At The McKenzie Friend, our immigration experts provide complete business and individual visa support, including:

• Guidance on sponsor licence registration for the overseas company.
• Preparation and review of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Full assistance with employee and dependant applications.
• Compliance advice for the Home Office audit and record-keeping requirements.

We simplify complex Home Office processes and ensure that both your business and your employees meet every requirement with accuracy and professionalism.