Expansion Worker Visa

Expansion Worker Visa

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is a type of visa under the Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker route, which is intended for overseas workers who will undertake temporary work assignments related to the expansion of an overseas business to the UK, where the worker is a senior managers or specialist employees who are already working for an overseas business that is planning to start trading in the UK and requires employees to set up a branch of the business.

The visa may allow workers to stay in the UK for up to 12 months from the job starting date, or the time specified on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), whichever is the shortest of the two.

A dependent partner and dependent children can apply to come to the UK on this route.

However, the Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker route is not a route to settlement.

Requirements:

• have a valid certificate of sponsorship from your employer no more than 3 months before the date of application
• have worked for your employer outside the UK
• do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
• be paid the minimum eligible salary required for your job
• valid TB certificate if required

Employment requirements

You must have worked for your employer outside of the UK for at least 12 months unless you’re either earning over £73,900 or you are a Japanese national doing work for a Japanese company that is expanding to the UK.

You can check if your job is eligible using its occupation code, and see if it's on the table of eligible jobs.

You must have an annual salary of £45,800 or the going rate for your job, taking the higher value.

While you are in the UK with the Expansion Worker Visa,

You can:

• work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
• study
• bring your ‘dependants’ with you
  
• do voluntary work
• travel abroad and return to the UK

You cannot:

• apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
• change jobs unless you are eligible and you update your  visa
• have a second job
• apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’)

How Lotus Immigration can Help

With many years of experience, our team has helped numerous applicants successfully obtain their visas. Our specialists can provide you with the guidance and support you need to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Expansion Worker visa applications can be complicated, and having professional advice can help ensure the success of your application. To get started, contact us to book a consultation on +44 20 4511 5237, email: info@lotusimmigration.com or use the contact form below.