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UK Expansion Worker Visa

A UK Expansion Worker visa allows you to come to the UK to set up a branch of an overseas business that has not started trading in the UK yet.

You must already work for the overseas business as either a senior manager or specialist employee. If your business is already trading in the UK, you should apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa instead.

If you want to apply or switch to a UK Expansion Worker visa, contact our immigration solicitors for legal advice, eligibility assessment and the requirements.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for a UK Expansion Worker visa you need to:

  • have a valid certificate of sponsorship from your employer
  • 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

Getting a certificate of sponsorship

Your employer - also known as your sponsor - will give you a 'certificate of sponsorship' with information about the role you will do in the UK. It's an electronic record, not a paper document.

You'll need the reference number from the certificate of sponsorship for your visa application. You must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship.

If your employer is not currently approved to sponsor people to work in the UK, they can apply for a sponsor licence if they're eligible.

Salary requirements

You must be paid at least £42,400 per year or the 'going rate' for your job - whichever is higher.

Each occupation code has its own annual going rate.

How long you need to have worked for your employer outside the UK

You must have worked for your employer outside of the UK for at least 12 months unless you're either:

  • earning over £73,900
  • a Japanese national doing work for a Japanese company that is expanding to the UK

Documents required for UK Expansion Worker visa

When you apply you'll need to provide:

  • your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this
  • a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
  • your job title and annual salary
  • your job's occupation code
  • the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number - this will be on your certificate of sponsorship
  • evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example, bank statements
  • proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they're applying with you
  • your tuberculosis test results if you're from a listed country

You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements. Please contact us for initial assessment to determine your eligibility, and to discuss the options.

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