UK Expansion Worker Visa

The UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) is for senior managers and specialist employees sent to the UK to set up the first UK branch or subsidiary of an overseas business. It is designed for businesses that are not yet trading in the UK.

Who may be eligible

• Existing senior managers or specialists of an established overseas business.
• Employees who have worked for the business outside the UK for at least 12 months. There are exemptions, for example for high earners (currently paid £73,900 a year or more), and for some Japanese and Australian businesses.

Key requirements

• The overseas business must not already be trading in the UK.
• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the business's UK Expansion Worker sponsor licence.
• Salary: at least £52,500 a year or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
• A genuine role in setting up the UK operation.

The sponsor licence

Where the Authorising Officer is based outside the UK, the business usually starts with a provisional licence. At first it can assign only one CoS, to the Authorising Officer. Once the Authorising Officer has a visa, the business can apply to upgrade to an A-rating and request up to 9 more CoS.

A UK Expansion Worker licence is limited to 4 years. The business is normally expected to set up a UK trading presence within 2 years and add at least one other sponsorship route, or the licence may be revoked. The CoS fee for this route is currently £55.

How long you can stay

You are first granted up to 12 months, and you can extend up to a maximum of 2 years. This route does not lead to settlement. Once the UK business is trading, other routes such as the Skilled Worker visa may be available, subject to eligibility.

Recent and upcoming changes

The salary threshold is now £52,500, so older guidance quoting lower figures is out of date. The latest changes to the Immigration Rules, which take effect from 8 October 2026, do not change this route. We check the position again before every application.

How the application works

1. The overseas business applies for a UK Expansion Worker sponsor licence.
2. The sponsor assigns a CoS, which gives you a reference number to use in your application.
3. You apply online and prove your identity, which may include attending an appointment.
4. The Home Office decides the application. You must not start work in the UK until you have permission to do so.

Documents and evidence commonly needed

• A valid passport or other travel document.
• Your CoS reference number.
• Evidence of your employment with the overseas business, where the 12-month requirement applies.
• Bank statements showing the required funds, unless you are exempt or your sponsor certifies maintenance.
• Any other documents the Home Office asks for, such as translations of documents not in English or Welsh.

Common problems we help with

• Planning the licence application and the order of steps for the Authorising Officer.
• Evidence that the overseas business is established and that the UK expansion plan is genuine.
• Moving from a provisional licence to a full licence within the time limits.

How Stonebridge can help

We advise overseas businesses on entering the UK, prepare the sponsor licence application, and prepare and submit visa applications for expansion workers. We also advise on moving to other routes as the UK business grows. See also our business immigration advice.

If you are planning a UK expansion, book a consultation.