• A valid certificate of sponsorship from your UK sponsor
• Proof of employment that you have worked for the overseas employer for at least 12 months outside the UK
• You could be exempted from minimum 12 months employment requirement with overseas employer, if you’re
  • Offered a job with salary of more than £73,900 per annum for expansion worker job to the UK or
  • A Japanese citizen for whom a Japanese company is applying visa under this category to expand its business
  • An Australian citizen or permanent resident who is going to work for Australian company to expand its business in the UK
• Evidence that your position is on the UK’s list of eligible occupations
• You must be paid minimum salary required for the job role you are undertaking i.e. at least £45,800 per year or as per the ‘going rate’ given for your job title or role type and whichever is higher will be considered as minimum requirement. Please note that annual going rate is vary for each occupation code so ensure to verify most up-to-date going rate for your job type in the given going rates table.
• Be able to support yourself and any dependents while you stay in the UK during your ‘Expansion Visa’ duration
• You may also need to provide additional documentation, such as a medical certificate or a police clearance certificate.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a document that your employer will provide to you. It confirms that your employer has a job offer for you and that they can sponsor you for a visa. Your sponsor, which is your employer, will provide you with an electronic certificate of sponsorship that contains details about your intended role in the UK. This certificate is digital, not a physical document. To apply for your visa, you’ll require the reference number found on the certificate of sponsorship, and it’s essential to submit your visa application within three months of receiving this certificate.
• The UK Expansion Worker Visa is a valuable option for overseas workers who are looking to be temporarily seconded to the UK to help their business expand. The visa is easy to apply for and provides overseas workers with the flexibility to work in the UK for up to 2 years.

Please note that above are most common and generic requirements. If you are considering applying for the UK Expansion Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa, it’s important to note that specific requirements can vary based on individual circumstances. If you wish to obtain your case specific professional advice and expert guidance tailored to your situation from our qualified team of immigration advisors, then do not hesitate to Contact us

To obtain professional, most up-to-date, and accurate advice on your ‘Expansion Worker’ visa requirement you can contact our experienced, and accredited team of immigration consultants on 020 3911 1115 or send us your query using this form or email us on ukvisa@agclservices.com or request a call back by providing your contact details here and we will get back to you asap.

Essential Documentation for the UK Expansion Worker Visa:

• When applying for the UK Expansion Worker Visa, there are certain mandatory documents that hold immense significance in establishing your eligibility for this visa category. To begin with, a valid passport is an absolute necessity. It’s crucial that your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the UK.
• Moreover, your sponsoring UK company plays a pivotal role in this process. They are responsible for providing you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), which is a digital document containing vital information about your employment and secondment. This document must demonstrate that your job position aligns with the UK’s list of eligible occupations, including your job title, occupation code, and an annual salary that meets the minimum requirement for your role. Additionally, it provides essential details about your employer, such as their name, address, contact information, and, most importantly, their UK sponsor license number.
• Financial sufficiency is another crucial aspect of your application. You need to prove that you have the necessary financial resources to support yourself during your UK stay, including any family members or dependents accompanying you. Typically, this is done through bank statements or proof of financial sponsorship. If you’re applying from a country where tuberculosis (TB) testing is mandatory, including the results of your TB test is imperative to ensure public health safety
• It’s also possible that you may need to provide evidence of your employment with your employer for the past 12 months, which can include printed or online payslips, supported by a letter from your sponsor and bank statements.

Additional Documents Based on Individual Circumstances:

• In addition to the mandatory documents, specific situations may require the submission of additional paperwork. For instance, you may be asked to provide a Criminal Record Certificate, depending on your background and the nature of your secondment. If you intend to bring your family members with you, marriage or civil partnership certificates, valid passports, and any other necessary documents for your dependents will be necessary. Depending on your unique circumstances, you might also need to provide additional documents, such as evidence of prior employment with your employer outside the UK, a valid ATAS certificate (if applicable), and accommodations arrangements.
• If your documents are not in English or Welsh, certified translations will be required.
• Lastly, it’s crucial to be transparent about your previous immigration history, especially if you have a history of previous immigration applications or visa refusals. Including relevant documents detailing your immigration history is essential for the assessment of your current visa application.

Ensuring Document Precision:

• The careful and accurate preparation of all submitted documents, whether mandatory or supplementary, is paramount. Adhering to the required standards, providing the necessary evidence, and furnishing comprehensive information are vital. This meticulous attention to documentation ensures that Visa Officers can make timely, informed, and accurate decisions regarding your application.
• At AGCL Services, we are dedicated to assisting you in the preparation and submission of these documents, ensuring that your application is comprehensive and well-prepared. This significantly increases your chances of securing the necessary visa for you to work as an expansion worker in the UK. Your success is our priority, and we are here to guide you through every step of the process.

Applying for the Expansion Worker Visa on Your Own

If you’re looking to expand your business into the UK, you can apply for the Expansion Worker Visa independently. This visa allows senior personnel to establish a new UK branch of an overseas business. You’ll need to provide proof of your position within the company, a Certificate of Sponsorship, and evidence of your intent to expand the business. The process can be complicated, especially as it requires gathering detailed business documentation, and handling everything yourself can be challenging.

Let AGCL Services Streamline Your Expansion Worker Visa Process

Alternatively, our visa experts at AGCL Services are ready to assist you in navigating the complexities of the Expansion Worker Visa process. We will help you prepare and submit all required documents, ensuring that your business expansion plan aligns with UK immigration requirements. With our professional support, you can focus on growing your business while we take care of your visa application from start to finish.

Reach Out for Expansion Worker Visa Support

To obtain professional, most up-to-date, and accurate advice on your visa requirement you can contact our experienced, and accredited team of immigration consultants on 020 3911 1115 or send us your query using this Contact Us Form or email us on ukvisa@agclservices.com or request a call back by providing your contact details here and one of our experts will reach out to you to discuss your visa needs.

Visa processing time taken for Expansion Worker Visa Application:

• The overall visa processing time for the UK Expansion Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa category varies depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the application and the time of year. However, as a general rule, applications from outside the UK are processed more quickly than applications from within the UK.

When Applied from Outside the UK:

• The average processing time for Expansion Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa applications made from outside the UK is 3 weeks or 15 working days.

When Applied from Within the UK:

• If you are already in the UK under a different visa category and wish to switch to the Expansion Worker Visa, processing times can vary. Typically, it is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance of the expiration of your current visa to avoid any gaps in your legal status. The average processing time for Expansion Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa applications from within the UK is 8 weeks.

   

Please note that these processing times are indicative, and it could be vary or take longer than standard applicable time depending on individual circumstances or due to some reasons i.e. missing documents, you may be asked to appear for interview, your criminal conviction, or they need more time to verify your documents.

• Initial Visa Duration for Expansion Worker Visa
• The initial visa duration issued for the Expansion Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa category is for whichever is shorter of:
  • 1 year (12 months) after the start date of your job as mentioned in your CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship)
  • For the duration given on your CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) plus 14 days
• This visa category does not directly lead to settlement in the UK, but applicants can switch to another immigration route that does.

Visa Duration after Extension / Renewal of Initial Visa

• When it comes to extension of your current expansion worker visa validity, you should be able to extend your expansion worker visa validity for further 12 months up on expiring of your initial visa duration. You will not be able to extend it further meaning you can stay in the UK on this visa for maximum 2 years. After this maximum period of stay on this visa category, the visa holder must leave the UK.
• Also, please note that you may not be able to extend your visa for further 12 months after initial period of your expansion worker visa if you already have stayed 5 years out of last 6 years within UK on other visa categories including Service Supplier visa (GBM), Graduate Trainee visa (GBM), Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa, Senior or Specialist Worker visa (GBM), Intra-company Transfer visa, Secondment Worker visa (GBM), UK Expansion Worker visa (GBM).

Please note that this is just a general overview of the visa validity and extension options for the Expansion Worker (Global Business Mobility) Visa. Please discuss your case with one of our experienced consultants for more information and obtain specific guidance around your case.

Visa Fees for UK Expansion Worker Visa

• The visa fees for a UK Expansion Worker Visa depend on the duration of the visa and the location from where the application is made. As of October 2023, the visa fee for main applicant and dependants is £298 if the application is made from outside the UK and £298 if the application is made from within the UK.

IHS – Immigration Health Surcharge for Expansion Worker Visa

• Healthcare Surcharge: You are required to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is typically £624 per year for each year of your stay in the UK. The IHS is a mandatory fee that provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) It’s important to check the exact amount you need to pay before submitting your application. You must pay the healthcare surcharge for each year that you are in the UK.

Other Charges Applicable for UK Expansion Worker Visa

• The Biometric Enrolment fee: It’s a fee for providing biometric information, such as fingerprints and photographs, and is currently £19.20.
• Translation fees: If you need to have any documents translated into English, you will need to pay for the translation service
• Courier fees: If you need to have your passport or documents couriered to you, you will need to pay for the courier service
• Priority visa service: This service costs an additional £500 and guarantees a decision on your application within 5 working days
• Super priority visa service: This service costs an additional £1,000 and guarantees a decision on your application by the end of the next working day.

Please note that these fees are in addition to the standard visa application fee. The Priority and Super Priority services are designed to speed up the visa application process. However, it is important to note that there is no guarantee that your application will be processed within the specified timeframe.

In addition to the above fees, you may also need to pay for additional services, such as:

• English language test fees
• Tuberculosis test fees
• Medical certificate fees
• Police clearance certificate fees

Q.1  Can I apply for this visa category if I am self-employed?

Nope, you can’t apply for the Expansion Worker’ Visa category as this visa is typically designed for individuals who are and employee of their overseas office for last 12 months and is proposed to be seconded by their overseas employer to work in the UK for business expansion activities. You may have exemption from this if you’re a Japanese citizen or an Australian Citizen or permanent resident of Australia and apply to work for the companies of your respective country-based organizations.

Q.2  Can my family members join me on this visa?

Yes, family members, such as your spouse or dependent children, may be eligible to join you in the UK under certain conditions.

Q.3  Can I switch from other visa categories to Expansion Worker Visa category if I am already in the UK?

If you’re currently residing in the UK under a different visa category, you may have the opportunity to switch to a UK Expansion Worker Visa, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. It’s important to note that if you decide to switch your visa, the visas of your partner or child will not automatically transition along with yours. Their visas will remain valid until their original expiration dates. However, they have the option to apply for this visa either concurrently with you or before the expiry of their current visas. During the application process, it’s crucial not to travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until a decision on your application is reached. Leaving the country prematurely could result in the withdrawal of your application.

For example, you are allowed to switch from your current Student Visa to Expansion Worker Visa subject to meeting the eligibility requirements. Additionally, one of the following conditions must apply:

1. You have successfully completed the course you were sponsored to study.
2. Your job’s start date falls after the conclusion of your course.
3. You have engaged in PhD studies for a minimum of 24 months.

You will not be able to switch from within the UK if you are on the certain visa categories e.g., Visit visas, Short-term student visas, Parent of a Child Student visas, Seasonal worker visas, Domestic worker in a private household visa, Immigration bail, special permission to stay outside the immigration rules, such as compassionate grounds. If you’re in UK on one of these visa categories, you must leave the UK and apply for a UK Expansion Worker Visa from abroad / your home country.

Q.4  Can I extend my Expansion Worker Visa?

Yes, you can apply for an extension for further 12 months following to completion of your initial 12 months visa duration if your employment or secondment continues in the UK. Make sure to apply before your current visa expires.

Q.5  How long is the UK Expansion Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa valid for?

• The Expansion Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa is valid for whichever is shorter of:
• 12 months after the start date of the job detailed in your certificate of sponsorship or
• the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days.

Q.6  Can I apply for settlement or ILR after certain number of years staying in the UK on a Expansion Worker Visa?

No, the UK Expansion Worker Visa does not directly lead to settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. However, applicants can switch to another immigration route that does lead to settlement or ILR after completing the required period of stay in the UK.

Q.7  What are the advantages of being in the UK under the UK Expansion Worker – Global Business Mobility Visa category?

• You can bring your spouse or partner and children under the age of 18 to the UK
• Networking with professionals in your field
• Gaining valuable international work experience
• Contributing to your career development
• Exploring the vibrant UK culture and business environment
• Accessing healthcare services through the NHS.

Q.8  Which activities are ‘Allowed’ and ‘Not Allowed’ when you are on UK Expansion Worker Visa?

Under a UK Expansion Worker Visa, the visa holder is allowed to work for the UK sponsor in the job detailed in the Certificate of Sponsorship, study, travel in and out of the UK, and bring family members to the UK. However, the visa holder is not allowed to access public funds, work for a different employer, or engage in business activities outside of the job detailed in the Certificate of Sponsorship.

Q.9  What is the minimum salary requirement for the Expansion Worker Visa?

• the minimum salary requirement for the UK Expansion Worker Visa is £45,800 per year (or £42,400 for applications supported by a relevant UK government department or agency).

It’s essential to understand and adhere to the conditions and limitations of your ‘Expansion Worker’ Visa to maintain your legal status in the UK. Violating the terms of your visa can have serious consequences, including visa cancellation and potential removal from the country. If you have questions or need further clarification, it’s advisable to consult with one of our expert immigration advisors.

Navigating the UK immigration system can be complex, and it’s essential to have expert guidance throughout the process. At AGCL Services, our immigration experts are here to guide you through the process, ensuring that you understand visa fees, additional charges, priority services, FAQs, what you’re allowed and not allowed to do, and the advantages of holding this visa and are committed to helping you achieve your immigration goals and ensuring a smooth and successful application for the Expansion Worker Visa.