--- title: "Expansion Worker Visa Global Business Mobility" url: https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/expansion-worker-visa-global-business-mobility/ type: page date: 2024-02-14 modified: 2026-10-27 markdown_url: https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/expansion-worker-visa-global-business-mobility.md author: "T Shah" --- # Expansion Worker Visa Global Business Mobility [Home](https://immigrationvisaexpert.com) # UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility) Professional immigration advice for overseas businesses sending a senior manager or specialist employee to establish a UK branch or subsidiary. This route needs careful planning because it is temporary, sponsor-led and not a direct settlement route. [Book a UK Expansion Worker Consultation](#contact) ## Quick case check Review whether the overseas business, UK expansion plan, sponsorship position, salary and family documents are ready before the case is prepared. ### UK business not trading yet? ### Sponsorship structure ready? ### Salary and occupation code checked? ### Extension or route-switching plan? [Ask an Adviser](#eligibility) Book Consultation Overview Eligibility Sponsorship Salary Documents Fees Dependants Extension ILR How We Help FAQs ### Latest position ## What are the current UK Expansion Worker Visa rules? 2025/2026 route and cost position The UK Expansion Worker route remains a temporary Global Business Mobility route for senior managers or specialist employees assigned to the UK to establish a UK presence for an overseas business that has not started trading in the UK. Salary and going rate The role must normally pay at least £52,500 per year or the full going rate for the occupation code, whichever is higher. Current going-rate tables use SOC 2020 occupation codes and should be checked before sponsorship is assigned. Funds and family The main applicant normally needs £1,270 maintenance funds unless exempt or sponsor-certified. Dependants may need £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child where evidence is required. Temporary route warning This visa can usually be granted for up to 12 months initially and extended once up to a maximum of 2 years. It does not directly lead to indefinite leave to remain. **Important:** Malta citizenship rules have changed significantly. Any advice based on the former Malta citizenship-by-investment framework should be treated with caution and reviewed against the current law. ### Overview ## What is the UK Expansion Worker Visa? The UK Expansion Worker Visa is part of the Global Business Mobility framework. It is designed for an overseas business that needs to send a senior manager or specialist employee to the UK to establish a branch or subsidiary before the UK business has started trading. This route is suitable where the overseas business already operates outside the UK and the proposed UK assignment is connected to genuine expansion activity. It is not a general work visa, not a start-up visa for a new personal business idea, and not the same as the former sole representative route. At Immigration Visa Expert, we help overseas companies and key employees assess whether this route is the correct structure, whether the sponsorship position is strong, and whether a different UK route may be more suitable for long-term plans. ### Eligibility ## What are the main UK Expansion Worker Visa requirements? The applicant must have valid sponsorship, a suitable role at the required skill level, and salary at the required level. The role must be genuine and must not be created mainly to support an immigration application. The applicant must usually have worked for the overseas business or linked sponsor group outside the UK for at least 12 months. There are limited exceptions, including high earners paid at least £73,900 and certain expansion assignments connected with specified trade arrangements for Japanese nationals, Australian nationals or Australian permanent residents. The applicant must also meet suitability requirements, financial requirements where applicable, and any tuberculosis testing or ATAS-related requirements that apply to their circumstances. ### Sponsorship ## What sponsorship does a UK Expansion Worker need? Before sponsoring a UK Expansion Worker, the overseas business must qualify for the route-specific sponsor licence. It must have a UK footprint, such as registered UK premises or an appropriate Companies House registration, but must not yet be actively trading in the UK. The overseas business must normally be actively trading overseas and have done so for at least 3 years, subject to limited exceptions, and must show credible plans and resources to establish a UK trading presence within 2 years. A valid Certificate of Sponsorship is central to the application. It must identify the applicant, the sponsored UK role, the salary and allowances, the start date, and whether any specialist clearance requirement applies. The sponsor must be authorised for the UK Expansion Worker route. In most cases the sponsor must hold an appropriate rating. Where the UK expansion sponsor has a provisional rating, the route is normally limited to the nominated authorising officer who is being sponsored to help establish the UK presence. This is one of the most sensitive parts of the route. A weak sponsor structure, unclear overseas group connection, poor UK expansion evidence or incorrect role description can create refusal risk. If your UK Expansion Worker application is refused, review the decision promptly. You may be able to apply for Administrative Review under Appendix AR if you believe the refusal contains a caseworking error. Depending on the refusal reason and the evidence available, a fresh application or a different immigration route may sometimes be more appropriate. ### Salary ## What salary is required for a UK Expansion Worker Visa? The role must normally be paid at least £52,500 per year or the full going rate for the relevant occupation code, whichever is higher. Salary assessment is not just about the headline figure; the occupation code, weekly hours and permitted allowances also matter. Only certain guaranteed pay and allowances can be counted. Some payments, benefits, bonuses, in-kind benefits and immigration cost reimbursements are not counted in the same way. Accommodation allowances are capped when calculating salary for this route. Before the Certificate of Sponsorship is assigned, the salary and occupation code should be reviewed together so that the sponsored role is presented consistently and accurately. ### Duration ## How long can you stay on a UK Expansion Worker Visa? The initial grant is normally the shorter of 12 months after the job start date on the sponsorship record or the time stated on the sponsorship record plus 14 days. The route can usually be extended by a further 12 months if the requirements continue to be met. The maximum stay on the UK Expansion Worker route is 2 years. Time spent on this and other Global Business Mobility or Intra-company routes can also affect the overall maximum period allowed in the UK, which is generally 5 years in any 6-year period for the relevant grouped routes. Because this route is temporary and does not directly lead to settlement, applicants and employers should consider future route strategy before relying on it for a long-term UK plan. ### Documents ## What documents are usually important for a UK Expansion Worker Visa? The exact evidence depends on the sponsor structure, overseas group relationship, job role, salary package, UK expansion plan, personal circumstances and whether dependants are applying. A strong application usually presents the sponsorship, role and business expansion position clearly, rather than simply uploading a long list of documents. Typical evidence areas include the sponsorship record, passport and identity evidence, job title and salary details, occupation code, overseas employment history where required, financial evidence where required, family relationship evidence for dependants, and specialist documents such as TB or ATAS evidence where relevant. Immigration Visa Expert can review the evidence before submission, identify gaps or inconsistencies, and help present a clear application position that supports the route requirements. Sponsorship and role fit Clear CoS details, sponsor licence position, job title, salary and occupation-code alignment. Business expansion evidence Evidence showing the overseas business and UK expansion purpose are credible and consistent. Personal and family evidence Identity, funds, overseas employment and dependant evidence where relevant to the case. ### Before you proceed ## Want your UK Expansion Worker documents checked before submission? We can review the sponsor record, job details, salary, overseas employment evidence, funds and dependant documents before the case is prepared. [Request Document Review](#eligibility) ### Fees ## How much does a UK Expansion Worker Visa cost? The current visa application fee is £340 per applicant. The Immigration Health Surcharge is usually £1,035 per year and is payable separately unless a specific exemption applies. The main applicant normally needs £1,270 in available maintenance funds unless they qualify for an exemption or their sponsor certifies maintenance. Where dependants need to show maintenance, the standard amounts are £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child. Other possible costs may include priority services, translation, tuberculosis testing where required, professional advice and document-preparation support. Application fee **£340 per applicant** Current visa application fee for the main applicant and each dependant. Immigration Health Surcharge **Usually £1,035 per year** Payable separately for each year of permission unless a specific exemption applies. Main applicant maintenance **Usually £1,270** Required unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption or sponsor-certified maintenance applies. Dependant maintenance **£285 partner / £315 first child / £200 each additional child** Standard amounts where dependant financial evidence is required. Other possible costs **Varies by case** Translation, tuberculosis testing, priority services and professional advice may add to the total cost. Sponsor costs **Employer-specific** Sponsor licence, CoS and compliance costs should be planned separately by the business. ### Dependants ## Can family members apply with a UK Expansion Worker? A partner and dependent children may be able to apply as dependants where they meet the relationship, age, care and financial requirements. Their permission will usually be linked to the main applicant’s permission. Dependant applications need to be prepared carefully where the family is applying from different locations, where a child has turned 18 during a previous stay, where the relationship evidence is limited, or where the family is planning a later route switch. Dependants may normally work and study, subject to route conditions and any restrictions that apply to their own permission. ### Extension ## Can you extend or update a UK Expansion Worker Visa? An extension may be possible if the applicant is still working for the same sponsor, in the same job and occupation code, and has not reached the maximum stay limit. The applicant must be in the UK to extend and should plan the application before permission expires. A visa update may be needed if the job changes to a different occupation code while the applicant remains with the same sponsor. Dependants do not automatically extend or update just because the main applicant does; their position should be checked separately. Immigration Visa Expert can help review timing, sponsorship evidence, salary, job changes and dependant applications before an extension or update is prepared. ### Settlement ## Does the UK Expansion Worker Visa lead to ILR? The UK Expansion Worker route does not directly lead to indefinite leave to remain. This is a key planning point for businesses and applicants who intend to build a longer-term UK presence. Where settlement is important, the person may need to consider a later switch to a route that can lead to settlement, such as Skilled Worker, if the sponsor, role, salary and eligibility requirements support that strategy. Long-term planning should start early because timing, sponsor licence structure, role evidence and family applications can all affect the route available later. ### How we help ## How Immigration Visa Expert supports UK Expansion Worker Visa applicants ## Build the UK expansion case around evidence, eligibility and future strategy We help overseas businesses and key employees review the correct route, sponsorship position, expansion purpose, salary, occupation code, overseas work history, dependants and long-term UK planning before the application is prepared. - UK expansion plan - sponsor licence - CoS review - salary threshold - dependants - extension planning Process ### UK Expansion Worker Visa support pathway 1 #### Initial consultation We review the overseas business, UK expansion plan, sponsor position, applicant role and timing 2 #### Eligibility strategy We check whether UK Expansion Worker is the correct route or whether another UK work route may be stronger. 3 #### Sponsorship review We review sponsor licence position, Certificate of Sponsorship details, salary and occupation-code fit. 4 #### Evidence preparation We help organise key business, employment, funds and family evidence before submission. 5 #### Outcome planning We advise on dependants, extension, job updates and longer-term UK strategy where relevant. ## Ask Immigration Visa Expert to review your UK Expansion Worker case We can assess the business expansion structure, sponsorship record, salary and occupation-code fit, overseas employment evidence, dependants and future route strategy before the application is submitted. [Book Consultation](#eligibility) [Request Document Review](#eligibility) ### FAQs ## UK Expansion Worker Visa FAQs [What is the UK Expansion Worker Visa used for?](#collapse-d64d1886ae0b1bc1ec27) It is used when an overseas business needs to send a senior manager or specialist employee to the UK to establish a UK branch or subsidiary before the UK business has started trading. [Is the UK Expansion Worker route the same as the old Sole Representative route?](#collapse-1a593046ae0b1bc1ec27) No. It is a Global Business Mobility route for temporary expansion assignments. It replaced the earlier sole representative provisions for new applicants but has different rules and does not directly lead to settlement. [Can a UK Expansion Worker Visa be used if the UK business is already trading?](#collapse-c8785b16ae0b1bc1ec27) No. The UK Expansion Worker route can only be used where the overseas business has not yet begun trading in the UK. If the UK business is already trading, this route is not available and the business should consider another appropriate sponsored route, such as Senior or Specialist Worker, depending on the facts. The facts should be checked before sponsorship is assigned. [What salary is required for a UK Expansion Worker Visa?](#collapse-1d2e7c66ae0b1bc1ec27) The role must normally pay at least £52,500 per year or the full going rate for the occupation code, whichever is higher. [Do I need 12 months of overseas employment?](#collapse-96193e06ae0b1bc1ec27) Most applicants need at least 12 months of employment with the overseas business or sponsor group outside the UK. Limited exceptions include high earners paid at least £73,900 and certain trade-agreement expansion cases. [Can my partner and children apply with me?](#collapse-a0ded056ae0b1bc1ec27) A partner and dependent children may apply where they meet the relationship and financial requirements. Their permission is usually linked to the main applicant’s permission. [How long can I stay on the UK Expansion Worker route?](#collapse-5f423fc6ae0b1bc1ec27) The initial grant is usually up to 12 months. It can normally be extended once, up to a maximum of 2 years on this route. [Does the UK Expansion Worker Visa lead to ILR?](#collapse-7a785786ae0b1bc1ec27) No. It is not a direct settlement route. Applicants wanting long-term UK residence should plan whether a later switch to another route may be possible. [Can I switch into this route from inside the UK?](#collapse-35c8c1a6ae0b1bc1ec27) Switching can be possible from inside the UK, but not if you have or last had permission as a Visitor, Short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household, on immigration bail, or with permission outside the Immigration Rules. If you are switching from Student permission, additional course-completion, job-start or PhD-study conditions apply. The applicant must meet the route requirements and should check eligibility before relying on an in-country strategy. [How long does a decision usually take?](#collapse-6ed96146ae0b1bc1ec27) Standard decisions are usually around 3 weeks for applications from outside the UK and around 8 weeks for applications from inside the UK, although complex cases can take longer. [What can I do if my UK Expansion Worker application is refused?](#collapse-ive-ar-20266ae0b1bc1ec27) Review the decision promptly. You may be able to apply for Administrative Review under Appendix AR if you believe the refusal contains a caseworking error. Depending on the refusal reason and the evidence available, a fresh application or a different immigration route may sometimes be more appropriate. ## Related UK immigration guides These related pages support employers managing sponsor duties, compliance risk, licence applications, refusal issues and revocation risks. Compliance ## Sponsor Licence Compliance Support Practical support for sponsor duties, reporting, records and Home Office compliance risk. [Read guide](https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/sponsor-licence-compliance-support/) Revocation ## Sponsor Licence Revocation and Reinstatement Support Understand refusal-letter review, error correction, cooling-off and reapplication strategy. [Read guide](https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/sponsor-licence-revocation-and-reinstatement-support/) Refusal ## Sponsor Licence Refusal Support Review refusal reasons and plan a stronger response or fresh application strategy. [Read guide](https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/uk-visa-sponsor-license-refusal/) ## Ready to discuss a UK Expansion Worker Visa? Speak to Immigration Visa Expert for advice on sponsorship, salary, occupation code, UK expansion evidence, dependants, extension and long-term route planning. ### Ask an Immigration Adviser Share your visa query and our team will guide you on the next step.