Business & Employment
You are authorised to work for your employer's UK entity.
United Kingdom Expansion Worker Visa Requirements
Who Can Apply
Main Applicant Requirements
- 18+ years of age
- Good health
- No criminal record
- Successfully pass due diligence checks
- Confirmed employment with an overseas business
- Assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) by a UK sponsor
Eligible Dependents
- Spouse of the main applicant
- Adult children (biological or adopted) under 18 years of age
United Kingdom Expansion Worker Visa Benefits
Health & Education
Access to world-class health services and high standard education opportunities for you and your family.
Straightforward Process
Designed to be a smooth and straightforward process, with a quick application turnaround time.
Pathway to Settlement
While the Expansion Worker Visa itself does not lead to settlement, it allows for a switch to other visa categories that do.
Tax Relief
You may be eligible for the non-domicile tax regime, limiting tax liability on foreign income to what you remit to the UK.
Dual Citizenship Permitted
There is no need to renounce your current citizenship(s), and your home authorities are not notified of your new citizenship.
Legal Basis
Based on the Immigration Rules under the UK's Points-Based System, the Expansion Worker Visa falls under the Global Business Mobility category. Individuals fulfilling the requirements can apply for this visa to establish their employer's presence in the UK.
Costs of United Kingdom Expansion Worker Visa
In addition to the GBP 30,000 investment funds, there are additional fees to be paid.
Additional Costs
Health surcharge - per personGBP 259
Health surcharge - per person per yearGBP 624
Maintenance Fees - Main ApplicantGBP 1,270
Maintenance Fees - SpouseGBP 285
Maintenance Fees - First ChildGBP 315
Maintenance Fees - Each additional dependantGBP 200
Migrant fee - per applicationGBP 364
Certificate of Sponsorship - per applicationGBP 21
Sponsorship licence - per applicationGBP 536
Application Process For United Kingdom Expansion Worker Visa
The expected timeframe for the application process is 6 months. The initial stage of document collection can vary depending on the applicant's ability to gather the necessary documents. Our team guides this process with samples and best practice advice. The review stage is subject to the respective government schedule and can be impacted by factors which we, as authorised agents, have no control over. We collaborate with the government throughout the entire process, aiming to provide the quickest and smoothest experience for the applicant.
01
Pre-screening & down payment
We will pre-screen your passport copy for government pre-approval. A down payment of the professional fees is required to open your application. The response is in 24-48 hours.
02
Business plan preparation
During this stage, we will help you prepare a comprehensive business plan that outlines the operations, financial projections, and growth potential of your employer's UK entity.
03
Document collection
Our professional team will assist and advise you with the collection of the required documents according to the government checklist. This ensures that all necessary paperwork is correctly compiled and submitted.
04
Certificate of Sponsorship
Your employer must obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor. We will guide you through this process to ensure compliance with UK immigration requirements.
05
Visa application to UKVI
After receiving the CoS, we will assist you in submitting your Expansion Worker Visa application to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This includes compiling all necessary documentation and completing the application forms.
06
Biometrics & interview preparation
Attend a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre. We will also provide interview preparation to ensure you are ready to present and discuss your employment and business plans.
07
Visa approval & travel
Once your visa is approved, you will receive your Expansion Worker Visa and can make arrangements to travel to the UK. We will assist with any final preparations needed for your relocation.
08
Establish the UK entity
Upon arrival in the UK, establish and operate your employer's UK entity according to the endorsed business plan. We will continue to provide support and advice to ensure your business complies with UK regulations.
09
Ongoing compliance
Maintain compliance with the Expansion Worker Visa requirements. You may need to switch to another visa category, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, to pursue settlement and eventual citizenship if eligible.
