UK Expansion Worker visas give a representative of a non-UK business permission to enter the UK in order to establish the first UK branch or office of that company. This visa is most appropriate for senior managers or specialists already employed by the company looking to set up its UK branch.

For representatives of a business which is already operating in the UK, you should instead consider applying for a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa.

Applicants for a UK Expansion Worker visa must:

• have a sponsorship certificate from their employer
• have already worked for their employer outside the UK for at least 12 months, unless
  • they earn more than £73,900 per year
  • they are a Japanese national working for a Japanese company which is expanding to the UK
  • they are an Australian national or permant resident working for an Australian company which is expanding to the UK
• do a job which is classed as an ‘eligible occupation’ (these are subject to change by the UK Government)
• receive a salary of at least £45,800 per year or the ‘going rate’ for their job, whichever amount is higher
• prove they have enough money in their bank account to support them when they arrive (usually £1270 for one person, plus around £300 per dependant)

UK Expansion Worker visas are usually valid for an initial period of 12 months, unless the certificate of sponsorship is valid for less than one year. This visa can be extended once, for an additional 12 months.

Managers and HR: Be careful when considering visa options for an employee who has previously worked in the UK on other types of intra-company or Global Business Mobility category visas. Individuals who have spent time in the UK on many of these visas are usually limited to a maximum stay of five years in any six year period.