UK Expansion Worker Visa Solicitors
The UK Expansion Worker Visa allows international companies to send senior staff to the United Kingdom to open a branch or subsidiary. It forms part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) framework and is the correct route for overseas firms establishing a UK presence before trading begins.
Immigration Solicitors UK advises global businesses and HR departments on every stage of the process, from securing the Sponsor Licence to preparing each visa application and maintaining compliance.
Call +44 2080 162308 or contact us online to speak with a solicitor.
Book your FREE consultation today!
What is the UK Expansion Worker Visa
This visa allows overseas companies to send executives or specialists to the UK to open a new branch or subsidiary. It replaced the old Sole Representative route for non-media organisations.
A company can deploy an initial representative to register the UK entity, secure premises, and oversee operations. Once trading begins, the licence can be upgraded and further employees sponsored.
Certificate of Sponsorship
The applicant must hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by an approved employer.
If the company has no licence yet, it must apply first.
A newly approved licence receives a Provisional Rating, allowing only one CoS to be issued, usually to the Authorising Officer (AO) who will establish the UK branch. After arrival and setup, the company can upgrade to an A-rating and sponsor more staff.
From 22 July 2025, a business may sponsor up to 10 Expansion Workers under this route.
Employment History
The applicant must have worked for the overseas company for at least twelve months, unless one of the following applies:
- They earn a gross guaranteed annual salary of at least £73,900
- They are a Japanese employee of a Japanese company expanding to the UK
- They are an Australian national or permanent resident employed by a company expanding to the UK
Salary and Role
The role must appear on the Home Office’s eligible-occupation list and meet both thresholds below.
Salary Compliance Matrix (December 2025)
Metric | Requirement
General Threshold | £52,500 per year
Occupation Rate | 100 percent of the occupation’s median going rate
Absolute Minimum | Whichever is higher
Our solicitors verify occupation codes and salary data to ensure full compliance before the CoS is assigned.
Financial Maintenance
Applicants must show at least £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days before applying.
Dependants must show £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each additional child.
Need urgent help? Call:
Settled Level 1 User
Every Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence must have at least one Level 1 User who is settled in the UK (a British citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain).
If there are no UK-based staff initially, the overseas Authorising Officer can act temporarily, but a settled person must be appointed once the first worker arrives.
Although the visa itself has no English test, the Home Office may refuse a licence if the AO cannot demonstrate sufficient English to use the Sponsor Management System effectively.
Our team ensures all AO and Level 1 User appointments meet this requirement.
Sponsor Financial Capacity
The Home Office requires proof that the overseas parent company can fund the UK branch for at least twelve months. We audit financial accounts and corporate records to confirm adequate capital and business planning.
Physical UK Presence
A virtual office or PO Box is no longer accepted. Applicants must provide evidence of genuine premises such as a lease or serviced-office agreement.
Legal Warnings for 2026
English Language Reforms
From 8 January 2026, most work routes will require English at B2 level. While the Expansion Worker Visa does not currently require a test, the AO must be able to communicate effectively in English to maintain the licence and for future switching to the Skilled Worker route.
ETA and Digital Pre-Clearance
From 25 February 2026, all visa-exempt nationals (including those from the US, Canada and the EU) must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling to the UK.
We offer digital pre-clearance audits to ensure each executive’s immigration status is correctly linked to their passport, preventing boarding refusals.
BRP Phase-Out
Physical Biometric Residence Permits are being replaced by digital records. We ensure each client’s UKVI digital account is fully activated before travel.
Earned Settlement Consultation
The Home Office is consulting on a ten-year Earned Settlement model expected in April 2026. Although this route does not lead directly to settlement, we structure long-term plans to switch to qualifying routes such as Skilled Worker.
Need urgent help? Call:
Applications are often refused for:
- Failure to appoint a settled Level 1 User in time
- Insufficient financial evidence of genuine expansion
- Virtual office arrangements
- Attempting to recover licence or Skills Charge fees from the employee
- Nominating a representative without senior authority
We ensure your chosen representative has documented authority to sign contracts and act for the parent company.
The Genuineness of Vacancy Test
Since late 2025, the Home Office has increased interviews to test the genuineness of the role. We provide mock-interview training so representatives can clearly demonstrate the business need for the UK expansion.
Application Process
Applications are made online through the UK government website. After submission, identity must be verified via the UK Immigration ID Check app or at a Visa Application Centre.
Required documents include your passport, Certificate of Sponsorship number, proof of salary and employment, financial statements, and tuberculosis test results (if relevant).
Our solicitors review all materials to avoid errors and delays.
Document Checklist for Applicants
| Document Type | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| CoS Reference | 11-digit alpha-numeric code from your sponsor |
| Overseas Employment | Payslips/Bank statements covering 12 months (unless £73,900+) |
| Corporate Authority | Letter confirming the rep has authority to bind the company |
| UK Footprint | Signed lease or serviced office agreement (no virtual offices) |
| Maintenance Proof | Bank statements showing £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days |
| TB Certificate | Required for residents of specific listed countries |
Need urgent help? Call:
Updated Rates (December 2025)
Company Size | ISC Fee (per year) | ISC Fee (per 6 months) | Two-Year Total
Small or Charitable | £480 | £240 | £960
Medium or Large | £1,320 | £660 | £2,640
Other fees:
- Visa application fee: £319 per person
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year
Employers cannot recover any of these costs from the employee.
Dependants and Family Members
Your partner and children under 18 can apply to join you in the UK if they meet the financial requirements. Each applies separately and provides proof of relationship. Dependants can work or study but cannot claim public funds.
Funds must be held for 28 days before application.
Extending or Switching
You may extend your visa if you remain with the same sponsor and in the same occupation code, up to the two-year maximum.
Once your UK entity is trading, you can switch to a Skilled Worker or other eligible route. We plan these transitions to maintain continuous lawful residence.
Expansion Worker vs. Skilled Worker
| Feature | UK Expansion Worker Visa | Skilled Worker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Establish a new UK presence | Fill a specific vacancy in a trading business |
| Settlement (ILR) | No (Temporary route) | Yes (Eligible after 5 years) |
| Max Stay | 2 Years Total | No maximum (extendable indefinitely) |
| English Req. | No (for visa) / B2 (for AO) | Mandatory (B1 Level or higher) |
| Trading Req. | Must NOT yet be trading in UK | Must be actively trading in the UK |
| Sponsor Rating | Starts as “Provisional” | Starts as “A-rated” |
Need urgent help? Call:
What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
Family Visas
Partner Visas
Settlement in the UK
Settlement of EEA Nationals
British Citizenship and The Right of Abode
Challenge a Refusal
Removals/Deportations
Asylum/Human Rights
Sponsor License for a UK Business
UK Business Visas
Student Visas
Popular Work Visas
Other work visas and permits
Visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer
Temporary work visas
UK Visit Visas
For specialist legal advice on the UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence or visa, contact Immigration Solicitors UK. Our solicitors manage the full process from licence application to Home Office compliance and long-term strategy.
Call +44 2080 162308 or contact us online to arrange a consultation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between this visa and the old Sole Representative route
The Sole Representative route is now limited to media employees. All other businesses must use the Expansion Worker route, which requires a Sponsor Licence and permits up to 10 workers.
How long can I stay in the UK
You can stay for up to two years or for the period stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus fourteen days, whichever is shorter.
What are the current salary requirements
You must earn at least £52,500 per year or 100 percent of the occupation’s median going rate, whichever is higher.
What qualifies as a High Earner for the 12-month employment exemption
A gross guaranteed annual salary of £73,900 or more (not including most bonuses).
Can the Home Office refuse a licence based on English ability
Yes. If the Authorising Officer cannot demonstrate adequate English to use the Sponsor Management System, the application may be refused.
Can the company recover licence fees from my salary
No. Recovering licence or Skills Charge fees from employees is prohibited and will lead to licence revocation.No. Recovering licence or Skills Charge fees from employees is prohibited and will lead to licence revocation.
Does this visa lead to settlement
This route does not directly lead to indefinite leave to remain, but you can switch to a Skilled Worker route once your UK branch is trading.
Can my family join me
Yes. Your partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants. They can work or study in the UK but cannot access public funds.
