UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)

The UK Expansion Worker visa is part of the Global Business Mobility route for senior managers and specialist employees setting up a UK branch of an overseas business. Applicants must earn at least £52,500/year, hold a Certificate of Sponsorship, and have 12 months of prior employment with the overseas group.

The visa is granted for 12 months, extendable once for a hard 2-year maximum. Time does not count toward ILR — there is no settlement pathway. Dependants may accompany and work. No English language test is required. Each sponsor is limited to 10 workers on this route.

This visa is ideal for senior or specialist staff at overseas companies who need to establish a UK presence before the entity begins trading, and who do not need a permanent residency pathway.