What are the requirements for a UK Expansion Worker visa, and how does it differ from other sponsored work visas?

28.01.2026 13:02:31 To qualify for a UK Expansion Worker visa, you typically need to meet the following requirements: 1) Your employer must be an overseas business that has been approved by the UK Home Office; 2) You must be assigned to a UK branch or subsidiary of that business; 3) You should have a certificate of sponsorship from your employer; 4) You must provide evidence of your proficiency in English; 5) You need to meet the financial requirements, which generally involve showing that you can support yourself upon arrival in the UK. The Expansion Worker visa differs from other sponsored work visas, such as the Skilled Worker visa, primarily in that it is aimed at individuals coming to the UK to establish a branch or subsidiary of an overseas business, whereas the Skilled Worker visa is designed for skilled roles directly within UK businesses. Additionally, the criteria and requirements for sponsorship differ between these visa types, particularly concerning the types of roles and salary thresholds applicable.

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28.01.2026 13:03:06 As a legal advisor specializing in UK immigration, I'll outline the requirements for the UK Expansion Worker visa and compare it to other sponsored work visas. Please note that this is general information based on current UK immigration rules, and you should consult a qualified lawyer for personalized advice, especially if seeking one in Reading. ### Requirements for a UK Expansion Worker Visa The Expansion Worker visa is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes, designed for overseas businesses expanding to the UK without an established trading presence. Key requirements include: 1. **Sponsorship**: You must be sponsored by a UK-based sponsor with a valid GBM - Expansion Worker sponsor licence. The sponsor must be the UK branch of an overseas business that hasn't started trading in the UK yet (or has only recently begun). 2. **Job Role**: Your job must be on the eligible occupations list, typically at a skill level of RQF Level 6 or above (equivalent to a bachelor's degree). You need to have worked for the overseas business for at least 12 months outside the UK (unless you're a high earner with a salary over £73,900). 3. **Salary**: The minimum salary is £48,500 per year or the 'going rate' for your occupation, whichever is higher. For high earners (over £73,900), some rules are relaxed. 4. **English Language**: You must prove English proficiency at B1 level (intermediate) in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, unless exempt (e.g., from a majority English-speaking country). 5. **Financial Maintenance**: You need to show you can support yourself (at least £1,270 available for 28 days) unless your sponsor certifies maintenance. 6. **Other**: Tuberculosis test if from a listed country, valid passport, and no criminal record issues. The visa is initially granted for up to 1 year, extendable to a maximum of 2 years total. You can't switch to this visa from within the UK in most cases. Applications are made online via the UK government's visa system, with fees around £298 for the main applicant. ### Differences from Other Sponsored Work Visas The Expansion Worker visa differs from other sponsored routes like the Skilled Worker visa or Senior/Specialist Worker visa in several ways: - **Purpose and Duration**: It's specifically for business expansion and is temporary (max 2 years, no path to indefinite leave to remain). In contrast, the Skilled Worker visa can be extended indefinitely and leads to settlement after 5 years. - **Sponsor Requirements**: Sponsors for Expansion Worker must be new to the UK market and can only sponsor up to 5 workers initially. Skilled Worker sponsors can be any licensed UK employer and sponsor unlimited workers. - **Eligibility Flexibility**: No resident labour market test is required (unlike some older visas), but you must have prior employment with the overseas entity. Skilled Worker visas often require a job offer from a UK employer without the expansion focus. - **Family and Dependants**: Similar to others, you can bring dependants, but the short duration makes it less suitable for long-term relocation compared to Skilled Worker. - **Costs and Processing**: It's generally quicker and aimed at intra-company transfers for expansion, while visas like the Senior or Specialist Worker (also under GBM) are for established companies transferring staff temporarily. If you're in Reading and need a lawyer, I recommend searching for solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority specializing in immigration. For official updates, check the UK Home Office guidance, as rules can change.

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28.01.2026 13:08:50 The UK Expansion Worker visa is designed for overseas businesses that want to establish a presence in the UK but do not yet have an active trading entity there. To qualify, the applicant must be a senior manager or specialist employee of an overseas company that has been approved by the Home Office as an expansion business. The company must demonstrate a genuine intention to expand to the UK, but it does not need to be trading in the UK at the time of application. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, there is no minimum salary threshold in the same format, and the role is linked specifically to setting up the UK operation. Importantly, this route does not lead directly to settlement and is time-limited, making it fundamentally different from long-term sponsored work visas.

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28.01.2026 13:13:55 The Expansion Worker visa forms part of the Global Business Mobility routes and is aimed at facilitating corporate growth rather than filling an existing UK vacancy. Key requirements include an overseas employer with a credible expansion plan, Home Office approval for the expansion route, and an applicant who has worked for the overseas business for the required period in a senior or specialist role. Unlike other sponsored visas, such as the Skilled Worker route, the UK entity does not need to already exist or be actively trading, and the visa is not tied to permanent employment in the UK. It is a strategic, short-term solution for business setup, rather than a pathway to settlement or long-term employment sponsorship.

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