Expansion Worker Visa
UK Lawyer
A UK Expansion Worker visa lets you come to the UK to set up a new branch of your overseas business before it begins trading.
- Free Initial Consultation
- Fixed Fees- No Hidden Costs
- High Success Rate – Proven Track Record
- Legal 500 Top Tier Firm
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What is a Expansion Worker Visa?
The UK Expansion Worker Visa is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) route and was introduced to replace the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa for new applicants. It enables an overseas company to send a senior employee to the UK to establish a new branch or subsidiary that has not yet begun trading. Because the route operates within a sponsorship framework, the UK entity must first secure a sponsor licence before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship to the incoming worker. Many businesses choose to work with Expansion Worker Visa UK Lawyers to navigate the licensing and evidentiary requirements, which can be extensive.
What are the eligibility requirements for a Expansion Worker Visa UK?
To qualify for the UK Expansion Worker Visa, the UK entity must hold a valid sponsor licence under the Expansion Worker category. The overseas worker must have a Certificate of Sponsorship, must have been employed by the overseas business for the required period (unless exempt), and must be coming to the UK to undertake an eligible role that meets the minimum salary threshold. Applicants must also satisfy general suitability requirements. Given the complexity of proving overseas employment history and corporate links, many applicants seek guidance from Expansion Worker Visa UK Lawyers to ensure compliance.
Why Choose OTB Legal as your Expansion Worker Visa UK Solicitors?
At OTB Legal, we’re proud to be recognised among the UK’s top immigration law firms — a distinction that reflects our deep expertise and proven success in UK Expansion Worker Visas.
- Award-Winning Service: With multiple awards recognising our dedication and results, we are committed to providing the best UK Expansion Worker Visa UK Lawyers support.
- Leading Expertise: Named a Leading Firm by Chambers and Partners 2024, and ranked as a Top-Tier Firm in the Legal 500 2025, our solicitors are trusted industry leaders in UK immigration law.
- Specialist Focus: We specialise in spouse visas and family immigration, giving you expert guidance tailored specifically to your unique situation.
- Client Satisfaction: Our clients consistently praise our clear communication, personalised approach, and excellent value for money, as seen in top ratings on Review Solicitors.
What are the Expansion Worker Visa UK Conditions and Duration?
The UK Expansion Worker Visa is initially granted for 12 months and can be extended up to a maximum of two years. After this period, the worker must switch into another immigration category if they wish to remain in the UK. Time spent in other temporary Global Business Mobility routes may count towards the maximum permitted stay, so it is important to understand how previous immigration history affects eligibility. Expansion Worker Visa UK Lawyers can help assess long‑term planning and switching options.
What Sponsor Licence Compliance Obligations come with a Expansion Worker Visa UK?
Sponsor licence holders must comply with the Home Office’s overarching duties, including preventing abuse of the immigration system, complying with wider UK laws, and acting in a manner conducive to the public good. They must also meet detailed reporting and record‑keeping obligations, such as maintaining accurate employee records and reporting changes in circumstances. Non‑compliance can lead to licence suspension or revocation. Many businesses rely on Expansion Worker Visa UK Lawyers to manage these obligations and avoid compliance risks.
How much does an Expansion Worker Visa UK cost?
The UK Expansion Worker route involves several Home Office fees, including the sponsor licence application fee, Certificate of Sponsorship fee, visa application fees, and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Fees vary depending on business size and whether priority services are used. Because costs change frequently, businesses often consult Expansion Worker Visa UK Lawyers for up‑to‑date fee structures and budgeting guidance.
Looking to make an Expansion Worker Visa UK application?
Our experienced immigration lawyers at OTB Legal are here to guide you every step of the way.
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Do you need sponsorship for an Expansion Worker Visa UK?
Yes. Sponsorship is mandatory. The UK entity must hold a Global Business Mobility – Expansion Worker sponsor licence before it can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. Without this licence, the business cannot legally bring an expansion worker to the UK. Many organisations work with Expansion Worker Visa UK Lawyers to prepare the licence application and supporting evidence.
What happens if my Expansion Worker Visa UK is refused?
If the sponsor licence application is refused, the business cannot sponsor an Expansion Worker, and there is no right of appeal. The only way to challenge a refusal is through Judicial Review. If the visa application itself is refused after the licence has been granted, the applicant may request an Administrative Review if they believe the Home Office made a case‑working error. Because refusals can significantly delay expansion plans, many businesses seek advice from Expansion Worker Visa UK Lawyers to strengthen their applications.
How we work – including our transparent pricing
We find that our 3 stage system of working with clients gives everyone the greatest clarity on what can be achieved, how it will happen and how much it will cost. You can learn more about our 3 stage system here. See the pricing for our Expansion Worker Visa UK services below:
Assess
Free Consultation
The Assessment Stage helps us identify the right application for you. You’ll speak with a lawyer in a free 30 minute initial consultation. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan outlining your options, costs, and the likelihood of a successful outcome. There is no obligation to take on our paid services after.
Advice
£1,500 (plus 20% VAT where applicable)
For a fixed fee, you receive specialist legal advice, clear written guidance, and a tailored document list, giving you a strong strategy for success. After the Advice Stage, you can submit the application yourself or ask us to handle it. You stay fully in control throughout.
Application
£3,500 (plus 20% VAT) and £600 (plus 20% VAT) per dependant
A full review of your documents, help completing the online form, preparation of a tailored evidence bundle, and a detailed legal cover letter. We represent you through to the final decision and advise on any next steps.
Book now and receive:
- Personalised Case Appointment: Speak to a member of our team to gain confirmation on if we can assist with your specific legal needs in a free consultation.
- Specialist Appointment Booking: Get matched with a lawyer with specialist expertise as soon as possible.
- Exceptional Client Care: Work with experienced legal professionals delivering a clear plan of action and outstanding support every step of the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. The UK Expansion Worker Visa is a temporary route and does not lead directly to settlement. After the maximum two‑year period, applicants must switch into a different immigration category that does offer a route to settlement if they wish to remain in the UK long‑term. Expansion Worker Visa UK Lawyers can advise on suitable routes for settlement planning.
Yes. Eligible dependants — such as a partner and children — can accompany or join the Expansion Worker in the UK. They must meet the relevant relationship and financial requirements and will be granted permission in line with the main applicant’s visa duration.
Holders of the UK Expansion Worker Visa cannot access public funds, cannot take a second job, and cannot change their sponsored role without updating their visa. The route also does not provide a pathway to settlement. These restrictions make it important to plan ahead, often with the support of Expansion Worker Visa UK Lawyers.
Yes. The visa can be extended from the initial 12‑month grant up to a maximum of two years. After this, the worker must switch into another immigration category to remain in the UK.
Employers must comply with all sponsor duties, including maintaining accurate records, reporting relevant changes to the Home Office, and ensuring compliance with UK employment and immigration laws. They must also ensure that the sponsored role is genuine and that the worker is performing the duties stated on their Certificate of Sponsorship. Many employers work with Expansion Worker Visa UK Lawyers to manage these responsibilities effectively.
The documentary requirements for the UK Expansion Worker route are extensive. To obtain the sponsor licence, the business must demonstrate common ownership between the overseas entity and the UK footprint, while also proving that the UK entity is not yet trading. Evidence of the overseas business’s trading history, financial standing, and expansion plans is required, along with a credible business plan. Because the distinction between a UK “footprint” and a trading UK company is narrow, businesses often rely on Expansion Worker Visa UK Lawyers to prepare a compliant evidence bundle.
The Licence application published timescales are 8 weeks from submission. For the Entry clearance visa itself, the application time is 3 weeks from the date of submission. These reflect current Home Office decision timescale, but you should expect a long lead in to getting this licence simply due to the volumes of evidence required for submission.
Our Expert Expansion Worker Visa UK Solicitors:
Join countless satisfied clients and work with our expert Expansion Worker Visa UK Solicitors today:
Andrew
I could not have asked for a better experience with OTB legal especially Sam. They were so thorough and helpful and kind the entire way through and really fought for me to get my visa ultimately succeeding. They didn’t even charge me more fees each time I had to resubmit, which was a very pleasant surprise.
Yulia
I am extremely happy with the legal service provided by OTB Legal and Ms Sally McEwen in particular. She is attentive , professional, friendly and more. I would highly recommend Ms Sally Mc Ewen to anyone looking for immigration advice and support.
Eibhlin
It was a pleasure working with Lydia Watkinson. She is efficient, well-informed about legal procedures, aware of potential pitfalls, and she patiently navigated us through a successful application.
Blessing
I had a consultation with Ana regarding my immigration matter and found her to be professional, clear, and knowledgeable. She took the time to explain my options, the risks involved, and the next steps in a calm and straightforward way during a very stressful period. I appreciated her honesty and guidance and would recommend her to anyone seeking clear immigration advice.
Ho Yin
Lydia is very kind, helpful and professional. The advice and suggestions she gave us are very useful. She also helped us to complete the whole process of the visa application step by step so that we will not miss any important information that we need to know. We are very grateful as we had the great assistance of her and her colleagues.
Rebecca
I was lucky enough to deal with Ian Hamilton for my case. He is beyond knowledgeable and actually quite a very pleasant solicitor to deal with (my first time saying that)! He was very efficient and helpful from start to finish. A big thank you to him.
Contact Us
Not quite ready to book an appointment yet or unsure if it’s the right step for you? No worries! We understand that making decisions regarding legal matters can be daunting.
Reach out to our Client Care Manager, Rikki, who will be more than happy to assist you and guide you in the right direction.
Your peace of mind matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact Rikki today for personalised guidance and assistance.
Find out more about Expansion Worker Visas UK with the following useful links:
UK Expansion Worker route: What is it and who is it for?
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