Business Expansion Visa
Expansion Worker Visa Eligibility Requirements
Stage 1 – Establish a UK Company and Apply for a Sponsor License
Applicants must be at least 18 to qualify for a UK Expansion Worker visa. The applicant must also already be working for a linked overseas business on the date of application and, unless they fall within an exception, have worked for that business for a prescribed minimum period.
UK Expansion Worker Visa Application Process
To apply for a UK Expansion Worker visa, the applicant will need to complete an online application, using their CoS reference number. They can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day that they’re due to start work in the UK, as listed on the sponsorship certificate.
As part of their application, they will need to prove their identity and provide any documents in support. They may also need to attend an appointment to do this and to provide their biometric information. They will be told if an appointment is needed when they apply.
The required supporting documents for the UK Expansion Worker visa include:
- A. valid CoS from a UK licensed sponsor
- B. Passport or other travel document showing their identity and nationality
- C. Evidence that they have worked for their employer outside the UK for a period of at least 12 months, where applicable
- D. Proof of funds, where applicable
- E. Valid tuberculosis test certificate, if from a listed country.
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Required Documents for UK Expansion Worker Visa Application | |
Document | Description |
Valid Passport | A current passport with at least one blank page for the visa. |
Certificate of Sponsorship | A unique reference number provided by the sponsoring employer in the UK. |
Proof of Business Operations | Documentation demonstrating the overseas business is genuine and active. |
Business Plan | A detailed plan outlining the business’s goals, strategies, and financial projections for the UK expansion. |
Proof of Employment | Evidence that the employee holds a senior position within the company, such as a contract of employment or a letter from the employer. |
Financial Evidence | Documents showing that the business can financially support the UK operations, such as bank statements or financial reports. |
Proof of Qualifications | Certificates or diplomas verifying the employee’s relevant qualifications and experience. |
Photographs | Recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant, as per UK visa photo requirements. |
Criminal Record Certificate | A certificate from any country where the employee has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years, if required. |
Tuberculosis Test Results | A test certificate if the applicant is from a country where TB testing is mandatory for UK visa applications. |
Proof of Relationship | Documents such as marriage or birth certificates if dependants are accompanying the applicant. |
Immigration Health Surcharge Receipt | Proof of payment for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). |
UK Expansion Worker Visa Application Costs & Processing Times
To apply for a UK Expansion Worker visa, there are various costs involved. In addition to needing funds of at least £1,270, where applicable, the applicant will need to pay the application fee of £298 and the annual immigration health surcharge
The business will also need to factor in the cost of applying for sponsorship, plus a fee for issuing each CoS. As a temporary worker route for sponsor licensing fee purposes, the fee will be the standard fee for a Temporary Worker sponsor licence of £536, regardless of the size or charitable status of the sponsor. The fee for issuing a CoS for a UK Expansion Worker is £25.
UK Expansion Worker applications typically take 3 weeks to process if outside the UK, or 8 weeks if inside the UK. Priority processing may be available for an additional £500, which offers a decision in 5 working days, or a decision can be made by the end of the next working day under the super priority service for an additional £1000.
