Who is eligible to apply for the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
The applicant must set up a UK company that issues a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, have worked for the parent company outside the UK for at least 12 months (with some exceptions), hold a job on the list of eligible occupations, be sponsored to do a genuine job in the UK, and be paid the higher of the minimum eligible salary for the job or £52,500.
They must also have sufficient funds of at least £1,270 for the main applicant plus £285 for a dependent partner, £315 for a first child, and £200 for each additional child, held for at least 28 consecutive days, pay the Health Surcharge of GBP 1,035 per person, not be ineligible under the general grounds for refusal, provide a criminal record certificate issued within the last six months confirming no criminal convictions, and provide a clear tuberculosis test result.
How long is the UK Expansion Worker Visa valid for?
The visa is valid for either 1 year from the start date on the Certificate of Sponsorship or the end date on the Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.
What are the requirements for the overseas business under the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
The overseas business must not be trading in the UK, but it must have a UK-registered company as either an overseas branch or a subsidiary of the overseas linked business. The overseas business must also be active and have been trading overseas for a minimum of 3 years.
How long should the applicant have been working for the overseas business under the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
The applicant must have worked for the overseas business for at least 12 months before the application date, unless their gross annual salary is more than £73,900, or they are a Japanese national seeking to establish a UK branch or subsidiary of the linked business under the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
What are the job requirements for the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
The applicant must do a job on the list of eligible occupations, undertake a genuine job in the UK, and be paid the higher of the minimum eligible salary for the job or £52,500.
Can a UK Expansion Worker Visa holder extend their stay in the UK?
The applicant can extend the visa for a further 12 months only. If they have already spent time in the UK on any of the Global Mobility Routes or the former Intra-company routes, they may not be able to stay on the UK Expansion Worker Visa for the full period.
Can a UK Expansion Worker Visa holder automatically work in other EU countries?
No. The visa only allows the applicant to live and work in the UK.
Can the applicant's spouse and minor children also benefit from the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
Yes. A spouse, or a partner the applicant has lived with for at least 2 years, and children under 18 (including adopted children) who are financially dependent on the applicant can be included. Dependents are free to work or study in the UK.
Does the UK Expansion Worker Visa lead to settlement?
No. However, once the holder establishes a trading presence in the UK, they may become eligible to switch to a visa that leads to settlement, such as the Skilled Worker visa.
When can the applicant apply for permanent residence after the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
Once the applicant has switched to a visa that leads to settlement, they may become eligible to apply for permanent residence after 5 years of residence in the UK.
When can the applicant apply for citizenship after the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
The applicant becomes eligible to apply for British citizenship after living in the UK for at least 5 years and holding permanent residence for at least 1 year, subject to meeting other requirements.
Does the UK allow dual citizenship under the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
Yes. There is no restriction on dual or multiple citizenship.
