The Pathway to British Citizenship

A Diverse Destination for Work, Study, and Long-Term Residency Opportunities

Why UK?

People apply for visas to enter the UK for a variety of reasons, including to work, study, do business, join family members, visit as a tourist, transit through the country, get private medical care, seek refuge, or settle permanently in the UK. Many UK visas can also be used to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain, which is an important step on the path to British citizenship.

Where Borders Fade, Opportunities Rise 

UK Expansion Worker Visa

The UK Expansion Worker visa is a sponsored route for established overseas businesses wishing to set up a branch or subsidiary in the UK. It allows eligible businesses to sponsor an existing senior manager or specialist worker to the UK for a temporary period to manage the expansion. This visa has replaced the previous unsponsored sole representative provisions of the Representative of an Overseas Business route. However, visa holders already in the UK on this route can apply for further permission without needing to switch.

Athough this visa is not a direct path to settlement, it allows you to transition to an immigration path that may lead to settlement, provided you meet the conditions for that route.

UK Expansion Worker Visa Benefits

Work Authorization

Allows you to work for your sponsor in the specified role.

Study and Volunteering

You can study and undertake voluntary work.

Dependents

Your partner and children can accompany you as dependents if eligible.

Travel

Enables you to travel abroad and return to the UK.

No Public Funds

While you cannot access most public funds or the State Pension, the visa offers a clear route to potential settlement through other immigration paths.

Path to Settlement

After two years, you can potentially transition to a Skilled Worker visa for longer-term residency.

UK Expansion Visa Requirements & Eligibility

Certificate of Sponsorship

Obtain a valid certificate from your employer.

Work Experience

Have at least 12 months of work experience with your employer outside the UK.

Job Role

Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations.

Salary

Be paid at least £42,400 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your job.

Financial Support

Show you have at least £1,270 in your bank account to support yourself, and additional funds for dependents if applicable.

Documents Required

Certificate of sponsorship reference number

1 – Valid passport or identity document

2- Job title, annual salary, and occupation code

3 – Evidence of personal savings

4- Proof of relationship with dependents (if applicable)

5- Tuberculosis test results (if from a listed country)

6 – Evidence of work history, valid ATAS certificate (if required), and certified translations (if documents are not in English or Welsh)

How Long You Can Stay in the UK?

You can stay in the UK with a UK Expansion Worker visa for whichever is shorter of:

  • 12 months after the start date of the job on your certificate of sponsorship
  • The duration specified on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days

If you want to stay longer in the UK, you can extend your visa by 12 months. The maximum time you can stay in the UK on a UK Expansion Worker visa is 2 years.