UK visa & immigration service
Coordinate the overseas business, UK expansion plan, sponsor licence and worker application.
- Expansion and sponsor strategy
- Licence and business evidence
- Worker visa preparation
The UK Expansion Worker route is part of Global Business Mobility. It is designed for senior managers or specialist employees who are assigned to establish a UK branch or subsidiary of an overseas business that has not yet begun trading in the UK.
The overseas business must obtain the correct sponsor licence and assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship. The route is temporary and does not itself lead directly to settlement, so the long-term business and immigration strategy should be considered before applying.
Key requirements
- A genuine overseas business with a credible UK expansion plan
- No existing UK trading activity of the type that would make the route unavailable
- A UK Expansion Worker sponsor licence
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship for an eligible occupation
- Required employment with the overseas business, unless an exception applies
- Salary of at least £52,500 or the occupation’s going rate, whichever is higher
- Maintenance funds and other individual eligibility requirements
Sponsor and worker stages
- Assess the overseas business, ownership and UK footprint
- Prepare the sponsor licence application and expansion evidence
- Select the Authorising Officer and other Key Personnel
- Assign the initial Certificate of Sponsorship correctly
- Prepare the worker’s visa application
- Plan the transition once the UK business begins trading
Important information
A provisionally rated sponsor is normally limited at the initial stage and the first sponsored worker is generally the Authorising Officer. The licence and sponsorship strategy must reflect the business’s actual expansion timeline and compliance capacity.
Regulated immigration support
Leon Advisers provides regulated immigration support tailored to the facts of each case. We explain the scope of work and professional fee before instructions begin. The Home Office makes every immigration decision and no outcome can be guaranteed.
Read the official GOV.UK UK Expansion Worker guidance
Contact Leon Advisers to discuss your circumstances
Last reviewed: 27 August 2026.
Immigration rules and Home Office guidance can change. This page provides general information and is not a substitute for advice on your individual circumstances.
Ready to take the next step?
Start with a clear first conversation.
Tell us about your circumstances and the outcome you are working towards.