The cost of the UK Expansion Worker Visa is an important consideration for businesses and individuals planning to establish a UK branch or subsidiary. This visa, designed for senior managers and specialist workers, allows overseas businesses to expand their operations into the UK.
This guide provides a clear breakdown of the costs, based on information from UK Visas and Immigration.
What is the UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)?
The UK Expansion Worker Visa allows an employer outside the UK to send key personnel to establish a branch of an overseas business in the UK. This visa supports businesses in expanding their presence while enabling workers to carry out essential duties. The maximum time you can stay in the UK on a UK Expansion Worker visa is 2 years.
In 2022, the UK’s inward foreign direct investment (FDI) position increased by £126.8 billion, reaching £2.068 trillion, indicating a strong investment environment.
UK Expansion Worker Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK sponsor.
- Score at least 60 points based on sponsorship, skills, and salary.
- Earn a minimum annual salary of £42,400 or the going rate for their role (whichever is higher).
- Be employed by an overseas business connected to the UK branch or subsidiary.
- Demonstrate financial self-sufficiency with at least £1,270 in savings.
The visa allows an initial stay of up to one year, with an extension of up to 12 months, and a maximum duration of two years. Skilled workers may later transition to a Skilled Worker Visa, which can lead to permanent residency after five years.
| Feature | Details |
| Visa Type | UK Expansion Worker Visa |
| Purpose | Establish UK branch or subsidiary |
| Initial Duration | 1 year |
| Maximum Stay | 2 years |
| Minimum Salary Requirement | £42,400 or going rate |
| Financial Requirement | £1,270 in savings |
| Age Requirement | At least 18 years old |
| Certificate Required | Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) |
Required Documents for UK Expansion Worker Visa Application
You must provide specific documents to demonstrate your eligibility and the legitimacy of your employer’s UK expansion plans. The required documents include:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): A unique reference number issued by your UK sponsor, detailing your role and confirming that you meet the visa requirements.
- Proof of Employment: Evidence that you have been employed by the overseas business for at least 12 months, such as employment contracts or payslips.
- Valid Passport or Travel Document: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK.
- Financial Evidence: Documentation showing you have sufficient personal savings to support yourself in the UK unless your sponsor can certify your maintenance.
- Tuberculosis Test Results: Required if you’re from a country where TB testing is mandatory for UK visa applicants.
- Proof of Relationship: If your partner and children are applying as dependants, provide marriage certificates, birth certificates, or equivalent documents to confirm your relationship.
How Much Does the UK Expansion Worker Visa Route Cost?
The UK Expansion Worker Visa application fee is £298 for both primary applicants and their dependents.
Application processing times are as follows:
- Applications from Outside of the UK: Decisions are typically made within 3 weeks.
- Applications Made inside the UK: Processing usually takes up to 8 weeks.
Additional Costs Associated with the UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Mobility)
When applying for the UK Expansion Worker Visa, it’s important to consider several additional costs beyond the standard application fee:
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The IHS grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. As of February 2024, the surcharge is £1,035 per year for each adult applicant and £776 per year for children under 18.
Sponsor Licence Fee
Employers must obtain a sponsor licence to hire overseas workers. The fee is £536 for small or charitable organisations and £1,476 for medium or large organisations.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee
Each sponsored worker requires a CoS, which costs £199 per certificate.
Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)
Employers may need to pay the ISC when sponsoring a worker. The charge is £364 per year for small or charitable sponsors and £1,000 per year for medium or large sponsors.
These costs are in addition to the visa application fee and are essential for compliance with UK immigration regulations.
Refunds and Waivers for Visa Fees
Refunds may apply in certain situations:
- Withdrawn Applications: Full refund if the application is withdrawn before a decision.
- Refused Applications: Refund of the visa fee (not the IHS).
- Fee Waivers: Available for applicants in financial hardship or specific exemptions, such as health and care workers.
How to Apply for a UK Expansion Worker Visa
The UK Expansion Worker Visa enables senior managers or specialist employees of overseas businesses to come to the UK to establish a branch or subsidiary. While specific annual application statistics for this visa are not readily available, in the year ending June 2023, the UK granted 321,101 work visas to main applicants, marking a 45% increase from the previous year.
To apply, follow these steps:
- Ensure Employer Sponsorship:
Your employer must obtain a valid Sponsor Licence from the UK Home Office. This involves demonstrating a UK ‘footprint’, such as proof of business premises or registration with Companies House.
- Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
Once licensed, your employer will issue a CoS, a unique reference number detailing your role in the UK. This certificate is valid for three months from the date of issuance.
- Prepare Supporting Documents:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Evidence of your employment history with the overseas business, typically at least 12 months, unless exempt.
- Proof of meeting the financial requirement, such as bank statements showing at least £1,270 in savings, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.
- A valid tuberculosis (TB) test result if you’re from a listed country.
- Complete the Online Application:
Apply online via the official UK government website. Use your CoS reference number during the application.
- Provide Biometric Information:
Attend a visa application centre to submit your fingerprints and photographs.
- Await a Decision:
Processing times vary: approximately 3 weeks for applications from outside the UK and up to 8 weeks for those made within the UK.
In the year ending September 2024, there was a 7% increase in work-related visas granted, highlighting the UK’s openness to skilled international professionals.
How Boardroom Advisors Can Help You
Need help obtaining a Sponsor Licence or managing Certificates of Sponsorship? Boardroom Advisors offers expert guidance to simplify these processes.
With a network of over 200 part-time Directors and C-Suite executives, we assist businesses in complying with UK immigration policies, including:
- Completing sponsor licence applications.
- Assigning Certificates of Sponsorship efficiently.
- Meeting sponsor duties to maintain compliance.
Conclusion: Managing Costs for UK Expansion Worker Visas
The UK Expansion Worker Visa is an essential tool for overseas businesses planning to establish a presence in the UK. Understanding the total costs, including application fees, health surcharges, and employer responsibilities like the sponsor license, is key to successful budgeting.
Whether you’re an employer outside the UK seeking to expand operations or a professional planning to relocate, comprehensive planning is essential. By considering direct costs and leveraging expert support from Boardroom Advisors, your business can confidently navigate the challenges of trading in the UK while ensuring compliance and smooth operations.
Reach out to Boardroom Advisors to make your UK expansion journey seamless and effective.
FAQ
How much does the UK Expansion Worker Visa application cost?
The UK Expansion Worker Visa application fee is £298 for both primary applicants and their dependents.
Are there any additional costs associated with the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for dependents under 18, providing access to the NHS. Employers are required to obtain a Sponsor Licence, costing £536 for small businesses or £1,476 for larger organisations, and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for £199 per sponsored worker. Additionally, employers may incur the Immigration Skills Charge, which is £364 per year for small sponsors and £1,000 per year for larger sponsors.
How long can I stay in the UK on a UK Expansion Worker Visa?
The UK Expansion Worker Visa allows the holder to stay in the UK for a maximum of 2 years. This duration is specifically designed for individuals from an overseas business looking to expand their operations into the UK. If you wish to stay longer, you may need to explore options for extending your visa or switching to another UK visa category, like the Skilled Worker Visa.
Who is eligible for a UK Expansion Visa?
To obtain a UK Expansion Worker Visa, you must be employed by an established overseas business planning to set up a UK branch and have worked for this employer outside the UK for at least 12 months unless earning £73,900 or more annually. You’ll need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a role as a senior manager or specialist worker essential to the expansion, a salary of at least £42,400 or the going rate for your role, and at least £1,270 in savings to support yourself unless your employer certifies maintenance.
Do I need a UK sponsor for the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
Yes, you need a UK sponsor to apply for the UK Expansion Worker Visa. Your employer, an overseas business, must hold a valid Sponsor Licence issued by the UK Home Office. The sponsor will assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is a key requirement for the visa application.
What is a senior or specialist worker visa?
The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, part of the Global Business Mobility scheme, allows employees of an overseas business to work temporarily in the UK for their employer. It is specifically designed for senior managers or specialist employees who are being transferred to a UK branch or subsidiary of the same company. This visa is intended for short-term assignments and does not typically lead to settlement in the UK.
