What are the eligibility criteria to apply for a UK Expansion Worker visa?

In this blog, our UK Immigration Expert reveals the eligibility criteria to apply for a UK Expansion Worker Visa successfully. Read further to understand the essentials of Expansion Worker Visa UK.

• The UK Expansion Worker visa falls under the ‘Global Business Mobility visas’ category
• This route allows international companies to expand their business in the UK
• It has replaced the UK Sole Representative visa route and is one of the options on a refused UK Sole Representative visa application
• The company can send a senior manager or specialist employees, including business owners, if they can meet the UK Expansion Worker visa Requirements
• Click here for more details on the UK Expansion Worker visa
• Our UK Expansion Worker visa experts in India – Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru have assisted many clients in making a successful application for their business expansion, and we can help you too. Contact us for more details…

With the UK Expansion Worker visa, you can:

• Bring your family to the UK
• Best-suited for SMEs & MSMEs
• NO English language requirement
• Apply for Settlement in the UK in 6 years*
• 5 business members can apply at the same time

It is essential to meet the eligibility criteria to apply for a UK Expansion Worker Visa, since not meeting these requirements can lead to a refusal of the visa application.

• To meet the eligibility criteria to apply for a UK Expansion Worker Visa, you will need a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’.
• A ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ is an electronic document issued by the UK-based employer
• Each certificate has a number, which an applicant can use to apply for a visa
• When you receive a Certificate of Sponsorship, it is only valid for 3 months from the date mentioned on the certificate

• A letter of sponsorship by your UK-based employer must include:
  • Confirmation of the applicant’s name (must include your name)
  • Confirmation that they are being sponsored as a UK Expansion Worker
  • Details of the job, designation, activities, etc.
  • Salary and allowances offered by the company

You must have worked for your employer outside the UK for at least 12 months, unless:

• You’re earning over £73,900
• You’re a Japanese national working for a Japanese company that is expanding to the UK

• Before checking if your job is eligible, you will need its 4-digit occupation code
• This will be mentioned on your certificate of sponsorship
• Once you have your occupation code, click here to get the PDF to know if the ‘list of eligible jobs’ includes yours

• You must be paid at least £42,400 per year, or the ongoing rate if your job, whichever is higher
• Every occupation code has its own annual ongoing rate

• You will need to apply online. Click here for the application form
• Prove your identity and provide sufficient documents
• Submit your application along with the paperwork
• If you are facing trouble understanding the eligibility criteria to apply for a UK Expansion Worker Visa, you can contact our UK Expansion Worker visa expert

You will need:

• £259 – For the application fee
• £624 – For Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

You also have to demonstrate you have £1,270 (not to be paid) in your personal bank account to support yourself after you arrive in the UK.

You can do so by attaching your bank statements of past 6 months showing enough funds available to cover.

Once you apply online, it can take up to:

• 3 weeks – if you’re applying from outside the UK
• 8 weeks – if you’re applying from within the UK