If you’re in the UK on a different visa route and have been hired by a foreign company to expand their business in the UK; you can switch to a UK Expansion Worker visa. This will allow you to continue living in the UK, but working for a different employer this time.

But to make a successful application, you will need to know the exact process and requirements to switch to a UK Expansion Worker Visa.

A great visa option introduced under the Global Business Mobility category – for overseas companies looking to broaden their horizons and enter the UK market, is the UK Expansion Worker visa. One of the main advantages of switching to this route is that it allows a company to send up to 5 personnel as expansion workers to grow operations in the UK. To apply for one, you must know the full details of the UK Expansion Worker visa.

If you already have a different sort of visa and are in the UK, you may be able to apply to switch to a UK Expansion Worker visa. You must fulfil the eligibility prerequisites.

To change their visa, your spouse or children must submit a separate application. They can apply either at the same time as you or whenever their existing visa expires.

The process involved, to switch to a UK Expansion Worker visa, is similar to the initial application.

You must provide identification documentation as part of your application.
Depending on your country of origin and passport type, you can do this in a few different ways.

Your options are:

• To obtain a biometric residence permit, submit your fingerprints and a photo at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service location.
• Use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app to scan your identification (you’ll also need to register for or log into an account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)).

Usually, it takes 8 weeks from the date of your application to receive a decision.

If your application requires more time, it can be because:

• Your supporting records must be examined
• You must appear for a personal circumstances interview (for example, if you have a criminal conviction)

You cannot apply to switch if you are currently in the UK on:

• On an immigration bail because you were granted permission to stay outside the immigration regulations, for example on compassionate grounds,
• On a visit visa,
• A short-term student visa,
• A parent of a child visa,
• A seasonal worker visa,
• Or a visa for a domestic worker in a private family.

If you fall under one of these headings, you must depart the country and apply for a UK Expansion Worker visa from another country.

To make a switch to a UK Expansion Worker visa, you will need to apply online.
Click here to find the online application form.
After you begin your application, you can save it and finish it later.

If you are switching from inside the UK, you will need to follow the same process and fulfil the requirements of a UK Expansion Worker visa.
The application process to switch to a UK Expansion Worker visa

1. You will need to fill out the application form correctly and submit that.
2. With the application form, you will have to submit supporting documents like proof of identity, a certificate of sponsorship, etc.
3. You will receive a decision on your application within 8 weeks.

The UK Skilled Worker visa – If the company you are representing / expanding in the UK is registered, has functioned and has a sponsor licence, you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa. This also helps in getting a settlement in the UK.

Other business / work visa routes: The expansion worker can also switch to a different category like the UK Innovator visa if they qualify for the route.

Except for the UK Visit visa, you can switch to the UK Expansion Worker visa from any route. For example, if a student is in the UK on a UK Student visa and a family-owned business owned by their father, and they are looking to expand; you are eligible to apply as an expansion worker for their company. Although keep in mind, the UK Expansion Worker visa does not get you a settlement in the UK.

You will also need to update your visa if the job changes.

The benefits of UK Expansion Worker visa route make it one of the popular Global Business Mobility visa routes. A business can send up to 5 employees as expansion workers, who can stay in the UK for up to 24 months. The expansion workers can also travel abroad and return to the UK within the duration of their Expansion Worker visas. The route does not offer settlement in the UK, but you can always switch to the skilled worker visa if the requirements are met, and walk the pathway to settlement.

In a UK Expansion Worker visa application, the applicant must prove to the Home Office that they can meet all the requirements and have adequate paperwork and documents required for UK Expansion Worker Visa. For instance, you will need to submit the application form, Certificate of Sponsorship, documents to prove you can meet the financial requirements, supporting paperwork and more…

To qualify for the route, the applicant must have a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) (issued by the sponsor), the expansion worker must do a job that’s listed on the eligible occupations list by the UK Home Office, and more. While a sponsor can send up to 5 employees at a time, keep in mind that all the applicants have to meet all the criteria for eligibility to qualify for the route and expand the business in the UK.

There are few finances involved or the cost for a UK Expansion Worker visa. However, what is involved is the application fee – £259, health surcharge – £624 and maintenance funds (for yourself and dependants) – at least £1,270.

When applying from India, make sure you are aware of all the financial and maintenance funds requirements to avoid a refusal of the application.