UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 3 weeks (outside UK), 8 weeks (inside UK)
- Fee
- £319
- Validity
- Up to 12 months (maximum 2 years total on this visa)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For senior managers or specialist employees of overseas businesses setting up a UK branch. Minimum salary: £52,500 or the going rate, whichever is higher. Must have 12 months prior employment outside the UK (exceptions: earning over £73,900, Japanese nationals with Japanese companies, Australian nationals/residents). Maximum 2 years on this visa. Cumulative limit: 5 years in any 6-year period across related GBM visas. Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year.
Eligibility
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Age
Must be at least 18 years old
Min age: 18
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Employment
Must be a senior manager or specialist employee of an overseas business expanding to the UK. Minimum salary: £52,500 or going rate. Must have 12 months prior employment outside UK (exceptions for high earners, Japanese and Australian nationals)
Required status: Senior manager or specialist employee of expanding overseas business
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Financial
Must have at least £1,270 available or employer must certify maintenance
Minimum funds: £1,270
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements showing funds held for 28 consecutive days, or employer certification; Minimum amount: £1,270
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.gov.uk/uk-expansion-worker-visa; Location: Visa application centre or UK Immigration: ID Check app
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment; Amount: £319
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Sponsorship certificate
Certificate name: Certificate of Sponsorship; Sponsor type: Licensed overseas employer expanding to UK
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Tuberculosis test
Test type: Chest X-ray at approved clinic (if from designated country); Validity months: 6
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Health surcharge
Amount: £1,035 per year; Applicant category: Main applicant and dependants
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain Certificate of Sponsorship from your overseas employer for UK expansion work
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Online application
Apply online up to 3 months before your start date
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
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Biometrics
Prove your identity at a visa application centre or via the UK Immigration: ID Check app
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Processing wait
Wait for a decision on your application