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The Expansion Worker Visa allows overseas businesses to send senior employees to the UK to establish a branch or subsidiary of their company. This route replaces the previous Sole Representative Visa and forms part of the UK’s Global Business Mobility (GBM) framework, helping international companies grow their footprint in the UK market.
The Expansion Worker Visa is designed for senior managers or specialist employees of an overseas company that has not yet begun trading in the UK. The business must have a credible plan to set up a UK branch and be approved as a sponsor by the Home Office.
To qualify, the applicant must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from their employer and meet skill, salary, and length-of-employment criteria. The employee must have worked for the company outside the UK for at least 12 months, unless exempt (e.g., high earners).
The visa is typically granted for 12 months, with the possibility to extend up to 2 years total. However, it does not lead directly to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), although individuals may switch to another route later that does.
Hermes Legal offers expert guidance to international businesses and their employees navigating the Expansion Worker Visa route. We manage the entire process, from company sponsorship licensing to employee application, ensuring smooth and compliant UK market entry.
We offer a full range of UK immigration services designed to support individuals, families, and businesses. From visa applications to appeals and asylum, our legal experts provide clear, strategic advice to help you navigate every stage of the immigration process with confidence.
We offer legal assistance for asylum seekers, overstayers, and those making fresh or long-residence claims, protecting your rights under UK immigration law.
We provide expert support for spouse, fiancé, child, and partner visas, as well as guidance on securing indefinite leave to remain and UK citizenship.
We support professionals and businesses with UK work visas, including skilled worker, innovator, start-up, and expansion visas, ensuring smooth, compliant entry.
We help challenge visa refusals through judicial reviews, and appeals, ensuring your case is heard with strong legal representation.
We assist travelers with UK visit visa applications and Electronic Travel Authorizations, including tourist visas, family visits, and business travel permits, ensuring seamless, compliant entry.
We help challenge visa refusals through judicial reviews, and appeals, ensuring your case is heard with strong legal representation.
If you’re considering a human rights claim or facing removal from the UK, it’s natural to have questions. We’ve compiled answers to the most common concerns to help you better understand your rights, the legal process, and how Hermes Legal can support your case with clarity and care.
Overstaying means remaining in the UK after your visa or leave to remain has expired, without renewing or switching to a new status.
Yes, in some cases. You may be eligible to make a human rights claim, long residence application, or fresh claim depending on your situation.
You must have lived continuously in the UK for at least 20 years to apply under this route, even if some or all of that time was without status.
Yes, it can impact future applications, but strong legal representation can help you explain and overcome this in many cases.
Having a British or long-resident child may strengthen your case under Article 8 (family and private life). We can advise based on your full circumstances.
Hermes Legal is a trusted UK-based immigration services firm dedicated to helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate complex immigration processes with confidence.
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