UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility) - What Have We Learned?

Introduction

The UK Expansion Worker visa is one of five sponsored routes under the Global Business Mobility (GMB) visa umbrella and allows workers to come to Britain to set up the first UK branch or subsidiary of their overseas business.

Since its introduction in April 2022, it is fair to say there has been a trickle rather than a flood of applications, but it is becoming increasingly popular in light of increased scrutiny of skilled worker licensing.

We can all read the rules and guidance, but that can only take you so far.

During this virtual classroom seminar expert speakers Gary McIndoe & Faydelys Robinson will share what they have learned since the route was introduced and will offer practical tips on how to ensure your Expansion Worker licence application stands the best chance of success. This includes reviewing more recent changes to the category in the guidance published on 9 April 2025. It is suitable for those working in or advising international businesses with global mobility responsibilities.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive session will cover the following:

• Home Office interpretation of the ‘UK footprint’ and ‘not actively trading’ requirements
• Are there clear lines in the sand?
• Handling additional document requests
• Are serviced office agreements sufficient?
• Handling a range of business ownership structures in the context of updated ownership requirement
• How to evidence a ‘credible expansion plan’ and interpretation of the ‘same kind of business’ requirement
• What level of evidence is required?
• Providing evidence of UK contracts
• Alternatives to the route - why would a business want to go down the expansion worker road?
• Home Office policy objectives in setting the bar relatively high
• Extending stay in the route, and transitioning from an expansion worker to a skilled worker licence
• The impact of Trade Agreements on the requirements of the rules

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.