For U.S.-based companies planning to establish a presence in the United Kingdom, the UK Expansion Worker Visa USA offers a strategic immigration solution. Part of the UK’s Global Business Mobility (GBM) framework, this visa allows companies that are not yet actively trading in the UK to send senior personnel or specialists to set up a new branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.

The UK Expansion Worker Visa USA is ideal for established American companies looking to enter the UK market. To qualify, your business must be operational and actively trading in the U.S., and you must present a credible plan for opening a UK branch. The company must first apply for a UK sponsor license, which authorizes it to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the employee being sent to the UK.

The visa applicant—often a senior executive or key manager—must:

• Be employed by the U.S. company.
• Have at least 12 months of work history with the company (with limited exceptions).
• Meet the required salary and skill thresholds.
• Receive a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from the sponsoring business.

The visa is typically granted for 12 months and may be extended up to 2 years. While it does not provide a direct path to settlement, it can serve as a foundation for longer-term UK immigration options once the business is successfully established.

Given the legal and administrative complexity, working with a skilled UK expansion visa lawyer in the USA can streamline the process and help ensure compliance. Our firm provides end-to-end support—from sponsor license registration and document preparation to application review and legal representation.

Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding a large enterprise, our experienced team can help your U.S. company enter the UK market with confidence and clarity.