For U.S. companies seeking international growth, the UK Expansion Visa presents a valuable opportunity to enter the British market with a structured, compliant approach. Designed under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) framework, this visa allows American businesses to send key personnel to the United Kingdom to establish a new entity—whether it’s a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate office.

The UK Expansion Visa for American businesses is specifically intended for organizations that are already operating and trading in the U.S. but have not yet begun commercial activity in the UK. It enables a company to appoint a senior executive, manager, or specialist to set up operations and lead the initial expansion phase.

To qualify, the U.S. business must:

• Be registered and actively trading in the United States.
• Demonstrate a legitimate and well-documented plan to expand into the UK.
• Apply for a UK sponsor license under the Expansion Worker category.

Once the sponsor license is granted, the business can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the chosen employee, who must meet minimum skill level, salary thresholds, and have at least 12 months of employment with the company (exceptions apply for high earners).

The visa is typically valid for 12 months, extendable to 2 years, and while it doesn’t lead directly to permanent residency, it sets a strong foundation for long-term UK operations and future immigration pathways for staff.

Working with a qualified UK immigration lawyer for U.S. businesses can significantly streamline the process—ensuring that both the corporate and employee documentation meet UK Home Office standards. Legal support is especially critical when managing the sponsor license, business setup, visa requirements, and compliance obligations all at once.

At our firm, we help American companies obtain the UK Expansion Visa through comprehensive legal support, from business case preparation to visa filing and employee relocation assistance. Whether you’re a startup launching internationally or a well-established corporation entering a new market, we’ll guide you every step of the way.