If you are a U.S.-based business owner or executive planning to grow your operations internationally, you can apply for a UK Expansion Visa from America to establish a new presence in the United Kingdom. The UK Expansion Worker Visa—part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) framework—is specifically designed for foreign companies that have not yet started trading in the UK but wish to send key staff to set up operations.

This visa enables a U.S. company to transfer one or more senior employees, such as a director or operations manager, to the UK to launch a branch or subsidiary. It is ideal for companies with a structured business plan and an established presence in the U.S. looking to enter the UK market.

To apply for a UK Expansion Visa from the U.S., the process includes:

1. Securing a Sponsor License – The U.S. company must apply for a UK sponsor license, which allows it to legally sponsor non-British workers for entry under this visa route.
2. Issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – Once licensed, the business issues a CoS to the employee designated to relocate.
3. Visa Application by the Employee – The employee applies for the visa from the U.S., providing documentation that proves their employment, qualifications, and role within the company.

The applicant must meet specific skill level and salary requirements, and generally must have been employed by the U.S. company for at least 12 months. The visa is typically valid for 12 months, extendable to a maximum of 2 years, and can serve as a strategic stepping stone to longer-term UK immigration routes.

Because the process involves both corporate compliance and personal immigration requirements, many businesses choose to work with a qualified UK expansion visa lawyer in the USA to ensure accuracy and improve the likelihood of success.

Our firm provides end-to-end legal guidance for U.S. companies applying for UK Expansion Visas, from sponsor license registration to application filing and beyond. If you’re ready to expand, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.