If your U.S.-based business plans to send staff to the United Kingdom to launch a new branch or subsidiary, obtaining a UK sponsor license for the Expansion Worker Visa is the essential first step. Without this license, your company cannot legally sponsor employees under the UK Expansion Worker Visa, a route designed specifically for foreign businesses entering the UK market for the first time.

The UK sponsor license grants your company the authority to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)—a mandatory requirement for the visa application. Once your business is a licensed sponsor, you may nominate a senior employee to relocate and establish your UK operations.

To qualify for the Expansion Worker sponsor license, your company must demonstrate that:

• It is actively trading and registered outside the UK (e.g., in the United States).
  
  
  
• It has not yet begun trading in the UK but has a credible and documented expansion plan.
  
  
  
• The nominated employee has the skills and seniority needed to lead the new branch setup.
  
  
  

The application requires submission of detailed documentation, including proof of your U.S. business activities, financial viability, and business structure. You will also need to provide a UK “footprint”—such as a lease agreement or business registration documents—showing intent to establish presence in the UK.

Applying for a sponsor license for an expansion visa involves strict compliance with UK immigration rules. If approved, your business will be added to the official list of licensed sponsors and permitted to assign a CoS to the selected employee, who can then apply for the UK Expansion Worker Visa from the U.S.

At our firm, we assist American companies with the full sponsor license application process, ensuring all requirements are met and your submission is comprehensive and compliant. We also help with drafting business plans, liaising with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and preparing for any follow-up or audit requests.

If you’re ready to expand into the UK and need help securing your UK sponsor license for the Expansion Worker Visa, our legal team is here to guide you through every step with clarity, precision, and efficiency.