Key Considerations when applying for a representative of an overseas business visa

The representative of an Overseas Business Visa (sometimes referred to as a Sole Representative Visa) is a complex immigration route by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that permits seniors employees and international entrepreneurs from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to either set up a UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary. This immigration route is also appropriate for employees of a new agency, overseas newspaper, or broadcasting organisation posted to the UK on a long-term assignment.

A major consideration with this immigration route is that the sole rep must be recruited outside the UK whose headquarter and principal place of business is outside the UK.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Representative of an Overseas Business Visa, the applicant must:

1. be from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
2. Have sufficient money to support without resorting to public funds.
3. Meet the English requirements.
4. be recruited by the overseas company outside the UK whose principal place of business is and will remain outside the UK.
5. Hold extensive industry-related experience and knowledge.
6. Hold a senior position and have full authority to make operation decisions on the overseas company’s behalf.
7. Wish to establish the overseas business’s first-ever commercial presence in the UK.

Processing Time

The earliest the prospective sole rep can apply is 3 months before their travel.

Fess

A sole representative visa costs £610. Even an employee of an overseas newspaper, broadcasting agency, or news agency needs to pay £610. Each applicant must also pay the healthcare surcharge as a part of the application.

Knowledge of English

Each applicant must prove knowledge of English by passing an approved English Language Test with atleast CEFR level A1 or having an academic qualification which is recognised by the United Kingdom national agency for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills (UK NARIC) which is as equivalent to UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or Ph.D.

Documents Required for Sole Representative Visa

A prospective Sole rep needs to provide:

1. A current passport or valid travel identification
2. Evidence to support his or her financial ability along with dependents during the stay in the UK.
3. Details of accommodation.
4. Evidence to support the English requirement.
5. Tuberculosis Test Results
6. Copies of documents which include passports, photocard driving licenses, letters from a government department, credit card, electricity, or council tax bills signed and dated by a professional person.

Apply

The applicant can apply online for a sole representative visa or visit a visa application center.

Sole representative visa UK extension

1. The sole rep needs to work for the same employer in the same company as their entry clearance was granted earlier.
2. The company’s principal place of business must continue to remain outside the UK.
3. The prospective sole rep must be actively involved with the company.
4. The employer needs to certify that the sole rep still needs for the job.
5. The sole rep still continues to meet the maintenance and accommodation requirements as per Sole Representative Visa Guidance.

Family members

A sole rep visa accepts dependents as the applicant’s husband, wife, partner, or child under 18 from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. Dependents can apply online or can visit the visa application center as a considerable part of the application.

Using a solicitor  

An immigration firm takes full instructions of the circumstances, provides a full list of documents, prepares a business plan incorporating the prospective business line in the UK, completes Home Office online application, carry out documentation, prepares legal representation letter to accompany the application to the Home Office. A Y & J is an expert in all aspects of United Kingdom immigration. Our team of immigration solicitors provides solutions that assist our clients to reach their organisational immigration objectives.