Sole Representative Visa
Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa
As of 9 AM on April 11, 2022, the Home Office has officially closed the Sole Representative visa route to new applicants. If you are exploring business opportunities within the UK, self-sponsorship is presented as a viable alternative. This approach eliminates the need for a UK sponsor and may potentially lead to permanent residency and British citizenship for yourself and your family. If you have any specific questions or need assistance with the self-sponsorship process, it’s advisable to seek guidance from immigration lawyers or legal experts familiar with UK immigration regulations.
As of the summer of 2022, the UK government has introduced the Representative of an Overseas Business Visa, replacing the previous ‘Representative of an Overseas Newspaper, News Agency, or Broadcasting Organisation visa’. This visa is designed for employees of overseas newspapers, news agencies, or broadcasting organizations who are on a long-term assignment in the UK.
It’s important to note that the rules have changed, and sole representatives intending to establish a UK branch of their overseas company or business must now apply through the UK Expansion Worker visa under the Global Business Mobility category of visas.
However, individuals with existing permission as sole representatives on UK Sole Representative visas are still eligible to extend their stay and settle in the UK through this route. If you have specific questions or need assistance with the application process, it’s advisable to consult with immigration professionals or legal experts familiar with the current UK immigration regulations.
Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa Overview
The Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa allows individuals to work for their overseas employer full time in the UK, bring family members (dependants) with them, and apply for indefinite leave to remain after being in the UK for a total of 5 years.
What you can do with the Sole Representative Visa:
What you cannot do:
It’s essential to adhere to the conditions and eligibility criteria of the visa throughout its duration. If you have specific questions about your situation or need guidance on the application process, it’s advisable to consult with immigration lawyers or legal experts familiar with the current UK immigration regulations.
Sole Representative Visa Eligibility Criteria
It’s important to note that immigration policies can change, and the specific details may vary based on the country and its immigration laws. Individuals interested in applying for this visa should consult the official guidelines provided by the immigration authorities of the UK or seek advice from a qualified immigration professional.
Processing Time
The information provided outlines the typical processing times for the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa, depending on whether you are applying from outside or inside the UK.
However, it’s important to note that these are general processing times, and individual cases may vary. Several factors can affect the processing time, such as the need for document verification, interviews, or discussions about personal circumstances, such as criminal convictions.
Additionally, the information mentions the possibility of paying for a faster decision through UKVI’s priority processing service. It’s advisable to check whether this service is available in your country and, if eligible, consider this option for expedited processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to switch from a different visa to the Sole Representative Visa?
However, you cannot switch to this visa if you are on the following visa types:
Visit Visa
- Short-term Student Visa
- Parent of a Child Student Visa
- Seasonal Worker Visa
- Domestic Worker in a Private Household Visa
- Immigration Bail
- Permission to Stay Outside Immigration Rules (e.g., on compassionate grounds)
If you fall under one of these categories, you must leave the UK and apply for the Sole Representative Visa from outside the UK.
How can I bring my family members with me to the UK?
- Your spouse or partner
- Your child under the age of 18
Your family members must apply for their own visas online through the Gov.uk website and may need to visit a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide biometric information.
What if my visa expires while my application is being processed?
How PLS Can Assist You with the Sole Representative Visa Application
As seasoned and professional immigration lawyers specialising in UK immigration and business law, we bring a wealth of experience to assist you in navigating the complexities of the Sole Representative Visa application.
No matter your situation, our expert immigration advisers are well-equipped to support you. Whether you represent an overseas parent company seeking a visa for an employee, are on a long-term assignment in the UK, or are unsure about the eligibility criteria for this visa, our team can provide the assistance you need.
We extend our support to those in sole representative arrangements, individuals currently on the Sole Representative visa route, and wholly owned subsidiaries of parent companies with a commercial presence in the UK.
For more details about our services and how we can facilitate your visa application process, do not hesitate to get in touch. Call us at 0333 0124 253 or contact us online. Our team is ready to address your inquiries and guide you through the process.