Question 1

What specific documents are required to prove my senior role in the company for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa?

Accepted Answer

Applicants must provide a detailed job description and a letter from the overseas company confirming their senior position, authority to make decisions, and that they do not own a majority stake. Additional documentation, such as employment contracts and organizational charts, may also be beneficial.

Question 2

Can I apply for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa if I own 51% of the company?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot apply for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa if you are a majority shareholder. The visa is intended for employees who do not hold a controlling interest in the company, to prevent conflicts of interest. You must own less than 50% of the company.

Question 3

Can I apply for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa if my company already has a UK presence?

Accepted Answer

No, the Representative of an Overseas Business visa is only available if your company has no existing active branch, subsidiary, or legal entity in the UK. The visa is designed for businesses establishing their first commercial presence in the UK.

Question 4

What documents are required to prove my employment status with the overseas company?

Accepted Answer

You need to provide an official letter from your employer stating your role, your employment history, and confirmation that you will be representing the company in the UK. Additionally, provide employment contracts and recent pay slips as evidence.

Question 5

Is there a specific salary requirement I must meet to be eligible for this visa?

Accepted Answer

While there is no explicit salary threshold, your salary should reflect your seniority and the responsibilities of your role. You must also demonstrate you can support yourself without recourse to public funds.

Question 6

How do I demonstrate my industry-related experience and knowledge?

Accepted Answer

You can demonstrate your experience by submitting a detailed CV, along with references from previous employers and any relevant professional certifications or degrees. Highlight your role in strategic decisions and projects relevant to your industry.

Question 7

How long does it typically take to process a Representative of an Overseas Business visa application?

Accepted Answer

The processing time for a Representative of an Overseas Business visa application is typically around 3 weeks after attending your biometric appointment, although this can vary depending on the country from which you are applying.

Question 8

What are the acceptable English language tests for this visa application?

Accepted Answer

Accepted English language tests include IELTS for UKVI and exams by Trinity College London. You must achieve at least CEFR Level A1 or higher. Make sure to provide the test result as part of your application.

Question 9

What are the English language requirements for this visa?

Accepted Answer

Applicants must meet the English language requirement by passing an approved test with at least CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening, holding a degree taught in English, or being a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Question 10

Is there a minimum salary requirement for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa?

Accepted Answer

There is no specific minimum salary requirement. However, you must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents in the UK without recourse to public funds. Submit bank statements or financial proofs to this effect.

Question 11

Are my family members allowed to join me in the UK under this visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, family members such as your spouse/partner and children under 18 can apply to join you as dependents under the Representative of an Overseas Business visa.

Question 12

How long does the application process for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa take?

Accepted Answer

The application process typically takes around 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK. However, it is advisable to apply well in advance to account for any delays. Ensure all documents are complete to avoid processing issues.

Question 13

Can I own shares in the company and still apply for this visa?

Accepted Answer

You can apply as long as you do not own a majority of the shares in the company. You must not have a controlling interest in the business.

Question 14

Can family members accompany me on this visa, and what is the process?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your family members (spouse/partner and children under 18) can accompany you. They need to apply as your dependents and provide documentation such as marriage or birth certificates. Each family member must meet specific requirements and pay the application fee.

Question 15

What happens if my visa application is refused?

Accepted Answer

If your application is refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can appeal the decision if you believe it was incorrect, or address the issues and reapply.

Question 16

What is the cost of applying for a Representative of an Overseas Business visa?

Accepted Answer

The application fee for this visa is £610. Additionally, you will need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is typically £624 per year per person. Ensure you check for the latest fee updates before applying.

Question 17

Will I be eligible for settlement in the UK on this visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, after residing in the UK for 5 years on the Representative of an Overseas Business visa, you may be eligible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain), provided you meet all requirements.

Question 18

Can I switch to a different visa category once in the UK on this visa?

Accepted Answer

Switching to another visa category while on the Representative of an Overseas Business visa is not straightforward. You would generally need to leave the UK and apply for a different visa from outside the country. Always check the specific requirements for the visa you wish to switch to.

Question 19

Can I work for another employer in the UK while on this visa?

Accepted Answer

No, you are only allowed to work for your employer in the role specified in your visa application. Any secondary employment would violate your visa conditions.

Question 20

What happens if the UK branch isn't successfully established within the visa period?

Accepted Answer

If the UK branch isn't established within the visa period, you may face challenges in renewing the visa. You need to show genuine progress, such as signed agreements or leases, to justify the extension. Consulting with immigration experts can help build a strong case.

Question 21

What happens if my company decides to close the UK branch or subsidiary?

Accepted Answer

If your company closes its UK operations, you may need to leave the UK unless you qualify for another type of visa. It's crucial to explore other immigration options if this situation arises.

Question 22

How long is the Representative of an Overseas Business visa valid for?

Accepted Answer

The visa is initially granted for 3 years. You can apply to extend it for another 2 years, making a total of 5 years. After 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for settlement, provided you meet all the requirements.

Question 23

Do I need to meet specific maintenance fund requirements?

Accepted Answer

While there are no specific maintenance fund requirements, you must demonstrate that you can support yourself and any dependents without needing public funds.

Question 24

What are the restrictions on work for a visa holder in the UK?

Accepted Answer

As a visa holder, you can only work for your overseas employer in the UK. You are not permitted to take up any other employment or business outside of your role as a representative of the overseas business.

Question 25

Can I switch to the Representative of an Overseas Business visa if I am already in the UK on another visa?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot switch to this visa from within the UK. You must apply from outside the UK for a Representative of an Overseas Business visa.

Question 26

What evidence is needed to prove that the overseas business is actively trading?

Accepted Answer

You need to provide financial statements, tax documents, and evidence of business activities such as contracts or invoices. The company's registration documents and a letter confirming its intent to establish a UK presence should also be included.

Question 27

Is there a fee to apply for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is an application fee for the visa, which is subject to change. Check the official UK government website for the most current fee information.

Question 28

Can I apply for the visa if my company already has a branch in the UK?

Accepted Answer

No, the visa is specifically for companies that do not have an existing branch, subsidiary, or other presence in the UK. If your company already has a presence, you must consider other visa categories for your relocation.

Question 29

Can I study in the UK while on this visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can undertake study while on this visa, but studying must not interfere with your primary role as a representative of the overseas business.

Question 30

What happens if my visa application is refused?

Accepted Answer

If your visa application is refused, you will receive a notice detailing the reasons. You can request an administrative review if you believe there was a mistake in the decision. Alternatively, you may reapply with additional documentation addressing the refusal reasons.

Representative of an Overseas Business visa FAQ

Featured Questions

What specific documents are required to prove my senior role in the company for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa?Documents00

What specific documents are required to prove my senior role in the company for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa?

Can I apply for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa if I own 51% of the company?Application Process0

Can I apply for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa if I own 51% of the company?

Eligibility Questions

Is there a specific salary requirement I must meet to be eligible for this visa?00

Is there a specific salary requirement I must meet to be eligible for this visa?

Will I be eligible for settlement in the UK on this visa?0

Will I be eligible for settlement in the UK on this visa?

Application Process Questions

Can I apply for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa if I own 51% of the company?00

Can I apply for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa if I own 51% of the company?

Can I apply for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa if my company already has a UK presence?

Can I apply for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa if my company already has a UK presence?

Documents Questions

What specific documents are required to prove my senior role in the company for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa?00

What specific documents are required to prove my senior role in the company for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa?

What documents are required to prove my employment status with the overseas company?

What documents are required to prove my employment status with the overseas company?

Costs Questions

What is the cost of applying for a Representative of an Overseas Business visa?00

What is the cost of applying for a Representative of an Overseas Business visa?

Is there a fee to apply for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa?0

Is there a fee to apply for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa?

Timeline Questions

How long does it typically take to process a Representative of an Overseas Business visa application?00

How long does it typically take to process a Representative of an Overseas Business visa application?

How long does the application process for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa take?0

How long does the application process for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa take?

General Questions

How do I demonstrate my industry-related experience and knowledge?00

How do I demonstrate my industry-related experience and knowledge?

What are the English language requirements for this visa?0

What are the English language requirements for this visa?

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Can I apply for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa if my company already has a UK presence?Application Process00

Can I apply for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa if my company already has a UK presence?

What documents are required to prove my employment status with the overseas company?Documents00

What documents are required to prove my employment status with the overseas company?

Is there a specific salary requirement I must meet to be eligible for this visa?Eligibility00

Is there a specific salary requirement I must meet to be eligible for this visa?

How do I demonstrate my industry-related experience and knowledge?General00

How do I demonstrate my industry-related experience and knowledge?

How long does it typically take to process a Representative of an Overseas Business visa application?Timeline00

How long does it typically take to process a Representative of an Overseas Business visa application?

What are the acceptable English language tests for this visa application?Application Process00

What are the acceptable English language tests for this visa application?

What are the English language requirements for this visa?General00

What are the English language requirements for this visa?

Is there a minimum salary requirement for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa?General00

Is there a minimum salary requirement for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa?

What are the acceptable English language tests for this visa application?00

What are the acceptable English language tests for this visa application?

Can I own shares in the company and still apply for this visa?00

Can I own shares in the company and still apply for this visa?

What happens if my visa application is refused?00

What happens if my visa application is refused?

Can I apply for the visa if my company already has a branch in the UK?00

Can I apply for the visa if my company already has a branch in the UK?

What happens if my visa application is refused?00

What happens if my visa application is refused?

What evidence is needed to prove that the overseas business is actively trading?00

What evidence is needed to prove that the overseas business is actively trading?

Can family members accompany me on this visa, and what is the process?00

Can family members accompany me on this visa, and what is the process?

How long is the Representative of an Overseas Business visa valid for?00

How long is the Representative of an Overseas Business visa valid for?

Is there a minimum salary requirement for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa?00

Is there a minimum salary requirement for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa?

Are my family members allowed to join me in the UK under this visa?00

Are my family members allowed to join me in the UK under this visa?

Can I switch to a different visa category once in the UK on this visa?00

Can I switch to a different visa category once in the UK on this visa?

Can I work for another employer in the UK while on this visa?00