UK Representative Visa and Application Process
Heading: Introduction to the UK Representative Visa
The UK Representative visa is a visa category that is designed for representatives of overseas businesses. This visa allows overseas businesses to send their representatives to the UK to establish a branch or a wholly-owned subsidiary of their business. The UK Representative visa also allows representatives to take up employment in the UK. This visa category is also known as the Sole Representative visa and it is suitable for people who are not self-employed.
Heading: Eligibility Criteria for UK Representative Visa
The eligibility criteria for the UK Representative visa are as follows:
1. The applicant must be an employee of an overseas business that has no presence in the UK.
2. The applicant must have enough funds to support themselves and their dependents without relying on public funds in the UK.
3. The applicant must have a detailed business plan that demonstrates the viability of the proposed UK branch or subsidiary.
4. The applicant must be able to speak, read and write English to the required standard.
5. The applicant must have the skills, experience, and knowledge necessary to operate successfully in the UK.
6. The applicant must not intend to take up any employment other than that for which they have been granted a visa.
Heading: Documents Required for UK Representative Visa
To apply for the UK Representative visa, the applicant must submit the following documents:
1. A valid passport or travel document.
2. A letter of invitation from the overseas business that includes the applicant’s name, date of birth, and passport number.
3. Evidence of the overseas business’s registration and financial standing.
4. A detailed business plan that demonstrates the viability of the proposed UK branch or subsidiary.
5. Evidence of the applicant’s skills, experience, and knowledge necessary to operate successfully in the UK.
6. Evidence that the applicant has enough funds to support themselves and their dependents without relying on public funds in the UK.
Heading: Application Process for UK Representative Visa
The application process for the UK Representative visa is as follows:
1. The applicant must submit their application online or by post.
2. The applicant must pay the visa application fee.
3. The applicant must attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center to provide their fingerprints and photograph.
4. The applicant must submit their supporting documents by post or at a visa application center.
5. The applicant will be informed of the decision on their application by email.
6. If the application is approved, the applicant will be issued with a visa that allows them to stay in the UK for up to 3 years. After this period, the visa can be extended for an additional 2 years.
Heading: FAQs about UK Representative Visa
1. Can I bring my family members with me on a UK Representative visa?
Yes, you can bring your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and children under 18 with you on a UK Representative visa. They will be granted a dependent visa.
2. Can I apply for settlement in the UK after my UK Representative visa expires?
Yes, you can apply for settlement in the UK after holding a UK Representative visa for 5 years. However, you must meet the eligibility criteria for settlement.
3. Can I switch to a different visa category while on a UK Representative visa?
Yes, you can switch to a different visa category while on a UK Representative visa if you meet the eligibility criteria for the new visa category.
4. How long does it take to process a UK Representative visa application?
The processing time for a UK Representative visa application is usually 3 weeks. However, this can vary depending on the time of year and the complexity of the application.
5. Can my UK Representative visa be cancelled if my employer cancels their business in the UK?
Yes, your UK Representative visa can be cancelled if your employer cancels their business in the UK. You will be given a notice period to leave the UK.