Can my family come with me to the UK?
Coming to the UK as a sole representative, does not have to be alone as the “sole” may suggest. Your immediate family members, spouse, civil partner and dependants children under 18 years of age may join in the UK.
Accompanying dependants will be able to work, study in the UK and settle down after completing a continuous 5 years in the same category as your dependents.
Can we extend the visa of my dependents alongside?
Sole representative visa holders can apply to extend their stay in the UK under the same category by proving their eligibility once again. They can also include their dependants (who are on their current visa) on their application to extend, also children who have turned 18 during their stay in the UK. The applicants must be made before their current visa expires.
What are the advantages of a Sole Representative Visa?
You know the United Kingdom has become an excellent destination among numerous small or large organisations. It has a great and ever-growing economy, where you can see your business grow and prosper at a very fast speed.
This visa route leads to settlement and citizenship.
I am a shareholder in the business, do I still qualify for the Sole Representative Visa?
You can be a shareholder in the business. The rules prohibit those who are majority shareholders in the business. If changes in shareholding took place, whereby you sold your shares to a partner, evidence of genuineness (that you no longer have access to the benefits of a majority shareholder) must be provided. This could include legal binding agreements, bank statements showing sale of the shares.
How can I prove my English language knowledge for a Sole Representative Visa?
You can prove your level of English language by passing an English language test with at least CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening. If you have a degree taught in English this will suffice the rules. You will not be expected to prove your level of English if you are a national of one of the below English language countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Malta
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- USA
What amount do I need to invest to obtain a sole representative visa?
There is no minimum or maximum investment required for a sole representative visa. However, the company must have sufficient capital to start and sustain the business in the UK.
A business plan for the company should reflect practical and reasonable financial summary and start-up costs of setting up and operating the business.
Who can be a Sole Representative?
- A senior employee of an overseas business, who is not a majority shareholder in the organisation and has:
- Relevant skills and qualifications to qualify for this position to make business decisions on the company’s behalf.
Why should you choose the UK as a destination?
The United Kingdom offers not only great exposure to the European market, but also stability to those coming to represent their overseas businesses. Once a branch or subsidiary is established, your organisation could become a Sponsor, and start sponsoring other overseas staff under the Skilled Worker route. Therefore, not only you will establish a branch or subsidiary in the UK, but also bring your most reliable and skilled staff from abroad.
Is it possible to extend the Representative of an Overseas Business Visa?
Yes. Your visa can be expanded for up to two years after the initial visa period of 3 years. The fee for extending the visa would be £704 to extend the visa term plus immigration health surcharge fees and £19.20 for giving the biometric data (fingerprints and a photo). The home office will contact you within eight weeks after you submit your application for extending the visa.
How long will it take to process the sole representative visa?
Based on our experience, a decision on your Sole Representative Visa can take up to 4-6 weeks.
Is it possible for a UK sole rep visa holder to send his children to a UK public school to study?
Yes.
What can be asked in an interview for getting a sole rep visa?
The Entry Clearance Officer may ask questions in relation to your employer, and your dealings with the organisation. Common questions are –
- Tell us about your business – what do you do?
- How long have you been working with them?
- Who owns the majority of shares?
- What was the profit and loss of the business?
- How many employees are currently working in your business?
- Why do you see the UK as a perfect place to set up a branch?
- Will the main company continue to operate abroad after setting up the branch or subsidiary?
How can we assist you in applying for a Representation Of An Overseas Business Visa?
A Y & J Solicitors has a great team of experienced immigration lawyers willing to guide you through the process of applying for, and successfully obtaining a Sole Representative Visa. We recognise the issues which applicants may face and the long list of documents that must be provided with your application. Therefore, we can lead you to the process for a successful outcome. We are here to help you with each phase of giving rise to your business in the UK’s market.
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