UK sole representative visa
The UK Sole Representative Visa is a business visa that individuals to move to the UK as a representative of an overseas business. It is meant for non-UK nationals who are working for a business that wishes to expand its operations to the UK. The United Kingdom is a highly sought-after business destination because of its flourishing economy and the Sole Representative Visa is a very useful provision for business owners and employees. overseas companies that are looking to establish their presence in the UK can send a senior employee as a sole representative under this visa provision.
There are certain criteria that must be met to be able to apply for a Sole Representative Visa. The Sole Representative Visa is applicable for a registered branch of the company or a wholly-owned subsidiary that is involved in the same type of business activities as the original company. The parent company should not have any already existing branches or subsidiaries in the UK if they want to apply for a Sole Representative Visa.
The UK Sole Representative Visa is a business visa that individuals to move to the UK as a representative of an overseas business. It is meant for non-UK nationals who are working for a business that wishes to expand its operations to the UK. The United Kingdom is a highly sought-after business destination because of its flourishing economy and the Sole Representative Visa is a very useful provision for business owners and employees. overseas companies that are looking to establish their presence in the UK can send a senior employee as a sole representative under this visa provision.
There are certain criteria that must be met to be able to apply for a Sole Representative Visa. The Sole Representative Visa is applicable for a registered branch of the company or a wholly-owned subsidiary that is involved in the same type of business activities as the original company. The parent company should not have any already existing branches or subsidiaries in the UK if they want to apply for a Sole Representative Visa.
Who is eligible for the UK Sole Representative Visa?
To apply for a Sole Representative Visa, an individual must fulfill the following conditions –
On an individual level, the applicant must have sufficient funds to support his or her stay in the UK and must be proficient in the English language as well.
A sole representative may also be eligible if the business has a non-commercial or legal presence in the UK which does not generate any revenue or employ staff. If the business has been working towards establishing a commercial presence in the UK which has not yet started, the applicant is allowed to replace an existing representative in the UK under this visa category.
How long is the Sole Representative Visa valid?
The Sole Representative Visa initially grants a stay of up to 3 years, which can be extended by another 2 years if the necessary criteria are met. The visa holder can apply for permanent settlement in the UK after 5 years of stay if they have an ongoing job in the same company.
The Sole Representative Visa allows dependants, including partners and children under 18 years of age, to stay with the applicant.
The visa does not allow for absence from the UK for more than 180 days in a year, during the initial 5 years of stay.
How to apply for a Sole Representative Visa to the UK?
The application process can be easily completed online. It is, however, necessary to provide your biometrics and necessary documents to the immigration authorities for processing the application. An appointment has to be made at the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your photo and fingerprints.
The supporting documents have to be uploaded online as well as scanned at the UKVCAS service point. Documents usually required for a Sole Representative Visa application include –
The application for the Sole Representative Visa can be made not earlier than 3 months before you plan to depart for the UK. The approval process may take up to 8 weeks if you are applying from inside the UK. For applicants outside the UK, the decision on the approval is usually made within 3 weeks of application. There are some special provisions to get your visa faster if there is an urgency, depending on which country you are applying from.
How can Niyama Immigrations help you with your Sole Representative Visa?
Niyama Immigration has been in the immigration consulting business for years, helping people settle in various parts of the world including the UK, US, Australia, and Canada. An application for a Sole Representative Visa has a lot of conditions and it requires the knowledge and experience that we have to increase your chances of making it through the process.
Our immigration consultants thoroughly review your parent company to see if it meets all the criteria set by the UK government for a Sole Representative Visa. Going through the minute details is extremely important and we at Niyama Immigrations understand what it takes.
We help you strengthen your profile and improve your application by focusing on the most critical points. An immigration consulting service like Niyama Immigrations can multiply your chances of settling in the UK.