You can apply as a representative of an overseas business if you’re an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation posted on a long-term assignment to the UK. If you’re a representative of an overseas business planning to set up its first UK branch, apply for a UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) instead. You must also meet the other eligibility requirements . If you’re already in the UK as a sole representative, you can still apply to extend your stay . How long it will take If you apply from outside the UK, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. Example You can apply from 16 March if you plan to travel on 15 June. You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK. You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . If you apply from inside the UK You will get a decision within 8 weeks. UKVI will contact you if your application will take longer, for example: if your supporting documents need to be verified if you need to attend an interview because of your personal circumstances (for example, if you have a criminal conviction) Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expires. Fees If you apply from outside the UK, a Representative of an Overseas Business visa costs £719. If you apply from inside the UK, the visa costs £827. You’ll also need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken - there’s no fee for this. Healthcare surcharge You must pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you need to pay before you apply. How long you can stay The visa lets you stay in the UK for an initial period of 3 years. You may be able to extend your visa for another 2 years. After you’ve been in the UK for 5 years, you can apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK . What you can and cannot do You can: work for your employer, full time bring your family (‘dependants’) with you to the UK apply to extend your visa apply to settle in the UK after you’ve been here for 5 years switch to this visa from inside the UK You cannot: work for yourself or any other business get public funds

To be eligible for this visa you must: have enough money to support yourself without help from public funds meet the English requirement You can come to the UK if you’re an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation and you’re being posted here on a long-term assignment.

You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply. You can prove your knowledge of English by either: passing an approved English language test with at least CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD You may be able to meet the English language requirement in other ways. Check the full visa guidance for detailed information. Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries or territories: Antigua and Barbuda Australia the Bahamas Barbados Belize the British overseas territories Canada Dominica Grenada Guyana Jamaica New Zealand St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago USA You also may not have to prove your knowledge of English in other circumstances - check the full visa guidance .

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide: a current passport or other valid travel identification evidence that you can support yourself and any dependants during your trip, for example bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months proof that you meet the English requirement a full description of the parent company’s activities, including details of assets and accounts confirmation that you will be representing them in the UK in a long term, full-time role If you’re applying from overseas, you’ll also need to provide: details of where you’ll be staying during your stay your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test If you’re applying from overseas, you’ll need to have a blank page in your passport on which to put the visa. All applicants need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh. Read the guide for a list of documents you can provide . You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Your partner and children

Your family members (‘dependants’) can come with you when you come to the UK on this visa. A ‘dependant’ is any of the following: your husband, wife or partner your child under 18 If your partner or child’s application is successful, their visa will usually end on the same date as yours. If a child’s parents have visas with different expiry dates, the child’s visa will end on the earlier date. If you’re a sole representative, your husband, wife or partner cannot be in the UK as your dependant if they own or control a majority of the overseas business you will be representing. Apply from outside the UK Your family members must apply online . They’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of their application. They may be able to pay to get a faster decision . Apply from inside the UK (extend or switch their visa) If you extend or switch your visa, your partner or child’s current visa will still be valid until its original end date. Your partner or child need to apply to extend or switch their visa, either: at the same time as you at any time before their current visa expires This includes children who have turned 18 during your stay. Members of your family cannot apply in the UK as your dependant if they hold a visitor visa . If your partner or child is currently in the UK on a Student visa, they can only switch if they have either: completed the course they were sponsored to study studied for a PhD for at least 24 months Get help to apply online Your family can get help with completing the online form if they: do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device do not have internet access Your family can only use this service if they’re applying to extend or switch to your visa in the UK. You cannot get immigration advice through this service. Children born while you’re in the UK If you have children while you’re in the UK, you can apply online to add them to your visa as your dependant . You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with them. You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents. What your partner or child can and cannot do Your partner or child can: work, except as a sportsperson or coach study travel abroad and return to the UK apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if they’ve lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the other eligibility requirements They cannot apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension. If their application is successful, they’ll get a full list of what they can and cannot do.

You can apply to extend your stay in the UK under a Representative of an Overseas Business visa. You must apply before your current visa expires. Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically extend if you extend yours. If they do not extend their visa, it will be valid until its original end date. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires. Eligibility You must already have this visa as either: a representative of an overseas business an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation You must also meet the following conditions: you’re still working for the same employer as when you were issued your previous visa your employer’s principal place of business is still outside the UK If you’re a sole representative, you must also still be supervising the UK branch or subsidiary you established for the overseas business. You must be in the UK to extend your visa. Documents you’ll need to apply to extend your visa There are different documents you’ll need to provide depending on your role. Sole representatives When applying to extend as a sole representative of an overseas business you’ll need to provide: a full description of the UK business’s activities, including accounts, copies of invoices or letters from UK organisations you’ve worked with a Companies House certificate of registration as a UK establishment (for a branch), or a certificate of incorporation (for a subsidiary) evidence that the UK business is wholly owned by the overseas business a letter from your employer confirming you’re continuing work in the same role your salary details Newspaper, news agency or broadcast employees When applying to extend as an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation you’ll need to provide: a letter from your employer confirming you’re continuing work in the same role your salary details How long you can stay A Representative of an Overseas Business visa can be extended for up to 2 years after the original visa duration of 3 years. Your visa can be extended for 3 years if your previous Representative of an Overseas Business visa was issued before 1 October 2009. You can apply to settle once you have been in the UK for 5 years and you have an ongoing job with the same company. Fees For each person applying, you’ll need to pay the visa extension fee: £827 if you’re applying from inside the UK £719 if you’re applying from outside the UK You’ll also need to pay the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay . You’ll need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken - there’s no fee for this. Apply to extend your Representative of an Overseas Business visa You must apply online before your current visa expires. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now Providing biometric information and supporting documents When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo). You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can: upload them into the online service have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. Get help to apply online You can get help with completing the online form if you: do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device do not have internet access You can only use this service if you’re applying to extend your visa in the UK. You cannot get immigration advice through this service. How long it takes A decision will be made within 8 weeks. You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example: if your supporting documents need to be verified if you need to attend an interview because of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

Using a solicitor or an agent

You can use a solicitor or other agent to help with your application or extension. They must be registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner ( OISC ) , unless they are exempt. Application decisions will be sent to your representative, provided they are registered or permitted to give immigration advice. Exemptions from OISC registration An adviser who is a member of one of the following professional bodies (or working under their supervision) does not need to be registered with the OISC : Law Society Law Society in Scotland Law Society in Northern Ireland Institute of Legal Executives Faculty of Advocates General Council of the Bar General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland Members of the following UK bodies (or advisers working under their supervision) are also exempt: state education institutions and their student unions health sector bodies employers giving immigration advice to their employees or prospective employees only Advisers from outside the UK You can use an adviser who is not in the UK. They do not need to be registered with the OISC . Passports or other travel documents cannot be sent or returned to advisers outside the UK.

You might be able to apply to change (‘switch’) to a Representative of an Overseas Business visa if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa. Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically switch to this visa if you switch yours. If they do not switch their visa, it will be valid until its original end date. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires. You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. Who can apply to switch You can switch to this visa if you’re both: an employee of an overseas media organisation (including newspapers or broadcasters) working on a long-term assignment in the UK If you’re currently in the UK on a Student visa, one of the following must also apply: you have completed the course you were sponsored to study you have studied for a PhD for at least 24 months Who cannot apply to switch You cannot apply to switch to a Representative of an Overseas Business visa if you’re currently in the UK with any of the following: a visit visa a short-term student visa a Parent of a Child Student visa a seasonal worker visa a domestic worker in a private household visa immigration bail permission to stay outside the immigration rules , for example on compassionate grounds You must leave the UK and apply for a Representative of an Overseas Business visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories. You also cannot switch to this visa if you are a sole representative of a business. Fees The visa costs £827. Healthcare surcharge You must pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you need to pay before you apply. Proving your identity and providing supporting documents As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have. You’ll either: give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. Apply to switch to a Representative of an Overseas Business visa You must apply online before your current visa expires. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now Continue your application You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it. Find out how to sign in to your account . How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date. You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example: if your supporting documents need to be verified if you need to attend an interview because of your personal circumstances, for example you have a criminal conviction You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) . You can ask to cancel your application . You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application . This will explain what you need to do next.

Representative of an Overseas Business visa

Q: Apply from outside the UK

Read the Representative of an Overseas Business guidance before you apply. Apply for a Representative of an Overseas Business visa You must apply online for a Representative of an Overseas Business visa. You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of your application. Apply now You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . Providing biometric information and supporting documents When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo). You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can: upload them into the online service have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

Overview

You can apply as a representative of an overseas business if you’re an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation posted on a long-term assignment to the UK.

If you’re a representative of an overseas business planning to set up its first UK branch, apply for a UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) instead.

You must also meet the other eligibility requirements.

If you’re already in the UK as a sole representative, you can still apply to extend your stay.

How long it will take

If you apply from outside the UK, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

Example

You can apply from 16 March if you plan to travel on 15 June.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

If you apply from inside the UK

You will get a decision within 8 weeks.

UKVI will contact you if your application will take longer, for example:

if your supporting documents need to be verified
if you need to attend an interview
because of your personal circumstances (for example, if you have a criminal conviction)

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expires.

Fees

If you apply from outside the UK, a Representative of an Overseas Business visa costs £719.

If you apply from inside the UK, the visa costs £827. You’ll also need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken - there’s no fee for this.

Healthcare surcharge

You must pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you need to pay before you apply.

How long you can stay

The visa lets you stay in the UK for an initial period of 3 years.

You may be able to extend your visa for another 2 years.

After you’ve been in the UK for 5 years, you can apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

work for your employer, full time
bring your family (‘dependants’) with you to the UK
apply to extend your visa
apply to settle in the UK after you’ve been here for 5 years
switch to this visa from inside the UK

You cannot:

work for yourself or any other business
get public funds

View a printable version of the whole guide

Representative of an Overseas Business visa

Overview

How long it will take

If you apply from inside the UK

Fees

Healthcare surcharge

How long you can stay

What you can and cannot do

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Representative of an Overseas Business visa

Overview

How long it will take

If you apply from inside the UK

Fees

Healthcare surcharge

How long you can stay

What you can and cannot do

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