A Sole Representative visa is also known as the representative of an overseas business visa. If you are looking to set up a branch of your business in the UK or own a subsidiary wholly, you will need to apply for the Sole Representative Visa.
Who is this category – Sole Representative Visa suitable for?
The Sole Representative visa is for individuals who are:
- The sole representative of an overseas business, who is planning to set up either a branch in the UK or own a subsidiary wholly
- An individual employed in an overseas newspaper, news agency, or broadcasting organisation who is on a long assignment
In addition to the suitability mentioned above, one also needs to fulfil other requirements.
The basic requirements state that one must have enough money to support themselves without help from public funds and should meet the required knowledge of English.
In order to apply as a sole representative, the individual must meet the following criteria:
- The individual must be an employee of a company whose headquarters and principal operation place is outside the UK and will remain outside the UK.
- They must be competent for the job.
- The individual must hold a senior position in the company but should not be a majority shareholder.
- Furthermore, the individual should have full authority to make decisions on behalf of the organisation.
- The individual must have the intention to set up the business’s first commercial presence.
You can also replace the previous representative if they have not yet set up the branch or subsidiary in the UK.
What is the Sole Representative Visa Application Procedure?
- Gather the required documents from your employer overseas and your personal documents. Once you have the documents in place, you then need to fill the online application form for you and your dependents.
- Once you apply, you need to book an appointment at the Visa Centre (VFS/TLS) to submit your biometric information. It includes your photo as well as your fingerprints. Along with this, you also need to submit your supporting documents by either uploading them online or scanning them at your biometric appointment.
- On a successful visa application, you will receive a visa vignette valid for 90 days. Additionally, you will also receive instructions for collecting your BRP.
Note – You can get your spouse or civil partner along under the sole representative visa. Furthermore, you can also bring any dependent children under the age of 18. Their grants will be applicable for the same period. They can also apply for naturalisation.
What Happens After you arrive in the UK on Sole Representative Visa?
- On arrival in the UK, you need to attend a designated BRP collection centre within 10 days of arrival in the UK or before your letter expires. The deadline is decided by whichever is later.
- You also need to register yourself with the police, if required. The registration should happen within 7 days of your arrival.
What is the Processing Time of Sole Representative Visa Application?
The earliest you can apply for the sole representative visa is 3 months before your arrival.
- If you are applying from outside the UK, you should receive a decision within 3 weeks from your application date.
- If you are applying from inside the UK, you will get your decision within 8 weeks from your application date. (for extension applications)
How much are the Fees for the Sole Representative Visa Application?
The sole representative visa fees vary for applications outside of the UK and inside of the UK.
- If you are applying from outside the UK, a sole representative visa will cost you £610.
- If you are applying from inside the UK, the visa will cost you £704. Additionally, you will also have to pay £19.20 for your biometric information.
Additionally, you shall also have a healthcare surcharge. The charges for the same vary depending on your application.
What is Required for Sole Representative Visa Extension
- The sole representative visa allows you to stay for 3 years. You can extend your sole representative visa for another 2 years. Moreover, on completion of 5 years, you are eligible to apply for permission to settle permanently.
- You must meet the requirements for the extension. Additionally, if you are applying for ILR, you must also pass the English test and the ‘Life in the UK’ test. Furthermore, you must also meet a few other requirements.
- After a year of ILR status, you are also eligible to apply for British citizenship.
Reasons for Sole Representative Visa Refusal or Rejection
Your sole representative visa can be refused or rejected if you fail to meet the criteria. However, if you feel that the caseworker has made an error, you can challenge the administrative review. If you are applying from outside the UK, you must challenge the administrative review within 28 days.
In case your administrative review is unsuccessful, you can then apply for a judicial review. Judicial review of the administrative review is a complex process.
Let Us Help You with Your Sole Representative Visa Application
A successful sole representative visa can change the way things look for your business. However, the rejection of the same can hamper your business’s progress. You do not require any base investments and can look forward to expanding your business in the UK.
