Applying to Work in the UK
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Sole Representative Visa Extension
The Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa route enabled senior employees of an overseas business to come to the UK with the intention of establishing a UK branch or subsidiary. If your application was successful, you were able to stay in the UK for a period of 3 years.
This visa route is now closed to new applicants. If you already hold permission under this visa, you may be able to apply to extend your stay in the UK at the end of your current visa. To do this, you must be able to meet the eligibility requirements.
What are the requirements for a sole representative extension?
The main eligibility requirements are as follows:
- You must be a representative of an overseas business or an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation.
- You must still be working for the same employer as in your previous visa application.
- Your employer’s principal place of business must still be outside the UK.
- You must still be supervising the UK branch or subsidiary which you established for the overseas business.
- You must be in the UK.
You must apply before your current visa expires.
You will need to provide specific documents with your application. These include:
- Proof of the business’s establishment and UK activities
- Evidence that the UK business is wholly owned by the overseas business
- Confirmation from your employer that you are still working in the same role
- Your salary details.
How long will my extension be granted for? Is this a route to settlement?
If successful, your visa can be extended for a further 2 years. Once you have been in the UK for 5 years, and you still have an ongoing job with the same company, you will be able to apply to settle.
Can dependants come to the UK under the sole representative extension?
If your partner or children under the age of 18 are already in the UK, they can apply to extend their visa at the same time as you, or before their current visa expires. If they are currently in the UK as a visitor, they will not be able to apply to be your dependant from inside the UK, and will instead need to apply from outside the UK.
If an application is made, the dependants will also need to meet the eligibility and suitability requirements.
Your partner cannot be classed as your dependant if they own or control a majority of the overseas business that you are representing.
How much does it cost to apply for a sole representative extension?
If you are applying for a sole representative extension from inside the UK, the fee applicable is £719 per person. If you apply from outside the UK, the fee payable is £625 per person.
You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
How we can help
Due to the complicated eligibility requirements that must be met, and evidence which must be provided, it is usually best to speak to specialist immigration lawyers who can assist your efforts and provide you with the best chance of success. Our experienced team at Latitude Law will do their utmost to ensure that your application is successful.
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Are you hoping to work in the UK? Have you been offered a job role and seek permission to work here? Our immigration lawyers are experts in the operation of UK and European legislation that affects foreign workers.
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All content on this page was reviewed by Latitude Law and is accurate as of 17/04/2022