The Sole Representative Visa allows an overseas business who is dreaming of expanding and setting up their wholly owned or subsidiary business in the UK. The main advantage of this visa is that you do not need any prior investments, however, there is a set of requirements which a sole representative and the company must fulfil.
You can also bring your dependents with you with this visa application, but who can be these dependents?
- A dependent can be your spouse or partner and your child who is no older than 18.
- Your dependents should not own the majority of the company’s shares, according to the guidelines, you can not bring them with you if they own more than 50% of shares.
- They should not have a visitor’s visa, and it is also recommended that you apply for your dependent’s application at the same time as yours.
- If you have a child who is just born in the UK, then you could apply to add them in your visa as your dependent.
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What Is the Eligibility Required to Get A Sole Representative Visa?
There are certain conditions to be satisfied when applying as a Sole Representative:
- You must be recruited and employed outside the UK by a company whose headquarters and major branch are outside the UK.
- You are holding a senior position within the company (but can not be a majority shareholder) and have the leverage to make decisions on the company’s behalf.
- You have to meet the English language requirement which requires applicants to have obtained at least CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening.
- You must aim to establish the company’s first commercial presence in the UK, e.g. a registered branch or a wholly-owned subsidiary.
- You will be working full-time as the sole representative of that overseas business.
At a visa application centre, you will have to give your fingerprints and recently taken photograph (known as Biometric Information). Remember, you can not apply online if you are from North Korea. You can read instructions at the UK government website.
How Can You Prove Your Knowledge of English?
You have to prove your English language knowledge when you apply. The Home Office will check your speaking and listening understanding of English.
You can prove this by passing an English language test with at least CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening or you are having a relevant educational qualification approved by UK NARIC, which is equal to a UK bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or PhD. You will not be asked to prove your understanding of English if you are from:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- the Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- USA
Can IELTS Be Applicable for The Sole Representative Visa of The UK?
UK Visa and Immigration in December 2019, made a declaration that IELTS will be accepted for all those UK visas that makes it necessary for applicants to verify their proficiency in the English language.
Why Do You Need Help from The Best Immigration Lawyers or An Agent?
Because they are the best immigration solicitors in London, who possess genuine knowledge in the field of immigration law and have received a successful outcome of Sole Representative Visa for the smooth functioning of the client’s business.
But you should only consider those solicitors or other agents to help with your applications who are registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). The Home Office will directly send the application decisions to your representative.
If you require assistance with any part of them, then you should get in touch. These best immigration lawyers have years of understanding handling with the visa. They can supervise you to conduct it correctly so that you always remain compliant. Also Check here most frequently ask question about Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa.
