Applying for indefinite leave to remain as a representative of an overseas business

The representative of an overseas business visa is an attractive visa for overseas businesses looking to establish a business presence in the United Kingdom as it offers a number of benefits including the option of applying for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years.  The representative of an overseas business visa is usually used by businesses who wish to establish a branch or a wholly owned subsidiary for an overseas parent company in the United Kingdom. Indefinite leave to remain is also known as settlement/permanent status and anyone who holds this status will no longer be under immigration control. Applicants can apply for British citizenship after holding indefinite leave to remain status for a period of 12 months.  

What is a representative of an overseas business visa?

A representative of overseas business can apply for a work visa to establish a branch or a wholly owned subsidiary for an overseas parent company in the United Kingdom. This visa can also be used by an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation posted on a long term assignment to the United Kingdom. The representative of an overseas business visa is for businesses which operate outside the European Economic Area (EEA). The worker applying for this visa must be a senior full-time employee with full authority to take major decisions on behalf of the company. There is a maintenance requirement where the worker must show that there are sufficient funds available for living without the need to rely on public resources. There is also an English language requirement.

The visa allows workers to apply to have their family members join them and they can also apply to extend the visa if necessary. The main benefit is that it allows workers to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years. This visa does not allow the overseas worker to participate in any other employment or switch into any other visa category. The Home Office issue this visa for a specific purpose and will revoke the visa if they discover any abuse of the visa.

How to apply for indefinite leave to remain as a representative of an overseas business?

It is possible for a representative of an overseas business worker to apply for indefinite leave to remain if they can meet the requirements listed under Paragraph 150 of the Immigration Rules. The benefit of applying for securing indefinite leave to remain status is that workers will no longer be under immigration control.  The worker must show that he/she has been here 5 years with leave as a representative of an overseas business and must meet continue to meet the requirements that were applicable for the entry clearance application (Paragraph 147). The worker must also show that he/she is still required for the employment in question and evidence must be provided from the employer confirming the same. The worker would need to show that he/she is of good character and does not fall under the general grounds of refusal. Lastly, the worker must show that they meet the English language requirement and must show sufficient knowledge about life in the UK (by passing an acceptable life in the UK test).  The worker can apply for British citizenship after holding indefinite leave to remain for 12 months. The requirements are similar to the key difference being further emphasis given to the good character requirement.

How we can assist submit a successful representative of an overseas business indefinite leave to remain application

We prepare our representative of an overseas business indefinite leave to remain applications with a great amount of detail ensuring all the requirements under the Immigration Rules are met and the correct specified documents are submitted. Our immigration team has a proven method of submitting successful applications. The most important aspect of submitting a successful application is being able to show you meet the requirements and providing the necessary supporting documents showing the same. Often, Applicants make the mistake in assuming their indefinite leave to remain applications will be successful because they can show that they have resided in the United Kingdom whereas in reality, they must meet the requirements. Another issue with underprepared applications is suffering from significant delays. The Home Office will spend more time on applications which are unclear and require further investigation or documents. It is not uncommon for the Home Office to carry out verification checks with other government departments such as the HMRC. Our solicitors successfully guide Applicants through the application process and prepare detailed legal representations, which directly tackle all the issues, involved in the application and outline how the requirements under the Immigration Rules are met. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors prepare and assist with the completion of the indefinite leave to remain application form.

Using Legal Representation to submit a representative of overseas business indefinite leave to remain application

Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on the law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with your indefinite leave to remain application. Our Solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules.

Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your indefinite leave to remain application succeeds, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided.

The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.

Successfully apply for a representative of overseas business indefinite leave to remain application

Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of submitting an indefinite leave to remain application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of an application and are able to advise you in respect of your prospects and to ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.

Our offices are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients.  We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.

Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss an indefinite leave to remain application.

Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.