The Sole Representative visa application is a popular visa option for overseas businesses that wish to establish a presence in the UK. Applicants must already work for the overseas company and hold a senior position within the business with access to key information. Applicants who obtain this visa can set up either a UK Branch or wholly-owned subsidiary as long as the primary business activity remains overseas. One of the biggest hurdles in obtaining a Sole Representative visa is passing a Home Office interview. Applicants who are invited for an interview must be well prepared and should prepare for the interview by speaking to one of our specialists who can conduct a number of mock interviews.
What is a Sole Representative visa?
The Sole Representative visa is also known as the Representative of an Overseas Business visa is for an employee of an overseas business that does not have a presence in the UK who now wishes to establish a branch or subsidiary in the UK. Applicants can apply as a Sole Representative or a Media Representative. A Sole Representative is a senior employee of an overseas business who is assigned to the United Kingdom for the purpose of establishing a branch or subsidiary.
How to apply for a Sole Representative visa?
Sole Representative visa applications will be considered under Immigration Rules Appendix Representative of an Overseas Business. There are a number of key requirements that must be met by Applicants who wish to apply for a Sole Representative visa. Applicants who wish to apply for a Sole Representative visa must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be recruited and employed outside the UK by the primary overseas company. The Applicant must have an intention to work full time for the primary overseas company and must not intend to take any other employment;
- The Applicant must apply as the sole representative of the primary overseas company and must intend to establish and operate a registered branch or wholly-owned subsidiary of that overseas company in the United Kingdom and that branch or subsidiary will operate in the same type of business activity as the overseas business;
- The Applicant must be a senior employee (but not a shareholder) of the overseas company and must have full authority to take operational decisions on behalf of the overseas business for the purpose of representing it in the United Kingdom;
- The Applicant must provide evidence that he/she can accommodate and maintain himself/herself in the United Kingdom and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds; and
- The Applicant must also meet the English language requirement by passing an approved English language test with at least CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening.
How to prepare for a Sole Representative visa interview?
Our specialist business immigration team can help you prepare for a Sole Representative visa interview. We regularly carry out mock interviews helping our clients understand the procedure. It is not uncommon for the Home Office to invite Applicants for an interview once the application has been submitted. The interview is one of the biggest obstacles in obtaining a Sole Representative. It is difficult to predict whether the Home Office will invite an Applicant for an interview as every case is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
An interview is not mandatory and in most cases, it is not required. However, if you are invited for an interview, you will need to persuade the caseworker that you are a genuine Applicant with an intention to establish yourself as a sole representative of an overseas business planning to set up either a UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary. You should know your business inside out and be ready to answer any questions relating to your business. The Home Office interview is likely to consist of the following topics:
- Your previous immigration history;
- Information regarding the company structure and the UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary;
- Information about your role in the business;
- Information regarding the business plan including aims and objectives and financial forecast;
- Your personal financial circumstances; and
- Your current family circumstances.
Applicants should be able to provide detailed information during a Home Office interview for the above topics.
How much does a Sole Representative visa cost?
The Home Office application fee for a Sole Representative visa is £704 and £19.20 for the biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently set at £624 per year. Applicants who wish to apply for their family members must pay a separate fee. If the application is granted Applicants will be issued with a 3-year visa that can be extended for a further 2-years. After this, Applicants can apply for indefinite leave to remain.
How our immigration solicitors can help apply for a Sole Representative visa
Our immigration solicitors in London specialise in visa applications and can submit successful Sole Representative visa applications. Our immigration team prepares applications to the highest standard. We have an impeccable track history of submitting successful visa applications for a range of clients. The key to submitting a successful Sole Representative visa application is being aware of the relevant Immigration Rules and submitting the correct supporting documents.
Our immigration solicitors in London guide Applicants through the requirements and prepare detailed legal submissions in support of the application. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provides multiple substantial reviews of the application bundle to ensure that the correct documentary evidence is submitted. We also prepare and assist with the submission of the application.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to apply for a Sole Representative visa
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with a Sole Representative visa 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 Sole Representative visa 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 submit a Sole Representative visa 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 a Sole Representative visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a Sole Representative visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements under the Immigration Rules.
We 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. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice, and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful Sole Representative visa application. 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.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.