The business visitor visa is a visa route for business people from outside the UK to visit the UK for a short period for business related activities. Migrants who intend to come to the UK in order to set up or establish an existing business in the UK or invest in a UK business will need to apply under a different visa route; such as the Innovator visa or Investor visa. Our business immigration solicitors in London specialise in a range of visa applications for business purposes; including the business visitor visa. If you are a business person overseas who needs to come to the UK, book a consultation with our team in order to find out the appropriate application you will need to make.
Do I need a visa to visit the UK for business purposes?
Business people from around the world are able to visit the UK in order to attend or take part in an event related to their work by applying for a business visitor visa. Reasons for applying for a business visitor visa can include to give a talk, attend a conference or take part in a sporting event. In 2015 the Home Office consolidated the different visit visa categories into the one standard visit visa route. However, Applicant’s must specify within the application the purpose of their intended visit to the UK; i.e. for business purposes. The full list of permitted activities for a business person can be found under Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor.
How much does it cost to visit the UK for business purposes?
There are different Home Office fees for business visitor visa Applicants, depending on the circumstances of the business trip. If the Applicant is coming to the UK as an expert in their profession and is being paid by a UK company then the fee is £95 (known as a Permitted Paid Engagement). If an Applicant is coming to the UK on a business trip which is not being paid by a UK company then the fee can range from £95 to £822.
No Immigration Health Charge (IHS) fee is applicable to any Applicant under a visitor visa route.
How long can I stay in the UK to visit for business purposes?
A business visitor visa allows migrants to stay in the UK for up to 6 months, or for the duration of their business related event in the UK. Applicants are not usually able to extend their visa for longer unless there are exceptional circumstances (such as circumstances relating to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic). It is also not possible to settle in the UK on a visitor visa route.
Which countries are visa exempt to visit the UK for business purposes?
Not all nationalities need to apply for a business visitor visa in order to visit the UK for business purposes. Family members of EEA nationals who were present in the UK by 31 December 2021 can apply to visit the UK for up to 6 months on an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit. Family permits allow holders to enter and leave the UK as many times as they wish within the given 6 month period, which can be ideal for multiple business engagements in the UK. EU Settlement Scheme Family Permits are free of charge.
Furthermore, nationals of the following countries can instead apply for a visa waiver which costs £30.
- Kuwait;
- Oman;
- Qatar; and
- United Arab Emirates (UAE).
A visa waiver allows business visitors to come to the UK for up to 6 months, the same as the business visitor visa.
What other reasons can I visit the UK for?
There are other reasons to visit the UK which are not business related, however the same standard visitor visa application will need to be made. Other reasons for coming to the UK on a visitor visa can include but are not limited to visiting family, leisure, tourism, academic exchange, transit, to get married (but not to settle in the UK thereafter, for this an application for a Fiancé visa should be made instead) and to receive private medical treatment.
How our immigration solicitors can help submit a business visitor visa application
Our immigration solicitors in London specialise in visa applications and can submit successful visit visa applications for business purposes. Our immigration team prepares applications to the highest standard. We have an impeccable track history of submitting successful visitor visa applications for a range of clients.
The key to submitting a successful 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, uploading documents and booking the biometric appointment.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to help submit a business visitor visa application
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 business visit 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 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 an application for a business visitor visa with our immigration solicitors in London
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 business visit 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 business visit 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 business visitor 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.