Representative of an Overseas Business Visa and Global Mobility Visa
With recent announcements for the Global Mobility visa, does this mean potential changes on the horizon for the Representative of an Overseas Business visa?
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team of expert immigration lawyers today on 03300579050.
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What You Need To Know About The Representative of an Overseas Business Visa
The Representative of an Overseas Business visa allows a senior foreign national employee of an overseas business to come to the UK to set up a new branch of their business. Post-Brexit, this offers a potential avenue for overseas companies to expand in the UK.
Who is eligible to apply?
The individual visa holder must be a senior employee of the company and recruited outside the UK. They must have enough seniority to make operational decisions within the business, however, they cannot be a majority shareholder. Other criteria they must meet are, for example:
- Show they have the skills and knowledge to manage an overseas branch of the business in the UK
- Work full time in their position in the business and not take on any other job roles
- Have English language at an A1 level
- Proof they can support themselves whilst in the UK without support from the government
There is no minimum salary threshold for this visa category.
How long can a person stay in the UK on this visa?
The Representative of an Overseas Business Visa grants the holder three years of leave in the UK and can be extended for a further two years if they still fulfill the criteria. The holder is also eligible to apply for settlement, or Indefinite Leave to Remain, once they have lived in the UK for five years.
Announcement of new Global Mobility visa for 2022
The Spring Budget of March this year brought with it announcements of multiple changes to the immigration system over the next year. Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed a new Global Mobility visa pathway that will open from March 2022. This could expand the allowances of the Representative of an Overseas Business visa, to allow teams of employees to come to the UK to set up a new branch of a parent company.
The Migration Advisory Committee is currently reviewing the “intra-company” business routes, with their report due in October 2021. On this basis, the new Global Mobility could entirely replace the Representative Overseas or sit alongside it.
IAS Advice
If you’re thinking of setting up a new branch of your company in the UK and want to discuss your options, we encourage you to contact the Immigration Advice Service for specified, tailored immigration advice.
