The United Kingdom remains a desirable destination for many people from outside the EU in search of a better life for their families. Obtaining permanent residence UK status is usually a lengthy process, taking an average of 5 years, depending on which route you are applying under.
This article explains who is eligible for permanent residence in UK, the various routes to residency, how to apply and how long it all takes.
Residency or citizenship to the United Kingdom provides investors with access to a world of benefits which include:
A sole representative visa is one of the most suitable routes for businesses to establish a commercial presence in the UK. The route allows opening a UK branch or subsidiary of an overseas parent company which must be a genuine commercial enterprise with its principal place of business outside the UK.
Upon a successful application, the applicant will be granted with an entry clearance of 3 years which can be extended by a further 2 years. The applicant may qualify for indefinite leave to remain in the UK after 5 years of continuous leave under the category.
There are two types of job in this category that a person can apply to enter the UK to do. An applicant must either be:
The sole representative must intend to, and then actually, establish the new branch in the UK. This must be the same type of business as the parent company overseas. For example, it must supply a similar product or service. An overseas manufacturing company can establish a UK branch for the sale or servicing of their products in the UK
Sole representatives must have been employed by the company directly at the point at which initial entry clearance is applied for. The UK Subsidiary can employ a sole rep at a later date however if they are employed in a role which means they no longer have sole executive responsibility for the direction of the subsidiary they will need to switch into a Tier 2 visa route under the points-based system.
A holder of a representative of overseas business visa can apply to bring family members (‘dependants’) to the UK on this visa.
A ‘dependant’ is any of the following:
An applicant must prove they are still:
Applicants must not be in breach of immigration laws, except that any periods of overstaying allowed by the Immigration Rules which will be disregarded.
In order to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), a person must have spent a continuous period of five years in the representative of an overseas business category and must meet certain other requirements, including the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK requirements, set out in the Immigration Rules.
We have experienced business immigration solicitors, who provide prompt and cost-effective advice to any organisation employing staff from overseas. By making an appointment with one of our business immigration solicitors, you can be assured of receiving some of the best legal advice available in the UK today. We will assist you with all aspects of business immigration law, including applying for a Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa.
For UK Residency or citizenship first you have to check your eligibility:
