UK Business Visas facilitate the entry of individuals into the UK for activities specifically linked to an overseas business. According to current UK immigration regulations for businesses, there are various types of business visas, each serving different purposes:
Purpose: Allows individuals to visit the UK for short periods for business-related activities such as meetings and conferences.
Duration: Typically short-term stays.
Purpose: Designed for those undertaking short-term business ventures in the UK.
Duration: Allows stays for a limited period.
Purpose: Geared towards experienced entrepreneurs looking to establish innovative businesses in the UK.
Eligibility: Requires a business plan and endorsement from an approved endorsing body.
Purpose: Targets entrepreneurs launching a business for the first time in the UK.
Eligibility: Requires an innovative business idea and endorsement from an endorsing body.
These encompass various categories designed for specific professional roles:
It’s important to note that significant changes have been made to business immigration rules in recent years. Consequently, the Tier 1 entrepreneur visa, Investor visa, Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa, and Sole Representative visa are no longer available to new applicants. However, existing visa holders can extend their stay or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they meet the eligibility criteria. Alternative replacements exist for most of the discontinued visas.
In the forthcoming article, we will delve into the specific objectives, advantages, and detailed visa requirements for each of the UK business immigration pathways.
This visa grants individuals permission to engage in business activities in the UK for up to 6 months. Permitted business activities include:
It’s essential to note that paid or unpaid work for a UK-based business or self-employment is not allowed on a standard visitor visa. In such cases, individuals must apply for a Permitted Paid Engagement visa.
This visa allows individuals to visit the UK for up to one month to undertake a paid engagement for which they have been invited as specialists or experts in their profession by a UK-based business. It is crucial to know the distinction between these visas and adhering to their specific conditions.
This visa grants individuals permission to engage in business activities in the UK for up to 6 months. Permitted business activities include:
It’s essential to note that paid or unpaid work for a UK-based business or self-employment is not allowed on a standard visitor visa. In such cases, individuals must apply for a Permitted Paid Engagement visa.
This visa allows individuals to visit the UK for up to one month to undertake a paid engagement for which they have been invited as specialists or experts in their profession by a UK-based business. Knowing the distinction between these visas and adhering to their specific conditions is crucial.
The UK Innovator Visa is a pivotal business visa that provides opportunities for entrepreneurs and business professionals from overseas to establish innovative enterprises in the UK. This visa replaces the former Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, and individuals still can seek an extension under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa. Additionally, those with a valid entrepreneur visa can settle in the UK and bring their dependent family members along.
Applicants for the Innovator visa must convincingly demonstrate to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that they:
Upon a successful application, Innovator visa holders are typically granted permission to stay in the UK for an initial period of up to 3 years. Subsequently, an extension of the Innovator visa is possible after three years. Notably, the Innovator visa offers one of the swiftest paths to permanent settlement, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allowing eligible individuals to apply after completing just three continuous years in the UK.
The Start-Up Visa serves as a business visa, granting entry to overseas business individuals and entrepreneurs possessing entry-level business experience. This visa allows them to establish a new and innovative business in the UK. Notably, there is no mandatory requirement for investment funds when applying for a UK Start-Up visa.
Start-up visa applicants must effectively demonstrate to the UK Visas and Immigration that they:
Start-up visas are typically issued for two years. However, it’s important to note that this visa cannot be extended beyond this period and does not provide a direct route to settlement. Individuals holding a Start-Up visa who wish to stay in the UK beyond the initial 2-year term and potentially settle must apply for another visa type that qualifies for settlement, such as the Innovator visa.
The Global Business Mobility scheme, introduced by UKVI in April 2022, comprises five new visas strategically crafted to facilitate overseas businesses in expanding into the UK market. The Global Business Mobility visa types include:
This visa replaces the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa. It is tailored for overseas senior managers and employees with specialized skills who aim to work in a UK branch or subsidiary of their employer.
The Global Business Mobility scheme, introduced by UKVI in April 2022, comprises five new visas strategically crafted to facilitate overseas businesses in expanding into the UK market. The Global Business Mobility visa types include:
This visa replaces the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa. It is tailored for overseas senior managers and employees with specialized skills who aim to work in a UK branch or subsidiary of their employer.
This visa replaces the Intra-Company Transfer Graduate Visa and permits overseas employees to work in the UK for a branch or subsidiary of their employer.
This visa replaces the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa UK and facilitates sending a senior manager to the UK to establish a business presence.
This visa allows overseas workers to be transferred by their employer to work on a high-value contract with a UK business.
They are designed for overseas employees and self-employed individuals to provide services to a UK company under an international trade agreement.
The application process you will need to undertake depends on the specific type of visa you are seeking. In most instances, you should follow these steps:
When making any business visa application, providing clear evidence to substantiate your eligibility is crucial, especially for long-term visas like the Start-up and Innovator visas.
At AUS (UK) Immigration’s, we have assisted numerous overseas businesses and individuals in securing the necessary immigration permissions to operate in the UK. We specialize in helping foreign nationals obtain UK citizenship through investment.
For expert guidance on securing a UK business visa, please consult our immigration lawyers for a complimentary telephone consultation at +44 (0) 121 572 8126 or via email at immigrations@ausuk.co.uk.
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