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Sole Representative

What is a Sole Representative visa?

Within the British Immigration rules and regulations (Immigration Act 1971, section 144), a person can apply for this visa if they can prove that they:

Have been recruited and taken on as an employee outside the UK as a representative of a firm witch has its headquarters and principal place of business outside the UK and which has no branch, subsidiary or other representative in the UK
Seek entry to the UK as a Senior employee with full authority to take operational decisions on behalf of the overseas firm
Intend to be employed full time as a representative of the overseas firm
Are not a majority shareholder in that overseas firm
Can maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds
Hold a valid UK entry clearance

Note that if you do not fall within these rules, you cannot apply for this visa. Since you have decided to migrate to the UK, possibly permanently, the British Immigration Service has every intention to ensure that you are eligible and to confirm you have sufficient funds to support yourself and that your intention is to gain employment. Ultimately, the objective is to show that you will be conducive to the public good.

How long is a Sole Representative Visa valid?

The visa is granted for a 12-month period. This visa can be extended for a three-year period once in the UK. After four years in the UK, you can apply for the next visa called Indefinite Leave to Remain as long as you haven't spent 90 days or more away from the UK at a time. After remaining on this visa for two years, you are eligible for a British passport

Special Processing Times

Note that the Sole Representative Visa is an involved application and could take months to process. Furthermore, the British High Commission will most likely call you in for an interview.

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