This option is for the overseas businesses who would like to send one of their senior employees to either open a branch office in the UK or a wholly owned subsidiary of the overseas business or for the overseas media to send their representatives on a long term assignment. There are no restrictions on the nature of businesses that could sponsor one of their employees to come to the UK for the ones who wish to open a branch office or a wholly owned subsidiary. Unlike Tier 1 Entrepreneur, there is no requirement of showing a specific sum of money for investment in the UK or to create two full time positions for resident workers in the UK.

The initial leave (visa) is granted for a three year time period that can be extended for a further two years from within the UK. Once the applicant completes five years of residence in the UK and comply with all the requirements of this immigration category, he and his family members become eligible for Indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Initial Applications: We can advise and represent our clients in making their initial application which can only be made from overseas as switching is not permitted under the immigration rules. This is a non point based system application and the applicant needs to fulfil certain requirements including prior overseas employment, English language, and evidences for maintenance and accommodation in the UK.

Extension Applications: This is an application made by those who are already got leave under this category and wish to extend their stay in the UK in order to complete their 5-years residence. If you have been given entry clearance before 01^st of Oct. 2009, you would have been given entry clearance valid for two years and will be able to apply for further leave to remain for another three years` time. While if you obtained entry clearance after this date, you would be given leave to remain for three years time, thus bringing your total stay to five years i.e. qualifying time period for Indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Important Information:

1. Work Permissions: The main applicant will only be allowed to work for his / her overseas business in pursuance of opening a branch office that will deal in the same nature of business. He will not be permitted to take any further employments. His dependants will however, be allowed to take any employment or engage in self employment activities during their stay in the UK. The only restriction attached will be that the dependants will not be able to work as Trainee doctors / Trainee dentists or professional sports person or sports coach.
2. English Language: Ability to communicate in English language is an essential and necessary requirement of the entry clearance application. But the level of English language is not as higher as required under Tier 1 (Entrepreneur).
3. Maintenance: The main applicant and the dependants need to fulfil the standard requirement of maintenance and accommodation without recourse to public funds.
4. Appeals: If the entry clearance application is refused by the ECO (visa officer) in the overseas British Diplomatic post, the applicant will be given a right of appeal that must be exercised within 28 days of the date of service of decision.

What We Can Do For You?

If you would like to make an entry clearance application to come to the UK as a Sole Representative of the overseas business or wish to extend to extend your leave to remain or have got other immigration issues relating to your / your family members, just give us a call or send an email and leave the rest to us.

You can contact us at 02085528612 or info@nasimandcosolicitors.com and one of team members will be in touch with you shortly.

 ( Updated on 04th of May 2011)