Sole Representative Visa

There are two types of applicants who can apply under this category-

An applicant must either be:

an overseas media employee who:

  • is employed by an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation;
  • is being posted by their employer on a long-term assignment for them in the UK

OR

  • applying to be the sole representative in the UK of an overseas employer who intends to establish a commercial presence by operating a registered branch or wholly-owned subsidiary of that overseas business in the UK and that branch or subsidiary will operate in the same type of business activity as the overseas business

 

UK Sole Representative Visa Requirement

One can be eligible for a sole representative Visa UK provided he/she must be recruited and employed outside the UK by the overseas company and now they intend to represent the company in the UK.

The applicant must meet other eligibility requirements to apply for UK sole representative successfully. These requirements are the following:

  1. Applicants must apply from outside the EEA (European Economic Area).
  2. Applicant must be an employee and a representative of a company operating outside the UK which has no branch, subsidiary or other representatives in the UK.
  3. Applicants must be recruited and employed outside the UK.
  4. Applicants must have extensive related industry experience and knowledge.
  5. The applicant must be a senior an employee with full authority to take an operational decision for setting up a branch in the UK or wholly-owned subsidiary on behalf of the overseas company.
  6. The applicant must be a full-time employee of the company.
  7. The applicant cannot be the majority shareholder in the company thus shareholding must be less than 50%.
  8. The applicant must not take any other job.
  9. The applicant must have enough money to meet his and dependent (if any) financial need during the stay in the UK without any help from public funds in the UK.
  10. Applicants must obtain entry clearance before entering the UK.
  11. The applicant must meet the English Language Requirement.

When to apply?

 One can apply for the sole representative visa 3 months before they travel to the UK. After applying for a visa from the outside UK, the applicant should expect the decision within 3 weeks.

 Length of time allowed staying in the UK

Successful applicants can come and stay in the UK for an initial period of 3 years. Thereafter, the applicant can apply for an extension of the visa for another 2 years. And after having spent 5 years in the UK, you can apply to settle permanently in the UK.

 Rights of dependents

Dependents of the main applicant which includes husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner or children less than 18 years of age can join them in the UK provided they meet the eligibility conditions.

If they are eligible, they can live and stay in the UK with the main applicant. They can also study and work in the UK without any restrictions. However, dependents will not enjoy any recourse to public funds.

 

Extension

  • required by the employer and the employer must certify this in a letter which will need to provide at the extension stage
  • working in the job that entry clearance was granted for: they must show they are in receipt of a salary from their employer by evidence of the salary paid in the previous 12 months and confirmation of how that salary was paid – for example, whether it was paid as basic or commission and the numbers of hours paid and the applicant will need to provide the evidence of company operations in the UK.

Indefinite leave to Remain  

The applicant must have has spent a continuous period of 5 years in the UK as a representative of an overseas business or in one of the predecessor categories of overseas media representative or sole representative

They must meet the requirements of a representative of an overseas business throughout the 5 year period and has to provide evidence for the last 5 years. In addition, evidence must be provided to show they have established a branch registered as a UK establishment or subsidiary and generated business: their employer must still be actively trading and remain centred overseas.

The applicant must produce a letter from their employer which certifies they are still needed to do the job they were first granted leave and can demonstrate knowledge of English language and life in the UK, unless they are exempt

If you are looking to apply for a sole representative visa contact www.visaandmigration.com or call +44(0)2034111261

 

 

 

Financial Requirement for UK partner Visa

When you apply for a UK visa as a spouse or partner there are several requirements to be met. One of those crucial requirements is the financial requirement. Financial requirement has to be met by the sponsor or applicant for the purpose of Fiancé, Spouse, Unmarried Partner or Civil Partner visas.

Minimum income rule

So, the minimum income as per Home Office is like this:

  • Partner only with no children – £18,600
  • Partner and 1 child – £22,400
  • Partner and 2 children – £24,800
  • Partner and 3 children – £27,200

+ £2400 for each additional child

 Ways to meet Financial Requirement

You can meet the financial requirement on the following basis –

  • The British Citizen or ILR holder (Sponsor) is employed in the UK with the same employer for 6 months or more;
  • If the Sponsor has changed jobs and is not employed for 6 months with current employer but has been employed for the last 12 months – you can meet the financial requirement by providing 12 months documents;
  • The sponsor is self-employed in the UK can meet the financial requirement if they have been self-employed for one whole financial years running from 6 April to 5 April next year;
  • The sponsor is a director of the company and has the company tax return can meet the financial requirement if they earn more than 18600 from salary and dividends from the company;
  • If the sponsor is employed outside they will need to provide 12 months income proof with earnings of £18600 or higher and a job offer in the UK to start within the next 3 months of arrival and paying £18600 or higher;
  • If the sponsor is self-employed or director of a company outside the UK they will need to prove that they have received an income in excess of £18600 in the financial year of the country they are in or have an income of £18600 higher from their company outside the UK in the company’s financial year outside the UK. Sponsor will need to establish they want to do a similar business or self-employment in the UK.
  • Savings of £62500 for 6 months;
  • Savings which may be acquired from sale of property / Shares / Stocks which were owned for 6 months or more can be counted towards the financial requirement provided you have received £62500 or more after the sale of an asset
  • Savings held in Investment Portfolio can be used for financial requirement till the investment firm is able to provide a letter as required by the Immigration Rules
  • Pension funds can be used for meeting the financial requirement till the annual pension receipt is £18600 or higher.
  • Non – employment income such as rental income or income from stocks, shares can also be used to meet the financial requirement

Adequate accommodation rule

This is another part by which the financial requirement can be met; however this only applies to you if the sponsor receives –

  • Carer’s Allowance.
  • Disability Living Allowance.
  • Severe Disablement Allowance.
  • Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.
  • Attendance Allowance.
  • Personal Independence Payment.
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
  • Constant Attendance Allowance, Mobility Supplement or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme.
  • Police Injury Pension.

The calculations under this route have to be made in according to the receipt of income and subtracting the expenses for the tenancy and council tax should be greater than the income received for income support allowance.

If you are looking for Immigration Advice in connection with your application as a partner, call Visa and Migration Ltd on 02034111261 or email us on info@visaandmigration.com

How to Gain British Citizenship by Marriage

Marriage to a British citizen isn’t an automatic guarantee that you’ll be given British Citizenship. This is obtained through the application process of naturalisation which requires the non-UK spouse to meet certain eligibility criteria under nationality rules. From there you must make a citizenship application to the Home Office.

Continue reading “How to Gain British Citizenship by Marriage”

Derivative Residence and EU Settled Status

Derivative residence card allows one an indirect right of residence. In this scheme, your residence in the UK depends upon the existing right of another person in the UK. You are eligible for a derivative residence card if you are living in the UK and you happen to be one of the following:

  • The primary carer of someone who has the right to reside in the UK
  • The primary carer’s child
  • The child of an EEA national who has stopped working in the UK or left the UK, and you are in pursuing your education at school, college or university in the UK

Those living outside the UK or living in the UK with permission for reasons other than those mentioned here, cannot apply for a derivative residence card.

Primary Carer

 You are a primary carer means that you are the main carer of a British child or adult, who would have to leave the UK if you left the UK, or you share the responsibility of the individual with someone in equal measures and you are also their direct relative or legal guardian. Direct relative includes parents, grandparents, spouses or civil partners, children (this includes adopted children but not step-children) and grandchildren.  However if the other parent of the child is British or holding indefinite leave to remain then you cannot make an application for derivative rights of residence. You will have to make an application under the Immigration Rules.

There are 3 provisions under the derivative right which work in accordances to the case laws of –

  • EEA Child – Case of Chen V. Home Secretary – Self Sufficiency needs to be proved for the child;
  • EEA Child in Education – Case of Ibrahim Teixeira – EEA parents evidence of exercising treaty right will need to be proved for a child who is in education in the UK; and
  • British Child – Case Of Zambrano – The applicant will need to establish that they are primary carer and the other parent is not around to care for the child.

 

Child of a primary carer

As the child of a primary carer, one can apply for a derivative residence card if the following conditions are true;

  • The person is below 18 years of age
  • The primary carer of the child is eligible for a derivative residence card
  • If the person leaves the UK, the parent would also, have to leave the UK.

Benefits of Derivative residence card

Derivative residence card helps you re-enter the country in quick time when you return from abroad. You can also show it to relative authorities to prove that you are allowed to live in the UK and to your employer to prove that you have the right to work in the UK.

What you are not allowed to do

No matter how long you live in the UK with a derivative residence card, the time spent in the UK does not enable you to apply for permanent residence in the UK.

How long you can stay

There is no time limit for those with a derivative residence card. You can live in the UK as long as the child is under the age of 18 years you are a primary carer of the child living in the UK.

Applying for the EU settlement scheme

EU settlement scheme is open for many who wish to continue living in the UK even after the UK leaves the EU as a result of Brexit. So, like many, primary carer of a British, EU, EU or Swiss citizen and children of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who used to live and work in the UK earlier or the primary carer of child can also apply to the EU settlement scheme to continue living in the UK. After a successful application, you will be given either settled or pre-settled status. The status that you get will depend upon when you apply.

If you are looking to apply for a Derivative Residence and EU Settled Status contact Visa and Migration Ltd on +44(0)2034111261.

 

 

 

 

Unmarried Partner Visa – Two Years Relationship Requirement

One who is looking to enter or remain in the UK as an unmarried partner of a person present and settled in the UK, need to apply for an unmarried partner visa. Unmarried partner visa is also known as the UK defacto visa. Heterosexual and homosexual, both can apply for unmarried partner visa provided they can prove that they are in a relationship for two years or more and their relationship is subsisting. Partner in the UK needs to sponsor the applicant.

Eligibility

You must meet the following requirements for a successful unmarried partner visa:

  • You and your British partner must be 18 years of age or above.
  • Your partner must sponsor you.
  • You and your British partner must have lived together in a relationship ‘akin to marriage’ for at least 2 years. This needs to be evidenced by supporting documents.
  • You and your British partner must show the intention to live together permanently.
  • You must show that any previous marriage / civil partnership or similar relationship you or your British partner was involved in, has permanently broken down.
  • You must be able to support yourself or be supported by your partner without access to public funds.
  • There must be adequate accommodation available for you, your partner and any dependents.
  • You must also meet the English language requirements.

Duration of stay

Generally it is expected that you should have lived together with your partner for two years before you make the application. However, the law has developed over the years and now the duration of two years living together is interpreted by the courts in cases such as

Fetle (Partners: two-year requirement) [2014] UKUT 00267 (IAC). It was decided by the Upper Tribunal that – In contrast to the requirement of para GEN 1.2(iv) of Appendix FM, a requirement (such as in paragraph 352AA of the Immigration Rules) that “parties have been living together in a relationship akin to either a marriage or a civil partnership which has subsisted for two years or more” does not require two years cohabitation, but two years subsistence of the relationship.  Whether the relationship still subsists, as required by the tense of that requirement and as may be separately required, is a different issue.

The findings in YB (EEA reg 17 (4) proper approach) Ivory Coast [2008] UKAIT 00062, it was held that being in a durable relationship does not even entail cohabitation.

So if you have strong evidence of your relationship continuing over two years and have lived together on different occasions such as holidays and other, then your circumstances may be able to meet the requirement of having two years of genuine and subsisting relationship.

Evidence of ‘living together’

The best way to prove that you both were living together is to produce correspondences addressed to the applicant and the British partner as proof. It would be an ideal situation that such correspondences are addressed the couple jointly, but if there is no such document of correspondence, the applicant can submit correspondences addressed to the applicant or British partner. The dates of such correspondence should be spread over the entire period in which the applicant claims to have lived together with their British partner.

If you are looking to apply for an Unmarried Partner visa consult Visa and Migration Ltd for professional service and expert guidance.

 

 

 

 

 

Returning Residents

Once any person is granted indefinite leave to remain or enter they can stay in the UK for an indefinite time without any restrictions. However, you cannot spend more than 2 consecutive years outside of the UK. And if you are outside the UK for more than 2 consecutive years, you automatically lose your indefinite leave status.

Should this happen you will need to apply for entry clearance as a Returning Resident from outside the UK in accordance with paragraph 18 of the Immigration Rules.

Requirements for Returning Residents

If you have been outside the UK for less than 2 years, you will be readmitted to the UK with ILR status intact. But you also need to meet the following conditions to resume their residence in the UK as a returning resident:

  1. You had indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK when you left the UK.
  2. You have not been outside the UK for more than 2 years; and
  3. You did not receive any sort of public funds to meet the cost of leaving the UK and
  4. Now, you are seeking admission in the UK for settlement.

But if you have been outside the UK for more than 2 consecutive years, you need to apply for a returning resident visa to get admission to the UK. So, for a successful Returning Resident visa you must show what exceptional circumstances you had to leave and stay away from the UK for more than 2 years and if you fail to prove this you will not get a Returning Resident visa. Apart from this, you must also show strong reasons with strong ties to the UK and your intention to make the UK your permanent home. So, you must show the following pieces of evidence to prove this:

  1. You have strong family ties to the UK.
  2. You lived most of your life in the UK.
  3. What are your current circumstances and why you have lived away from the UK?

The exception to the rule

If you with the status of indefinite leave to remain or enter have lived outside the UK for over 2 years with your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner on an overseas posting, you will not lose your indefinite leave status provided your spouse or partner is one of the following:

  1. A member of HM Forces serving overseas or
  2. A permanent member of the Diplomatic Service.
  3. A UK-based British Council employee who works outside the UK.
  4. An employee of the Department for International Development (DFID).
  5. An employee of Home Office UK.

Documents required for returning resident vis

When you apply for Returning Resident visa you are required to provide the following documents:

  1. Your current passport or other valid travel identification document.
  2. Your previous passports.
  3. Documents proving the fact that you have strong ties to the UK, for example, you can show documents to prove that you have earned income, or rented or owned property, in the UK.

You may have to submit additional documents as well depending on your circumstances.

If you are looking to apply for a Returning Resident Visa contact Visa and Migration Ltd on +44(0)2034111261.

 

 

Registration as a British Citizen for Child Aged 10-year

Section 1 (4) of the British Nationality Act 1981 grants a child who was born in the UK and has lived first 10 years of their life in the UK. To be registered as a British Citizen. This is applicable regardless of the parent’s status in the UK.

The applicant child should not have travelled outside the UK for more than 90 days in any of the given 10 years.

The child will need to prove that they have been present in the UK for the first 10 years of their life in order to be eligible to make an application.

Fees and decision on the application

The application fee for such application is £1012 and an additional £19.20 is to be paid for biometric information to be taken.

Usually, within 6 months decision is announced but sometimes it may take longer as well and if more information of the child is required, the same will be notified to the applicant.

If you are looking for professional assistance with this application you can contact Visa and Migration Ltd on 02034111261

 

 

What Happens After a Successful Immigration Appeal?

The UK government may decline your immigration application for various reasons. However, this isn’t the end of the process. Most times, you may appeal the ruling, giving you the chance to claim successful immigration to the UK. In this article, we break down the immigration appeals process and what happens after a successful appeal.

Continue reading “What Happens After a Successful Immigration Appeal?”

Naturalisation Reconsideration Request

There are different ways to acquire British citizenship and Naturalisation is one of those. Who can apply for Naturalisation? Well, foreign nationals who hold ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) can apply for Naturalisation if they meet the relevant requirements under the British Nationality Act 1981.

Continue reading “Naturalisation Reconsideration Request”