If you are working for an overseas newspaper, news agency, or broadcasting organization on a long-term assignment in the UK, you have the opportunity to put forward your application as a representative for an overseas business.

If your intention is to establish the initial UK branch of an international company, the recommended approach is to submit an application for a UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) rather than any other options available.

You must also meet the other eligibility requirements.

If you’re already in the UK as a sole representative, you can still apply to extend your stay.

How long it will take

You can submit your application for a UK visa no earlier than 3 months prior to your intended travel if you are applying from abroad.

When applying for a visa from a location outside the United Kingdom, a response regarding your application should be received within a timeframe of approximately three weeks.

If you apply from inside the UK

You will get a decision within 8 weeks.

In the event that your application requires additional processing time, UKVI will be in touch with you.

• if your supporting documents need to be verified
• if you need to attend an interview
• because of your personal circumstances (for example, if you have a criminal conviction)

As long as your application was submitted prior to the expiration of your previous visa, you are permitted to remain in the United Kingdom until a decision has been reached.

Fees

If you apply from outside the UK, a Representative of an Overseas Business visa costs £625.

If you apply from inside the UK, the visa costs £719. You’ll also need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken – there’s no fee for this.