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UK Business Visas - Your Road to Success

  • Writer: Gaurav Nair
    Gaurav Nair
  • Mar 28, 2024
  • 4 min read

Entering the UK commercial market presents a wealth of opportunities, including access to a strong financial system and a prime location on the global stage. This guide to UK business visa types will provide the information you need to make wise decisions and clear the path to your company's success in the country.


Start-up Visa


The Start-up UK visa has been replaced by the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa program. This visa is intended for high-potential but in-the-early stages of their business ventures who wish to open a new location in the UK. The validity of this visa permits holders to reside in the UK for a maximum of two years. They will not be able to apply for an extension of this visa.


Innovator Visa


The UK Innovator Visa was created specifically to help skilled business experts launch an innovative company in their field of expertise. It was replaced by the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa on March 7, 2019. The scalability, viability, and innovation of the applicant's company will be taken into consideration while evaluating UK visa applications under the Innovator Visa Program.


Investor Visa, Tier 1


Individuals with substantial assets and who are ready to invest and move to the UK to live, work, and study with their families can apply for the UK (Tier 1) Investor Visa. You are permitted a 3-year, 4-month stay in the UK with this visa.


Visa for Exceptional Talent, Tier 1


'Exceptionally talented' people from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) can enter the UK with a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa. Candidates need to be outstanding in the fields of engineering, science, humanities and the arts. The Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa allows its holder to work for any employer at any level in any industry. Dependents can accompany the applicant if they meet the relevant requirements.


Visa for Tier 2


The Tier 2 Visa (general route) is the immigration path for skilled immigrants to work in the United Kingdom. People can apply for a Tier 2 (General) visa if they meet the following requirements:

  1. Possess a verified job offer from a UK sponsor with a license.

  2. Possess a current Sponsorship Certificate.

  3. Get 70 points if you use the point-based system.

  4. Applicants need to provide evidence of:

  5. Suitability for the position

  6. The reference number on their certificate of sponsorship

  7. An "appropriate" wage for the position

  8. The necessary proficiency in English, typically at least CEFR level B1


Standard Visa for Visitors


Non-EEA nationals wishing to travel to the UK on business are granted a Standard Visitor visa. The applicants must provide proof that they plan to engage in authorized business activities while in the country.


Long-term standard visitor visas also called the UK business visa multiple entry allow holders to enter and exit the country multiple times within a six-month period (180 days per visit). It is mandatory for applicants to indicate in their application that they plan to depart the UK before the expiration of their visa and that they will be staying for a maximum of six months.

Standard Visitor Visa


Long-term business visa UK are offered for 2, 5, or 10 years, with a maximum stay of 6 months for each visit. Applicants who need to visit the country frequently over a longer period can apply for the long term visa.


Foreign Positions Needing Particular Tasks in the UK


As a Standard Visitor, you are eligible to engage in some additional activities in the UK. You can work as an archaeologist abroad. a performer, musician, a bodyguard, or an artist.


Do you require guidance regarding a non-EEA citizen's UK business visa?


Seek professional advice to choose the best visa in order to prevent delays or losing money.


Activities You Can Do To Apply For A UK Business Visa


With the help of this visa, the applicant is limited to engaging in the following business-related activities:

  1. For training, attending conferences and meetings, or obtaining funds to establish, restart, or even manage the business under specific conditions

  2. For taking the Objective Structured Clinical examination or the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board test

  3. Any other activity which can be included under the Business Visa category deemed fit by the officials


Length of the Business Visit to the United Kingdom Duration of the UK Business Visit


The maximum time you can stay on a Business Visa in the UK is six months. It can be extended in exceptional circumstances.


Fees for a Business Visa to the UK


UK Standard Visitor Visa:

The application process for a standard visitor visa costs £100 and allows a stay of up to six months, for a single visit.


2-year Long-term Standard Visitor Visa:

The cost of the 2-year Long-term Standard Visitor Visa is £376. It permits multiple visits, with a maximum stay of six months per visit.


5-year Long-term Standard Visitor Visa:

You can enjoy several visits to the UK in the course of five years, with each stay being limited to six months, for a price of £670.


10-year Long-term Standard Visitor Visa:

The most extensive option, the 10-year long term standard visa, allows you to visit the UK over a decade with a maximum stay of six months per visit for a fee of £837.


Conclusion

If a business visitor visa is granted for less than six months, the holder can apply for an extension up to a maximum of six months. The path to obtaining a UK business visitor visa is a gateway to a world of opportunities. By understanding the nuances of each visa category, you can tailor your application to align with your objectives.


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