Indefinite leave to remain if you represent an overseas business
You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain if you are a representative of an overseas business or a representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation.
Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle the UK. It gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if youâre eligible. You can use it to apply for British citizenship.
Eligibility
You can apply if:
- you currently have one of the above visas
- youâve been living and working in the UK for 5 years and spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months (known as âcontinuous residenceâ)
- you provide proof that your employer still needs you to do your job
- you provide proof that you have established a UK-registered branch that is actively trading if youâre a sole representative
If youâre 18 to 64 years old when you apply, you must also:
- pass the Life in the UK Test
- meet the English language requirements
Continuous residence
The 5 years can include time in the UK on another visa if it was one of the following:
- a Representative of an Overseas Business visa
- a Sole Representative of an Overseas Company visa
- a Representative of an Overseas Newspaper, News Agency or Broadcasting Organisation visa
Throughout this period, you must:
-
have worked full-time for the overseas business or media organisation you represent, or the UK branch you have established
-
have established and supervised a UK branch of the overseas business, if youâre a sole representative
You must not:
- have undertaken work for any other business of engaged in business of your own
Fees and how long it takes
It costs ÂŁ3,029 for each person applying.
Youâll usually get a decision within 6 months.
Youâll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example:
- 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
When your application can be refused
Your application might be refused if, for example, youâve:
- got a criminal record in the UK or another country
- provided false or incomplete information to the Home Office
- broken UK immigration law
Read the guidance on why applications can be refused.
How to apply
You must
Once youâve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.
Youâll be told which documents you need to provide when you apply.
After you submit your application youâll be asked to provide your fingerprints and a digital photo (called âbiometric informationâ).
Get help using a computer to apply online
You can get help with:
- accessing a computer or the internet
- finding the right information on ÒÁÈËֱȄ
You cannot get advice on:
- whether youâre eligible to apply
- what information to put in your application
- an application youâve already made
Telephone: 03333 445 675
Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
Text: âVISAâ to 07537 416 944
Email: visa@we-are-digital.co.uk
Biometric information
Youâll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo) â thereâs no fee for this.
Youâll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:
- upload them into the online service
- have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment
Any children aged 6 or over must provide biometric information if youâre applying for them on your form.
Family members (dependants)
Your partner and children under 18 can apply on the same form as you if theyâre eligible.
Eligibility for partners
Your partner may qualify if all of the following apply:
- they have permission to be in the UK as your partner, provided they do not have a visitor visa
- your relationship is genuine
- you intend to carry on living together
- you have enough income to support yourselves and your dependants
- youâre not using public funds
They must:
- pass the Life in the UK Test
- meet the English language requirements
Eligibility for children
Your child can apply if they:
- were previously given permission to stay in the UK as your child, provided they do not have a visitor visa
- are not married or in a civil partnership
- will live with you and be supported by you without using public funds
You and your childâs other parent must both be in the UK legally, or currently applying to enter, remain or settle, for the child to be allowed to settle.
Your child can also apply to settle in one of the following situations:
- youâre the childâs sole surviving parent
- you have sole responsibility for the childâs upbringing
- there are serious or compelling family or other considerations, for example you (if youâre settled in the UK) or your child has a serious illness
Extra documents for children over 16
Youâll need to prove:
- where they live - if they do not live with you, youâll need to explain why
- any rent or upkeep they pay you each month
- that you support them financially if they do not live with you
Youâll need to provide documents such as the ones on this list, to prove where they live:
- bank statement
- credit card bill
- driving licence
- NHS registration document
- a letter from their current school, college or university, on headed paper and issued by an authorised official of that organisation
The documents you provide should not be more than a month old on the date you make your application.
If your child lives away from home, youâll need to provide evidence they are not living an independent live, for example:
- bank statements for you and your child covering the 3 months before the date you apply (to prove youâve supported them)
- confirmation from their university or college on headed paper and issued by an authorised official (if theyâre studying)
If your child is over 18, they must