Representative of an Overseas Business visa

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Switch to this visa

You might be able to apply to change (‘switch’) to a Representative of an Overseas Business visa if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa.

Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically switch to this visa if you switch yours. If they do not switch their visa, it will be valid until its original end date.

They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Who can apply to switch

You can switch to this visa if you’re both:

  • an employee of an overseas media organisation (including newspapers or broadcasters)
  • working on a long-term assignment in the UK

If you’re currently in the UK on a Student visa, one of the following must also apply:

  • you have completed the course you were sponsored to study
  • you have studied for a PhD for at least 24 months

Who cannot apply to switch

You cannot apply to switch to a Representative of an Overseas Business visa if you’re currently in the UK with any of the following:

You must leave the UK and apply for a Representative of an Overseas Business visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories.

You also cannot switch to this visa if you are a sole representative of a business.

Fees

The visa costs £827.

Healthcare surcharge

You must pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you need to pay before you apply.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity.

How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

  • use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
  • have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply to switch to a Representative of an Overseas Business visa

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it.

Find out how to sign in to your account.

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.

You’ll be contacted if your application 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 you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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