Business Visitor Visa

What is an Business Visitor Visa?

A UK Business Visitor visa enables individuals to come to the UK for a short period of time to perform certain permitted business activities.

Permitted business activities under this visa allows a visitor to:

• attend meetings, conferences, seminars, interviews;
• negotiate and sign deals and contracts;
• get work-related training if they are employed overseas and the training is not available in their home country;
• give a one-off or short series of talks and speeches provided these are not organised as commercial events and will not make a profit for the organiser;
• attend trade fairs, for promotional work only, provided the Visitor is not directly selling;
• carry out site visits and inspections;
• oversee the delivery of goods and services provided by a UK company to the applicant’s overseas company or organisation;
• deliver training or share knowledge on internal projects with UK employees of the company the applicant work’s for overseas;
• install, dismantle, repair, service or advise on equipment, computer software and hardware, if their overseas company has a contract with a UK company or organisation.

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements for a Business Visitor Visa?

In order to successfully apply for a UK Business Visitor visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Must intend to leave the UK before the expiry of the visa;
• Must not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK their main home;
• Must be a genuine visitor seeking entry or stay for a purpose that is permitted;
• Must not undertake any prohibited activities;
• Must be able to support themselves during their trip (or have funding from someone else to support them);
• Must be able to pay for their return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for their journey); and
• Must meet the additional requirements for visitors coming to the UK for business.

How Long is a Business Visitor Visa Valid for?

A UK Business Visitor visa is granted for 6 months. Applicants can however apply for a visit visa which is valid for 2 years, 5 years or 10 years. A long-term visit visa is ideal for applicants who will need to travel to the UK multiple times over a certain period of time. Nevertheless, each visit must not exceed 6 months.

Can a Business Visitor Visa be Extended

A UK Business Visitor visa cannot be extended neither can a person with a Business Visitor visa switch to another visa category.

How Long Does it Take For a Decision to be Made?

The Home Office usually process a Business Visitor visa application within 3 weeks.

If eligible, applicants will be advised whether they can apply to get a decision faster. The Home Office charge additional fees for these priority services.

How Much Does it Cost?

The Home Office fee for UK Business Visitor visa is £100. However, if applicants wish to apply for a long-term visit visa for 2 years, 5 years or 10 years, the Home Office fee is £376, £670 or £837 respectively.

How We Can Help You

Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you throughout your immigration journey.

If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.