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Representatives of overseas business

Image of one lady arriving at an airport terminal.

Applying for a visa

This page explains how you can apply from outside the UK for a visa as a representative of overseas business.

Before you apply, you should read the Can you apply? pages to check that you meet the requirements.

Depending on the country where you live, you may need to make your application online or using application form VAF2. To find out which method you should use, see 'More information' below.

Your partner and any dependent children aged under 18 can apply to come with you to the UK or join you here. They should also apply online or using application form VAF2.

You can download application form VAF2 and its guidance notes from the right side of this page.

As part of your application, you will need to enrol your fingerprints and facial image (known as 'biometric information') at a visa application centre.

Select your country in our country finder to find out:

  • how to apply in your country (including how to apply online);
  • the location of our visa application centres;
  • how long we generally take to process visa applications; and
  • how your documents will be returned to you.

If your application is successful, you can find information about what will happen at the border (including customs requirements) in the Customs and travel information section.

More information

  • Using a solicitor or other agent

    This page explains whether you can use a solicitor or other agent when making an application as a representative of an overseas business.

    If you want to use an agent, you should ensure that they are registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), or are exempt from the requirement to be registered (see below). Anyone who gives advice or acts on your behalf but is not registered or exempt could be committing a criminal offence.

    You can get lists of registered and exempted immigration advisers from OISC, whose contact details are on the right side of this page.

    The Law Society, which regulates solicitors in England and Wales, may also be able to help you find a solicitor. You can call the Law Society on 0870 606 6575.

    Once we have made our decision on your application, we will send it to your representative, provided they are registered or permitted to give immigration advice.

    If you and your representative are outside the UK, your representative does not need to register with the OISC. However, if you are in the UK but your representative is not, we will not be able to send your passport or other travel documents to your representative, and you will need to provide us with an address in the UK.

    Exemptions from OISC registration

    Some immigration advisers are exempt from OISC registration. To be exempt, an adviser must be a member of a designated professional body, work under the supervision of a designated professional body or be exempt by ministerial order.

    If an immigration adviser is a member of or works under the supervision of one of the designated professional bodies below, they are exempt from registration with the OISC:

    • the Law Society;
    • the Law Society in Scotland;
    • the Law Society in Northern Ireland;
    • the Institute of Legal Executives;
    • the Faculty of Advocates;
    • the General Council of the Bar; and
    • the General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland.

    If an immigration adviser is a member of or works under the supervision of one of the organisations below, they are exempt from registration with the OISC by ministerial order:

    • state education institutions and their student unions;
    • health sector bodies; and
    • employers giving immigration advice to their employees or prospective employees only.

Application forms

Visas for employment outside the points-based system

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Policy & Law

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