Investor visa (Tier 1)

Overview

You can apply for a Tier 1 (Investor) visa if:

you want to invest £2,000,000 or more in the UK

you meet the other eligibility requirements

You must have access to at least £2,000,000 in investment funds to apply.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

How long it will take

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Fees

You must pay £1,623 to apply for a Tier 1 (Investor) visa. The fee is the same if you’re extending or switching visas, or if you’re applying as a family member.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

Get a faster decision on your application

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

How long you can stay

You can come to the UK with a Tier 1 (Investor) visa for a maximum of 3 years and 4 months.

You can apply to extend this visa for another 2 years.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

work or study

apply to settle after 2 years if you invest £10 million

apply to settle after 3 years if you invest £5 million

apply to settle after 5 years if you invest £2 million

You cannot:

work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach

get public funds

You also cannot work as a doctor or dentist in training unless one of the following applies:

you have a primary degree at bachelors level or above in medicine or dentistry from a UK institution that holds a Student sponsor licence or is a UK-recognised or listed body

you worked as a doctor or dentist in training the last time you were in the UK

neither of those conditions were part of the terms and conditions on a previous visa

Eligibility

You must have at least £2,000,000 investment funds to apply for a Tier 1 (Investor) visa.

You must:

be 18 or over to apply for this visa

be able to prove that the money belongs to either you or your husband, wife, unmarried or same-sex partner

have opened an account at a UK regulated bank to use for your funds

Your funds must be:

held in one or more regulated financial institutions

free to spend (‘disposable’) in the UK

Your money can be in the UK or overseas when you apply.

Students with financial sponsorship

You may be able to apply for a Tier 1 (Investor) visa if you’re already in the UK and you’re a student (including Tier 4) visa holder.

You must have unconditional agreement in writing from your financial sponsor to re-enter or stay in the UK if your course fees and living costs were paid by either:

a government

an international scholarship agency

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

a current passport or other valid travel identification

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

a criminal record certificate from any country you have stayed in for a total of 12 months or more over the last 10 years

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa.

You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Evidence of investment funds

You’ll need to provide evidence showing that you have the required investment funds.

Your own money

If you’re using your own money to invest, you should be able to show:

how much money you have and where it’s being held

where the money came from if you’ve had the money for less than 2 years, for example you inherited it from a relative

that the money can be transferred to the UK and converted to sterling (if it’s not already in the UK)

Your partner’s money

You’ll need to provide:

a certificate of marriage or civil partnership, or in the case of unmarried or same-sex relationships, proof that you are in a long-term relationship (at least 2 years)

a statement from your partner confirming that they will allow you to control the funds in the UK

a letter from a legal adviser stating that the declaration is valid

Read the guide for a list of documents you can provide.

Evidence you have a UK bank account

You must provide a letter to prove you have an account at a UK regulated bank to use for your investment funds. The letter must:

have been issued by an authorised official

be dated within 3 months of your application

be on the official headed paper of the bank

state your name and account number

confirm you’ve opened an account with the bank in order to invest £2,000,000

confirm the bank is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

confirm checks for money-laundering have been carried out

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Apply

Read the guidance before you apply.

Apply outside the UK

You must apply online for a Tier 1 (Investor) visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.

You must collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK (even if you actually arrive at a later date).

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

Apply in the UK

Check if you can apply from inside the UK to:

extend your existing Tier 1 (Investor) visa

switch to this visa from another visa

Extend your visa

You may be able to extend your Tier 1 (Investor) visa.

You should include any dependants who are on your current visa on your application to extend - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

You should apply before your current visa expires. Read the full guidance on the Tier 1 (Investor) visa before you apply.

You successfully applied for your visa before 6 November 2014

You can apply to extend your visa if you:

have at least £1,000,000 under your control in the UK

have invested at least £750,000 (or 75%) of that in UK government bonds, share capital or loan capital in active UK companies

invested this sum within 3 months of your ‘investor start date’

Funds under your control in the UK

This sum should include the £750,000 (or more) investment and £250,000 (or the balance needed) to bring it up to at least £1,000,000.

These funds can be either:

your own money or your partner’s money

money that has been loaned to you by a UK regulated financial institution, as long as you have personal assets with a value of £2,000,000 or more

You cannot mix the 2 sources of funds.

You successfully applied for your visa on or after 6 November 2014

have at least £2,000,000 under your control in the UK

have invested those funds in share capital or loan capital in active UK companies

If you successfully applied before 29 March 2019, you can also apply to extend if you invested your funds in UK government bonds.

Funds under your control in the UK

You must have invested the full amount made up of your own money or your partner’s money.

Investment made within 3 months of your investor start date

You’ll need to provide a series of investment portfolio reports produced by a UK regulated financial institution that show:

you invested at least £750,000 in UK government bonds or UK business within 3 months of your investor start date (if you first got your visa under the Immigration Rules in place before 6 November 2014)

you invested all £2 million (if you first got your visa under the Immigration Rules in place on or after 6 November 2014)

this level of investment has been maintained for the length of your visa

Your ‘investor start date’ is either:

the date you came into the UK (if you have proof of this)

the date your original visa application or switch from a different visa category was approved (if you cannot prove your date of entry)

How to extend your visa if you’re in the UK

You must apply online.

Fees

For each person, you’ll need to pay:

£1,623 to extend this visa

the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay

£19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken

If you want to get a decision more quickly than the standard 8 weeks, you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll 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).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

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.

How long it takes

A decision will usually be made:

within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service

within 5 working days of your UKVCAS appointment if you use the priority service

You’ll be contacted if your application is complicated and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

How to extend your visa if you’re outside the UK

If you’re outside the UK, you must apply online to extend a Tier 1 (Investor) visa.

Switch to this visa

You may be able to switch to a Tier 1 (Investor) visa.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Who can apply

You can apply to switch to this visa if you meet the eligibility requirements and you’re already in the UK under one of the following categories:

Tier 1 (General)

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)

any Tier 2 category

Student (including Tier 4)

You must leave the UK and make your application from abroad if you’re in another category.

How long you can stay

You can stay a maximum of 3 years after switching to a Tier 1 (Investor) visa. You can also extend your visa if you’re eligible.

Fees

For each person, you’ll need to pay:

£1,623 to switch to this visa

the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay

£19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken

How to switch

Read the full guidance on the Tier 1 (Investor) visa before you apply.

You must apply online.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

How long it takes

A decision will usually be made:

within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service

within 5 working days of your UKVCAS appointment if you use the priority service

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

Family members

Your family members (‘dependants’) can join you if you’re in the UK on this visa. Your family members must apply for their own visa.

If they’re from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and arrive before 1 January 2021, they may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

A ‘dependant’ is any of the following:

your husband, wife or partner

your child under 18

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as a dependant

Read the guidance on dependant applications before you apply.

Adult family members must provide a criminal record certificate from any country they have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

Fees

Check the fees for this visa.

Dependants applying from outside the UK

Your family members must apply online.

They’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of their application.

They’ll have to collect their biometric residence permit within 10 days of when they said they’d arrive in the UK (even if they actually arrive at a later date).

They may be able to get their visa faster or other services depending on what country they’re in - check with the visa application centre.

If your child is over 18 they cannot apply if they are outside the UK. They can apply from inside the UK if they are already here as your dependant.

Dependants applying in the UK

You can include dependants in your online application to extend or switch to a Tier 1 (Investor) visa if they want to do it at the same time as you.

If they want to extend or switch their visa at a different time, they can:

apply online - dependant partner application

apply online - dependant child application

Family members cannot apply in the UK as your dependant if they hold a visitor visa.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When they apply, they’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide their biometric information (their fingerprints and a photo).

They’ll also need to submit their supporting documents. They can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at their UKVCAS appointment

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

How long it takes to get a decision

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of their application date if they use the standard service.

If they pay an extra £800 to use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after their UKVCAS appointment if their appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after their UKVCAS appointment if their appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

They’ll be contacted if their application is complex and will take longer, for example:

if their supporting documents need to be verified

if they need to attend an interview

because of their personal circumstances (for example if they have a criminal conviction)

Once they’ve applied they can stay in the UK until they’ve been given a decision, as long as they applied before their last visa expired.

Children born while you’re in the UK

If you have children while you’re in the UK, you can apply online to add them to your visa as your dependant.

You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with them.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.


UK Ancestry visa

Overview

You can apply for a UK Ancestry visa if all of the following are true:

you’re a Commonwealth citizen

you can prove one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man

you’re able and planning to work in the UK

you meet the other eligibility requirements

How long it will take

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Fees

A UK Ancestry visa costs £516.

Healthcare surcharge

You may also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

How long you can stay

You can stay in the UK for 5 years on this visa.

Applying to stay longer in the UK

If you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years on this visa, you may be able to either:

apply to extend your visa for a further 5 years

apply to settle permanently in the UK (apply for ‘indefinite leave to remain’)

What you can and cannot do

You can:

work

study

bring your partner or child

You cannot:

change (‘switch’) into this visa if you came to the UK on a different visa

get public funds

Eligibility

You must prove that you:

are 17 or over

have enough money without help from public funds to support and house yourself and any dependants

can and plan to work in the UK

Your ancestry

You must show that you have a grandparent born in one of the following circumstances:

in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man

before 31 March 1922 in what is now Ireland

on a ship or aircraft that was either registered in the UK or belonged to the UK government

You can claim ancestry if:

you or your parent were adopted

your parents or grandparents were not married

You cannot claim UK ancestry through step-parents.

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to join you in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.

A ‘dependant’ is any of the following:

your partner

your child under 18

your child aged 18 or over who was previously on your or your partner’s visa as a dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove one of the following:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

Your child

They must:

live with you (unless they’re in full time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be supported by you without using public funds

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner or child must apply online.

They’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of their application.

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on where you’re applying from. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

Apply from inside the UK (extend or switch their visa)

Your partner and children may be able to extend their visa or switch to a UK Ancestry visa to stay with you in the UK.

You can add your partner or children to your application when you extend your visa. They do not need to apply separately.

Switch to an Ancestry visa

Your partner or child can apply to switch their visa online.

They cannot apply to switch if they’re currently in the UK:

on a visitor visa

on a Short-term study visa

on a Parent of a Child Student visa

on a Seasonal Worker visa

on a Domestic Workers in a Private Household visa

on immigration bail

because they were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

If they’re in one of those categories, they must leave the UK and apply for a UK Ancestry visa from abroad.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you’re applying to extend your visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

Children born while you’re in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You must apply for their dependant visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.

You can apply online for their dependant visa. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

a current passport (with a blank page for your visa) or another valid travel document

your full birth certificate

the full birth certificates of the parent and grandparent your ancestry claim is based on

evidence that you’re planning to work in the UK, for example job offers you’ve received or a business plan if you’re self-employed

evidence, such as bank statements, that prove you can support yourself and any dependants in the UK - it must be dated within 31 days from when you submit your application

Depending on your circumstances, you might also need to provide:

evidence that your parents or grandparents have changed their name since birth, for example marriage or civil partnership certificates or a deed poll

legal adoption papers if you or your parents are adopted

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take a TB test

your marriage certificate or civil partnership registration document if your spouse or civil partner wants to join you in the UK

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for a UK Ancestry visa before you travel to the UK.

Applying with your family

Your partner and children can apply to join you in the UK. Each family member will need to make their own application to come to the UK as your ‘dependant’.

When to apply

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel to the UK.

Apply online

As part of your online application, you will need to book an appointment at a visa application centre to prove your identity. You’ll have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at your appointment.

The visa application centre may keep your passport and documents while processing your application.

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

Apply online

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your visa and stay in the UK for a further 5 years. You must apply before your current visa expires.

You can extend this visa as many times as you like, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

You can also apply to settle in the UK permanently if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years on this visa.

Extending with your partner or children

You should include any dependants (your partner or children) who are on your current visa on your application to extend. This includes children who have turned 18 during your stay. They do not need to apply separately.

Fees

For each person applying you’ll need to pay:

the £1,033 application fee

the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay

£19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply online, you’ll 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).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

Extend your visa online

You must apply online to extend your visa.

Apply online

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

After you apply

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

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.

You’ll 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)

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks.


Frontier Worker permit

Overview

A Frontier Worker permit lets you come to the UK to work while living elsewhere.

You may be eligible if all of the following apply:

you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

you live outside of the UK

you began working in the UK by 31 December 2020

You must usually have worked in the UK at least once every 12 months since you started working here.  You may still be able to apply if you’ve had periods of unemployment or were unable to work during this time.

If you’re an Irish citizen, you do not need to apply for a Frontier Worker permit but you can choose to do so.

You cannot apply if you’re a British citizen (this includes dual citizenship).

If you have not worked in the UK by 31 December 2020

If you want to work in the UK from 1 January 2021, and were not working here before, you’ll need to apply for a visa.

The visa you’ll need depends on the type of work and how long you want to come for. Check which type of visa you’ll need.

You do not need a visa if you’re a British or Irish citizen.

What the permit allows you to do

You can use your permit to enter the UK as a frontier worker and show your right to:

work

rent

access benefits and services, including NHS healthcare, if you meet the relevant eligibility requirements

Fees

There’s no fee to apply for the permit, and you do not have to pay the immigration health surcharge. You may have to pay to submit your biometric information (photograph or fingerprints).

When and how to apply

If you’re a frontier worker, you’ll need a permit to enter the UK to work from 1 July 2021. You can use your passport or national identity card until then.

You must apply online.

You’ll be told if you’ll also need to go to an appointment at a visa application centre or UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

You will not usually need an appointment if you can use a smartphone app and have a passport or ID card with a biometric chip.

If you need an appointment

Allow extra time to arrange your appointment and travel to the centre - there may not be one near you. You may need to pay for your appointment.

The centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application.

Family members

Family members are not covered by your Frontier Worker permit.

Your family member may be eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme for settled or pre-settled status.

Who can apply

You can only apply for a Frontier Worker permit if you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and you:

live outside the UK

meet the requirements for working in the UK

Living outside the UK

You must live ‘primarily’ outside of the UK. How you meet this requirement depends on how much time you’ve spent here since 1 January 2020.

You’ll be eligible if you’ve spent less than 180 days in total in the UK over the course of any 12 month period.

If you’ve spent 180 days or more in the UK within 12 months

You’ll still be eligible if, in that 12 month period, you returned to the country you live in at least either:

once every 6 months

twice in the 12 month period

You’ll still be able to apply if there are exceptional circumstances meaning you could not travel to your country of residence in this period, such as an illness or accident.

Working in the UK

You must:

have started working in the UK while living elsewhere by 31 December 2020, either as an employed or self-employed person

do eligible work

usually have worked in the UK (as an employed or self-employed person) at least once every 12 months since you started working here

Eligible work

You’ll be eligible as long as your work in the UK is ‘genuine and effective’. This means it must be more than small, one-off tasks, such as:

an interview

taking part in a one-off competition or audition

signing a contract

If you’re not sure if your work is eligible, the Home Office has guidance on what counts as genuine and effective work.

If you’ve been unable to work or unemployed in the UK during a 12 month period

You might still be eligible if you’ve been unemployed or not worked during this time because you were:

temporarily unable to work because of an illness or accident

temporarily unable to work because you were pregnant or had given birth

unable to come to the UK and work because of coronavirus (COVID-19)

voluntarily unemployed and doing vocational training related to your last occupation

involuntarily unemployed, and either looking for work in the UK or doing vocational training

This is known as having ‘retained worker’ or ‘retained self-employed person’ status.

If you became involuntarily unemployed and are looking for work, you’ll keep your status for:

6 months if you worked in the UK for less than a year before becoming unemployed

as long as you continue to look for work, if you worked in the UK for a year or more before becoming unemployed

You’ll need to be registered as a jobseeker with an employment office (such as Jobcentre Plus) and provide evidence that you’re looking for work in the UK.

Apply

You must apply online.

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

Documents you’ll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need a valid passport or national identity card.

You’ll be told which documents you need to provide when you apply. Some depend on whether you’re employed or self-employed, for example:

an employment contract, or contracts to work in the UK

payslips, or copies of invoices for work carried out in the UK

If you have ‘retained’ status, you’ll be asked for evidence for which criteria you meet. For example, a letter from a doctor if you have an illness, or copies of recent job applications if you’re unemployed and seeking work.

The Home Office has more examples of the types of evidence you will be asked for.

How you’ll prove your identity

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on what identity document you use and whether you can use the UK Immigration: ID check app.

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 account)

have your photograph and fingerprints taken at a visa application centre (if you’re applying from outside the UK and cannot use the smartphone app)

have your photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point (if you’re applying from inside the UK and cannot use the smartphone app)

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

Apply from outside the UK

Apply online for your Frontier Worker permit.

Apply now

Apply from inside the UK

Apply now

If you were a frontier worker on or before 31 December 2020, you can use your passport or national identity card to travel to the UK and work until 30 June 2021.

After you've applied

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 by following the same process as cancelling a visa or citizenship application.

If your application is successful

You’ll be sent a decision notice saying your application has been approved.

If you applied using the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app, you’ll be issued a digital version of your permit.

If you do not use the smartphone app to apply, you’ll either be sent:

a physical version of the permit (if you applied inside the UK)

an email explaining how you can come to the UK and collect your permit (if you applied outside the UK)

Your permit will last for 5 years, or 2 years if you apply with ‘retained’ status.

When you’re working in the UK

You’ll usually have to pay tax on your UK income.

You can change jobs or move from being employed to self-employed in the UK without needing to tell the Home Office.

You need to tell the Home Office if you stop working in the UK and do not meet one of the retained status criteria.

Reporting a problem with your physical permit

Your permit should arrive within 10 days of receiving the decision notice about your application. You should get an email with information about your permit being sent to you.

If your permit does not arrive, you should first contact the delivery service.

If you cannot resolve the issue with the delivery service, and it has been more than 10 days since you received your decision notice, you should contact the Home Office.

You’ll also need to tell the Home Office if:

you did not get an email from UKVI with your permit delivery information

your permit has a mistake on it (for example your name, date of birth or gender is wrong)

your permit gets lost, stolen or damaged

You can report your problem by phone. You’ll need:

your full name, date of birth and nationality

your Home Office reference number (this is in the email you got with your application decision)

an email address or UK postal address

You can get someone to report for you, for example a legal representative or employer. The phone number is different if someone is reporting on your behalf.

If your application is unsuccessful

You’ll get a decision notice explaining why it was refused. It will explain if you have the right to either an:

administrative review

immigration decision appeal

Renewing your permit

When you renew your permit, you’ll need to show that you continued to meet the eligibility requirements over the period of time since you last applied.

If you’re not employed or self-employed at the point you apply to renew, or you’re temporarily unable to work, you’ll still be able to apply for a 2-year permit as someone with ‘retained’ status (as long as you meet the requirements).

Apply to renew your permit.


British National (Overseas) visa

Overview

If you’re from Hong Kong and are a British national (overseas) you and your family members can apply for a British National (Overseas) visa. This is known as a BNO visa. It allows you to live, work and study in the UK.

Who can apply

You can apply for a BNO visa if you’re:

a British national (overseas)

18 or older

Your permanent home must be:

in Hong Kong, if you’re applying from outside the UK

in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Hong Kong if you’re applying in the UK

Your family members

Your family members can apply for a BNO visa if they’re eligible. They must usually apply at the same time as you.

Check if your family members can apply.

How long you can stay

You can apply to stay for either:

2 years and 6 months

5 years

You will be able to extend your visa if you want to stay longer. You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you want.

After you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years, you can apply to live in the UK permanently.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

work (except you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach)

study (including at school, college or university)

You cannot usually apply for most benefits (public funds).

Once you have a BNO visa, you might be able to apply for access to benefits. You’ll be eligible for this in certain financial circumstances, for example if you:

do not have a place to live and cannot afford one

have a place to live but cannot afford essential living costs like food or heating

are at risk of losing your place to live or being unable to afford essential living costs

have a very low income, and not having access to benefits would harm your child’s wellbeing

How much it costs

When you apply for a British National (Overseas) visa, you must:

pay the visa application fee

pay the healthcare surcharge

prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your family members for at least 6 months while you’re in the UK

Visa application fee

You and your family members will each need to pay a visa application fee.

It costs:

£180 if you’re applying for 2 years and 6 months

£250 if you’re applying for 5 years

As part of your application, you might need to go to an appointment to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo). This will cost £19.20.

Healthcare surcharge

You and your family members will each need to pay the healthcare surcharge.

This is so you can use the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. You’ll still need to pay for some NHS care such as prescriptions, dental care and eye tests.

For each adult (18 or older) it costs:

£1,560 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months

£3,120 if you’re staying for 5 years

For each child (under 18), it costs:

£1,175 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months

£2,350 if you’re staying for 5 years

You pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your online visa application.

Money to support yourself and your family

You’ll need to show you have enough money to pay for your housing and to support yourself and your family for 6 months.

This can include:

your income and savings as well as your family member’s

money you will earn in your current job in the UK

money you will earn if you’re transferring to a job in the UK with your current employer

an offer of help from family or friends

You usually do not need to show you have enough money to support yourself if you’ve been living in the UK for 12 months or more. You’ll still need to show this if you’ve been in the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa.

As well as money for housing costs, you’ll need at least the same amount as someone would get on Income Support in the UK.

How much you need depends on how many family members are applying with you. For example, you’ll need about:

£2,000 as a single adult

£3,100 as a couple with a child

£4,600 as a couple with 3 children

£9,200 as a couple with 2 parents and 2 adult children

Check what documents you need to show this.

Your family members

If you’re a British national (overseas), your family members can apply as your ‘dependant’ if they normally live with you.

A dependant can include your:

husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

child or grandchild under 18

child 18 or older, born on or after 1 July 1997 (and their partner or child under 18)

parent, grandparent, brother, sister, son or daughter (18 or older) if they live with you and are very dependent on you for their care

When you apply, you and your family member will need to provide evidence of your relationship and that you normally live together.

Partners

Partners must be 18 or older to apply. They can be either:

your partner

your adult child’s partner

They’ll need to prove that they’re either:

in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

in a relationship and have been living with their partner for at least 2 years when they apply

Children under 18

All children under 18 need to apply with both parents, unless one parent or grandparent has sole responsibility for them.

The child must normally live with you, unless they’re living away from home to study.

Children 18 or older

You or your partner’s child (18 or older) can apply as your dependant if they were born on or after 1 July 1997. They must apply at the same time as you.

They must normally live with you, unless they’re living away from home to study.

If they’re not eligible for a BNO visa, they may be able to apply for another visa to come to the UK to work or study. Check what visa they need.

Other family members who live with you

Other adult family members (18 or older) can only apply if they are very dependent on you for their care. For example, they rely on your care to perform everyday tasks because of illness or disability.

This includes your or your partner’s:

parent or grandparent

brother or sister

son or daughter

If eligible, they can apply as an ‘adult dependent relative’. They must apply at the same time as you.

How long family members can stay

Your family member will need to apply for the same BNO visa as you, for either:

2 years and 6 months

5 years

How to apply with your family

Each family member will need to make their own application as your dependant.

As a British national (overseas), you’ll need to submit your application first to get an application number. This is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN).

Your family members will need to use your application number when they apply, and submit it within 2 days of your application.

If you have technical problems that mean your family members might not be able to apply within 2 days of you, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for help.

If your partner or child cannot apply within 2 days

If your partner or child under 18 cannot apply within 2 days of you, they might still be able to apply later as your dependant. This will only be allowed in cases where they could not apply when you did, for example if:

you start a new relationship when you have a BNO visa

your child was born after you got your BNO visa

your partner cannot travel when you apply, for example because of medical needs

They may be asked to give evidence to show they could not apply within 2 days of your application. Your visa must still be valid when they apply to be your dependant.

Apply online

Your family members can either:

apply from outside the UK

apply in the UK

Documents you’ll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need to provide a valid passport or other travel document that shows your identity and nationality.

If you’re a British national (overseas) (BNO), you can use a current or expired BNO passport (or a photocopy) to show your BNO status when you apply.

If you no longer have a BNO passport you can still apply. The Home Office will check your status but it may take longer to get a decision on your application.

You do not need a BNO passport to travel to the UK. You can use any valid passport or travel document.

You’ll also need to provide evidence:

that you have a permanent home in Hong Kong, the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man

that you have enough money to support yourself and your family

of your relationship with family members

of your tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if you did not already provide it when you arrived the UK

You must provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English.

Proof of your permanent home address

You’ll need to provide up to 3 documents that show your permanent home address. This can include:

household or utility bills

a visa, residence permit or other immigration document (or a colour photocopy)

payslips or your most recent P60

bank statements

a letter from an employer confirming your employment

records of rent or mortgage payments

an appointment letter from your GP or other healthcare professional

a letter from the local council or a government

Your family members (‘dependants’) will need to provide evidence that their permanent home address is the same as yours.

Proof you have enough money to support yourself and your family

You usually need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family (dependants) for 6 months in the UK - unless you’ve been living in the UK for at least 12 months.

If you’ve been in the UK for 12 months or more on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you still need to show you have enough money to support yourself and your family.

This includes proving you have the money to pay for accommodation or an offer of accommodation from friends or family.

If you’re applying with family, evidence can include you and your family member’s income or savings.

You might need to provide evidence such as:

bank or savings account statements

payslips

proof of income from self-employment

proof of income from rental property

a letter from friends or family with evidence (such as bank statements or payslips) that they have the money to support you and your family

a letter confirming an offer of accommodation from friends or family

a tenancy or mortgage agreement

At least one piece of evidence must be dated no more than 31 days before you submit your application.

An offer of work does not usually count as evidence unless you’re transferring to a job in the UK with your current employer.

Evidence of your relationship with family members

If you’re applying with family members from your household, you’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship with them.

For example:

a copy of a marriage or civil partnership certificate

a birth certificate or adoption certificate for children

evidence that their permanent home address is the same as yours

When you need a TB test certificate

Whether you need a certificate depends on where you’re applying from.

If you’re applying from outside the UK

If you’ve been living in Hong Kong or another country where you have to take a TB test for the past 6 months, you must provide a TB certificate.

If you’re already in the UK

If you provided a TB certificate to come to the UK, you do not need to show one again.

Otherwise, you’ll need to provide a TB test certificate to stay in the UK if you came from Hong Kong or another country where you have to take the TB test.

Getting a TB test certificate

You might not be able to get a TB test appointment straight away. If you apply for your visa without a certificate, you might not get your certificate by the time your application is being considered.

If you wait until you have your certificate before you apply for your visa, you can avoid the risk of your application being looked at before you get your certificate.

The certificate must be no older than 6 months when you apply for your visa.

Your test certificate must be from an approved test centre abroad or an approved test centre in the UK.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for a British National (Overseas) visa.

Your permanent home must be in Hong Kong.

Before you apply, you can check:

what documents you’ll need to apply

how to apply with your family

Apply online

As part of your online application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your BNO, HKSAR or EEA passport - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

go to an appointment at a visa application centre to give your fingerprints and a photo - this is to get a biometric residence permit

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. If you’re applying with a family member, your applications will be processed together even if you prove your identity in different ways.

If you need to go to an appointment:

the centre may have to keep your passport and documents while they process your application

you may need to travel to get to your nearest visa application centre (this could be in another country)

If you use a valid BNO or Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport to prove your identity, you do not need to travel to the UK using the same passport.

Apply now

Continue your application

You can continue your application if you’ve saved it. To do this, sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

After you apply

UKVI aims to make a decision on your application within 12 weeks.

If you applied using the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app, the 12 weeks starts from the date you submitted your online application.

If you went to a visa application centre, the 12 weeks starts from the date you attended your appointment and submitted your fingerprints.

Your application may take longer to process if:

your supporting documents need to be verified or you need to provide more evidence

you need to attend an interview

you do not have a valid tuberculosis (TB) certificate

you have a criminal conviction for an offence that is recognised in the UK

you’re applying as a family group, and one or more of your family members has to go to a visa application centre

If you need to change or cancel your application

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. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

After you get a decision

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

Find out what happens after you get your decision.

If your application is successful

You must travel to the UK:

within 90 days, if you went to a visa application centre to prove your identity

before your visa expires, if you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ smartphone app to prove your identity

Children under 18 must travel with one or both parents, unless they’re joining their parents who are already in the UK.

If your application is unsuccessful

If you’re a British national (overseas) and your application is unsuccessful, your family members’ applications will also be refused. If your application is successful but your family member’s is not, you can still come to the UK.

You’ll get a refund for the healthcare surcharge you paid for each unsuccessful application.

Apply in the UK

You must apply online for a British National (Overseas) visa.

Your permanent home must be in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Hong Kong.

Before you apply, you can check:

what documents you’ll need to apply

how to apply with your family

Switch to a BNO visa

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply to switch to a BNO visa if you’re already in the UK on a different UK visa.

Your family members will usually need to apply at the same time as you. Check how to apply with your family.

Apply online

You’ll either:

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your BNO, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or EEA passport - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

go to a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to give your fingerprints and a photo - this is to get a biometric residence permit

Apply now

Continue an application

You can continue your application if you’ve saved it. To do this, you can sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you’re applying for a visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

After you apply

UKVI aims to make a decision on your application within 12 weeks.

If you went to a UKVCAS service point, the 12 weeks starts from the date you attended your appointment and submitted your fingerprints.

Your application may take longer to process if:

your supporting documents need to be verified or you need to provide more evidence

you need to attend an interview

you do not have a valid tuberculosis (TB) certificate

you have a criminal conviction for an offence that is recognised in the UK

you’re applying as a family group, and one or more of your family members has to go to a visa application centre

You can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision about your application.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man until you get a decision.

If you need to change or cancel your application

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

After you get a decision

Find out what happens after you get your decision.

If your application is unsuccessful

If your application is unsuccessful, your family members’ applications will also be refused.

You may be able to stay in the UK for up to 12 months if you were not able to prove that you:

have enough money to support yourself and your family in the UK

have a permanent home in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Hong Kong

When you get your decision letter, it will say if you’re allowed to do this. You’ll be able to apply for a BNO visa again.

If you stay in the UK for up to 12 months, you’ll get a refund for some of the healthcare surcharge you paid.

As an adult (18 or older), you’ll get a refund of:

£936 if you applied for 2 years and 6 months

£2,496 if you applied for 5 years

As a child under 18 you’ll get a refund of:

£705 if you applied for 2 years and 6 months

£1,880 if you applied for 5 years

If you leave the UK, you’ll get a full refund for the healthcare surcharge you paid.

Living permanently in the UK

If you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years, you may be able to apply to stay permanently.

Applying to settle in the UK

You can apply to settle in the UK (known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) after you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years on a BNO visa. This means you can stay in the UK without any time limits.

If you’ve already spent time in the UK on one of the following visas this will count towards the 5 years:

Global Talent visa (or a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa)

Investor visa

Entrepreneur visa

Skilled Worker visa (or a Tier 2 General work visa)

Minister of Religion visa

Sportsperson visa

Representative of an Overseas Business visa

UK Ancestry visa

Time spent on a Student visa (previously called a Tier 4 (General) student visa) or a Youth Mobility Scheme visa will not count.

To apply, you’ll need to:

meet the knowledge of English requirements

pass the Life in the UK Test

have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months in the last 5 years

pay an application fee

Children under 18 applying to settle

If your child applies as a dependent on your BNO visa, they can also apply to settle in the UK with you.

You can only apply once you, your child and your child’s other parent (unless you have sole responsibility) have all been here for 5 years. If you arrived in the UK at different times, those who arrived earlier will have to extend their visa until the last person to arrive has been here for 5 years.

Becoming a British citizen

One year after you settle in the UK (have ‘indefinite leave to remain’), you’ll usually be able to apply for British citizenship.


Overseas Domestic Worker visa

Overview

You can apply for a visa to visit the UK with your employer if you:

live outside the UK

are a domestic worker in a private household

have worked for your employer for at least one year

meet the other eligibility requirements

Domestic workers include:

cleaners

chauffeurs

cooks

those providing personal care for the employer and their family

nannies

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you started living in the UK on or before 31 December 2020, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

From 1 January 2021, you’ll need to apply for an Overseas Domestic Worker visa.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

How long it will take

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to the UK.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Fees

It costs £516 for an Overseas Domestic Worker visa.

How long you can stay

You can use this visa to visit the UK with your employer for up to 6 months. You must return home at the end of the 6 months.

You cannot extend an Overseas Domestic Worker visa.

You may be able to extend a Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa if you applied on or before 5 April 2012.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

travel abroad and return to the UK to complete your stay

change employers to another job as a domestic worker in a private household - only if you do not stay longer than the 6 months

You cannot:

work except as a domestic worker in a private household

live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits

get public funds

Eligibility

You must prove that you:

are 19 or older

have worked for your employer for at least 1 year

work in the same household as your employer or one they use regularly

plan to travel to the UK with your employer, their partner or children

intend to work as a full-time domestic worker in a UK household your employer will live in

plan to leave the UK at the end of 6 months

are able to support yourself in the UK without the need for public funds

Your employer

Your employer must be either a:

British citizen who usually lives outside the UK and who does not intend to remain in the UK for more than 6 months

foreign citizen who is coming to the UK on a visit and who does not intend to remain for more than 6 months

Your employer must also pay you at least the national minimum wage.

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

a current passport or other valid travel identification

proof you can support yourself during your trip, for example bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months

a completed ‘Appendix domestic worker statement’ signed by both you and your employer

a letter from your employer confirming your job title, how long you’ve worked for them and that you’re a permanent employee

You’ll need to have a blank page in your passport on which to put the visa.

You must also provide 1 of the following documents covering the same period of employment:

pay slips or bank statements showing payment of salary

confirmation of tax paid

confirmation of health insurance paid

contract of employment

work visa, residence permit or equivalent passport endorsement for the country where you’re currently employed by your employer

visas or equivalent passport endorsement if you’ve travelled with your employer before

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for this visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of your application.

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

Domestic workers who applied before 5 April 2012

There are different rules if you applied for a Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa on or before 5 April 2012.

You can:

extend your stay in the UK every 12 months

apply to settle permanently in the UK after 5 years

bring your partner and children under 18

change employer while your visa is valid

How long you can stay

You can apply to extend your visa for 12 months at a time.

If you’ve worked in the UK as a domestic worker for 5 years you can apply to settle permanently in the UK.

You should apply before your current permission to stay expires.

Eligibility

To extend your visa you must:

be a domestic worker in a private household

have applied for your domestic worker visa on or before 5 April 2012

have continued to live in the UK

apply while you’re still in the UK

To settle in the UK as a domestic worker you must:

have been living here legally for at least 5 years

currently have permission to stay here as a domestic worker

have been in the UK as a full-time domestic worker continuously throughout the 5 years (you cannot have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 consecutive months)

have maintained and accommodated yourself and any dependants without the use of public funds throughout the 5 years

have sufficient knowledge of English and life in the UK

Documents you’ll need

To extend your visa you must provide both of the following:

a letter from your employer confirming that they want to continue to employ you

To settle in the UK you must provide:

evidence that you can satisfy the knowledge of English and life in the UK criteria

If you’ve had any absences because of serious illness, births or deaths in your family, or had to leave the UK, you also need to write a letter detailing these. You should also include any related supporting documents with your letter, for example medical certificates, birth/death certificates, information about why you had to leave the UK.

How to extend your visa

You must apply online to extend your visa.

If you have any dependant children aged over 18 they will need to apply separately.

How to apply to settle

You must apply online to settle.

You can include your dependants (partner and children aged under 18) on your application. Your partner must be able to demonstrate their knowledge of English and life in the UK.

Fees

For each person applying it costs:

£1,033 to apply to extend your visa

£2,389 to apply to settle

You’ll also need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Get a faster decision on your application

You can pay an extra £800 to use the super priority service.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll 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).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

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.

Get help using a computer to apply online

You can get help with:

accessing a computer or the internet

finding the right information on GOV.UK

You cannot get advice on:

whether you’re eligible to apply

what information to put in your application

an application you’ve already made

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

You’ll 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 you have a criminal conviction

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

Knowledge of English

If you want to settle in the UK, you’ll need to prove that you can satisfy the English language requirement.

You can only settle as a domestic worker in a private household if you applied for entry on or before 5 April 2012.

You can prove your knowledge of English by either:

passing an approved English language test with at least CEFR level B1 in reading, writing, speaking and listening

having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD

You may be able to meet the English language requirement in other ways. Check the full visa guidance for detailed information.

Exceptions

You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries:

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

the Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Canada

Dominica

Grenada

Guyana

Jamaica

New Zealand

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago

USA

You also may not have to prove your knowledge of English in other circumstances - check the full visa guidance.

Your employment rights

When you work in the UK your employer must:

pay you an agreed rate, which must be at least the national minimum wage

not force you to work excessive hours

give you agreed holiday pay

give you the notice you’re entitled to if your employment ends

You should already have agreed your employment conditions with your employer and have a copy of these in writing. Your employer cannot change your employment conditions unless you agree.

If your employer does not meet these requirements, you can take legal action through an employment or industrial tribunal or the civil courts.

Get advice and support

You can get free and confidential advice from the Acas helpline.

You can also contact the charity Kalayaan for free, confidential and independent advice as a domestic worker in the UK.

If you want to return home

Contact your country’s Embassy or High Commission in the UK if you want to return home.

You can also get confidential advice from a registered immigration adviser. Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

If you’re a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking

Modern slavery and human trafficking involve being forced to do something you do not want to do, usually by being hurt or threatened.

You may be forced to work for free or less than the minimum wage, get married or move to a country against your will.

You can apply to stay in the UK for up to 2 years, if both of the following apply:

you entered the UK on a Overseas Domestic Worker visa, on a Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa, or as a private servant of a diplomat (known as a T5 International Agreement visa)

you have a ‘conclusive grounds’ letter from the Single Competent Authority (SCA) confirming that you’re a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking

How to get a conclusive grounds letter

If you think you’re a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking you need to contact the police or another first responder organisation. They can help refer your case to the SCA.

Read the ‘First responder organisations’ section of the guidance on referrals to find out which organisations can refer your case.

The SCA will decide if you’re a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking. They will send you a conclusive grounds letter confirming their decision.

Apply

You must apply within 28 days of getting confirmation you’re a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking.

You must apply online to stay in the UK.

It’s free to apply.

Get help using a computer to apply online

You can get help with:

accessing a computer or the internet

finding the right information on GOV.UK

You cannot get advice on:

whether you’re eligible to apply

what information to put in your application

an application you’ve already made

Applying for a different visa

If you apply for a different type of visa within 28 days of getting confirmation but are refused, you can still apply as a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking.

You must do this within 28 days of getting the refusal.

Working in the UK

You’ll be able to work as a domestic worker for up to 2 years.

You do not need to have a job offer before you apply. You can change job while you’re in the UK.


Representative of an Overseas Business visa

Overview

You can apply as a representative of an overseas business if you’re either:

the sole representative of an overseas business planning to set up either a UK branch or wholly owned subsidiary

an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation posted on a long-term assignment to the UK

You must also meet the other eligibility requirements.

How long it will take

If you apply from outside the UK, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

If you apply from inside the UK

You will get a decision within 8 weeks.

UKVI will contact you 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, if you have a criminal conviction)

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expires.

Fees

If you apply from outside the UK, a Representative of an Overseas Business visa costs £610.

If you apply from inside the UK, you’ll need to pay:

£704 for the visa

£19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken

Healthcare surcharge

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

How long you can stay

The visa lets you stay in the UK for an initial period of 3 years.

You may be able to extend your visa for another 2 years.

After you’ve been in the UK for 5 years, you can apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

work for your employer, full time

bring your family (‘dependants’) with you to the UK

apply to extend your visa

apply to settle in the UK after you’ve been here for 5 years

You cannot:

work for yourself or any other business

stay in the UK if the sole representative arrangement is ended by your employer

switch to this visa from any other visa category

get public funds

Eligibility

To be eligible for this visa you must:

have enough money to support yourself without help from public funds

meet the English requirement

Sole representatives

To apply as a sole representative you must:

be recruited and employed outside the UK by an active and trading business (whose headquarters and principal place of business are, and will remain, outside the UK)

have the skills, experience and knowledge to do the role

hold a senior position within the business (but do not own or control the majority of it) and have full authority to make decisions on its behalf

intend to establish the overseas business’s first commercial presence in the UK, either as a registered branch or a wholly owned subsidiary

You may also be eligible if the business has a legal entity in the UK that does not employ staff or do any business.

If your employer has been working to establish a UK branch or subsidiary, but it is not yet set up, you can replace a previous sole representative.

Newspaper, news agency or broadcast employees

As an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation, you can come to the UK if you’re being posted here on a long-term assignment.

Knowledge of English

You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply.

You can prove your knowledge of English by either:

passing an approved English language test with at least CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening

having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD

You may be able to meet the English language requirement in other ways. Check the full visa guidance for detailed information.

Exceptions

You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries:

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

the Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Canada

Dominica

Grenada

Guyana

Jamaica

New Zealand

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago

USA

You also may not have to prove your knowledge of English in other circumstances - check the visa guidance.

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

a current passport or other valid travel identification

evidence that you can support yourself and any dependants during your trip, for example bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months

proof that you meet the English requirement

If you’re applying from overseas, you’ll also need to provide:

details of where you’ll be staying during your stay

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

If you’re applying from overseas, you’ll need to have a blank page in your passport on which to put the visa.

All applicants need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Read the guide for a list of documents you can provide.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Sole representatives

When applying as a sole representative of an overseas business you’ll need to provide:

a full description of the business’s activities, including details of assets and accounts

a letter confirming the overseas business will set up a wholly owned subsidiary or register a branch in the UK in the same business activity as it runs overseas

your job description, employment contract and salary details

a letter confirming you’re familiar with the business and have the power to take operational decisions

You should also provide evidence that you:

are directly employed by the business and are not acting as a sales agent (for example, hired by a business to sell or distribute their products within the UK, but working for yourself and providing your services for a fee)

were recruited to the business outside of the UK

hold a senior position in the business, with the authority to make decisions on its behalf and set up and run a registered branch or wholly owned subsidiary

will be working full time for the business or subsidiary for the duration of your stay and will not carry out any other work

do not own or control a majority of the overseas business

Newspaper, news agency or broadcast employees

As an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation you must also provide:

a full description of the parent company’s activities, including details of assets and accounts

confirmation that you will be representing them in the UK in a long term, full-time role

Apply

Read the Representative of an Overseas Business guidance before you apply.

Apply outside the UK

You must apply online for a Representative of an Overseas Business visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of your application.

Apply now

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

Apply inside the UK

You must apply online.

Apply now

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll 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).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

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.

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your stay in the UK under a Representative of an Overseas Business visa.

You should include any dependants who are on your current visa on your application to extend - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must already have this visa as either:

a representative of an overseas business

an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation

You must also meet the following conditions:

you’re still working for the same employer as when you were issued your previous visa

you’ve established, and are supervising, a UK branch or subsidiary of the overseas business

your employer’s principal place of business is still outside the UK

You must be in the UK to extend your visa.

How long you can stay

A Representative of an Overseas Business visa can be extended for up to 2 years after the original visa duration of 3 years.

Your visa can be extended for 3 years if your previous Representative of an Overseas Business visa was issued before 1 October 2009.

You can apply to settle once you have been in the UK for 5 years and you have an ongoing job with the same company.

Fees

For each person applying, you’ll need to pay:

£704 to extend this visa

the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay

£19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken

How to extend your visa

You must apply online.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you’re applying to extend your visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks.

You’ll 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)

Family members

Your family members (‘dependants’) can come with you when you come to the UK on this visa.

A ‘dependant’ is any of the following:

your husband, wife or partner

your child under 18

Your husband, wife or partner cannot come to the UK as your dependant if they own or control a majority of the overseas business you will be representing.

Dependants applying from outside the UK

Your family members must apply online.

They’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of their application.

They may be able to get their visa faster or other services depending on what country they’re in - check with the visa application centre.

Dependants applying from inside the UK

Your dependants can apply to extend or switch their visas to stay with you if they’re already in the UK. They must apply online.

It’s best to submit your dependants’ applications at the same time as yours.

Members of your family cannot apply in the UK as your dependant if they hold a visitor visa.

Get help to apply online

Your family can get help with completing the online form if they:

do not have internet access

Your family can only use this service if they’re applying to extend or switch to your visa in the UK.

Children born while you’re in the UK

If you have children while you’re in the UK, you can apply online to add them to your visa as your dependant.

You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with them.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

Using a solicitor or an agent

You can use a solicitor or other agent to help with your application or extension.

They must be registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), unless they are exempt.

Application decisions will be sent to your representative, provided they are registered or permitted to give immigration advice.

Exemptions from OISC registration

An adviser who is a member of one of the following professional bodies (or working under their supervision) does not need to be registered with the OISC:

Law Society

Law Society in Scotland

Law Society in Northern Ireland

Institute of Legal Executives

Faculty of Advocates

General Council of the Bar

General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland

Members of the following UK bodies (or advisers working under their supervision) are also exempt:

state education institutions and their student unions

health sector bodies

employers giving immigration advice to their employees or prospective employees only

Advisers from outside the UK

You can use an adviser who is not in the UK. They do not need to be registered with the OISC.

Passports or other travel documents cannot be sent or returned to advisers outside the UK.


Turkish Businessperson visa

Overview

You can apply to extend your Turkish Businessperson visa if you already have permission to stay in the UK as a Turkish Businessperson.

You can:

continue running your business in the UK, and start another one

continue to help run an established business in the UK

You must meet the eligibility requirements.

New applications for the Turkish Businessperson visa have closed. Only children under 21 (‘child dependants’) can apply to join you in the UK on this visa.

Eligibility

You can only extend your visa if you’re already in the UK.
You’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements to extend your visa.

How long you can stay

You can apply to extend your visa for up to 3 years.

If you want to stay longer in the UK

You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.

How to apply

You must apply to extend your visa online.

Your partner and children (‘dependants’) can apply separately to extend their dependant visas, if they already have them.

If your children or your partner’s children want to join you from outside the UK, they’ll need to apply as your dependants.

How long it takes

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa extension within 6 months.

How much it costs

There’s no fee to apply to extend your visa.

What you can and cannot do

With a Turkish Businessperson visa extension you can:

keep running your business in the UK, and start another one

keep being a partner in an existing business which you’ll have an active part in running

apply to extend your stay if you meet the eligibility requirements

study

do voluntary work

apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the other eligibility requirements

You cannot:

apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension

change jobs or employer

If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Turkish Businessperson visa.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for an extension of your Turkish Businessperson visa you need to:

have a valid Turkish Businessperson visa

show you have not broken any immigration laws

keep running a viable business

keep being able to pay your share of the costs of running the business

show that your share of the profits continue to be enough to support you and your family without your needing to have another job

If you are part of an existing partnership or company you’ll need to show that you still have an active part in running the business.

Documents you’ll need to apply

When you apply to extend your visa you’ll need to provide:

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

proof that you can support and house yourself and your dependants during your stay, for example bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months

proof of your living costs, such as a tenancy agreement, mortgage agreement, utility bills, council tax statement, bank statements, documents relating to transfer of money to relatives abroad

proof of state benefits you’ve received in the UK

a biometric residence permit showing your Turkish Businessperson visa

your police registration certificate

You’ll need to have a blank page in your passport on which to put the visa.

You may be asked to get a police certificate for yourself and your family in the UK if you or they don’t already have one.

Proof for your business

You should provide proof that you’re currently running your business

If you’re continuing to run a business or partnership

You may need to provide proof such as:

insurance documents

business accounts prepared by a chartered accountant or approved by an auditor

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) documents (including evidence of payment)

qualifications for running the business, such as relevant formal qualifications or evidence of previous relevant experience

evidence of your finances and your investment in the business, such as UK or overseas bank statements, overseas money transfers, and bank loans

evidence of any financial assistance from a third party (for example family member), such as bank statements or other financial documents as evidence of their finances, and a legal or other document confirming their involvement in and share of the business

a document setting out the terms of your involvement in the business

If you’re establishing another business or partnership

You may need to provide proof such as:

a business plan

evidence you are investing money of your own into the new business

documents for your business premises

partnership agreements

Extend your visa

You can usually apply to extend a Turkish Businessperson visa if you’re in the UK and all of the following are true:

your business is still going

you’re still able to pay your share of the costs of running the business (its liabilities)

your share of the profits will be enough to support you and your dependants without you needing to have another job

Your partner or children will need to apply separately, including children who have turned 21 during your stay.

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.

Fees

There’s no fee to apply to extend your visa.

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:

give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

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

Apply to extend your Turkish Businessperson 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

Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months of your application date.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

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.

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to extend their permission to stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible. To do this, they must have a valid dependant visa.

Your children or those of your partner can apply to come to the UK if you have a Turkish Worker visa. They’ll need to apply for a visa as your dependant.

If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 21 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 21 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

Your child

Your child must:

live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their university or college

Documents you must provide

For each family member in the UK applying to extend you must have:

a biometric residence permit (BRP) showing their current dependant visa

proof that you have sole responsibility for any dependants aged under 21 if the other parent will not be in the UK, for example written permission or relevant legal documents

If your dependant is in the UK and was asked to register with the police when they arrived, you must also provide their police registration certificate.

Applying inside the UK (extend)

Your partner or children who are already in the UK can apply to extend their visa.

You can either:

include your dependants on your visa extension application

ask your dependant to apply separately

How to apply

If the dependant is your partner, they must apply online as a partner.

You need to apply online for your child.

They’ll need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

Proving their identity

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to prove their identity. They’ll either:

have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity document - they’ll also create or sign in to their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

They’ll be told what they need to do when they apply.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 6 months.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Applying from outside the UK

Your children or those of your partner can apply to come to the UK if you have a Turkish Businessperson visa. They’ll need to apply for a visa as your dependant.

If you’re already in the UK and want your child to join you, they must apply online for a dependant visa.

Proving their identity

How long it takes to get a decision

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their dependant visa. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply for their dependant visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.