At First Law Solicitors, we provide strategic legal guidance for overseas companies and their representatives who entered the United Kingdom under the former Representative of an Overseas Business Visa category.
While this route closed to new applicants in April 2022, existing visa holders and their dependants continue to enjoy transitional protection. We ensure that their status, rights, and long-term settlement plans remain secure as the Home Office gradually integrates this pathway into the Global Business Mobility (GBM) framework.
The Representative of an Overseas Business Visa was created to allow a senior employee of an overseas company to establish a commercial presence in the UK. The individual acted as the sole representative responsible for opening and operating the UK branch or subsidiary.
Since April 2022, this route has been closed to new entrants and replaced by the UK Expansion Worker route under the Global Business Mobility framework. However, those who obtained their status before the closure can still extend their visa and, in some cases, apply for settlement after five years.
Our solicitors specialise in maintaining continuity of legal residence for these individuals, ensuring compliance with both the original route’s conditions and the transitional rules issued by the Home Office through 2025 and 2026.
Visa holders under this category can still extend their permission to stay, provided they continue to meet the original requirements.
To qualify for an extension, you must show that:
After five years of continuous residence, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain. We prepare detailed applications that demonstrate the continuity of employment, operational activity, and lawful compliance required for settlement approval.
From 2025 onwards, the Home Office began aligning this route with the Global Business Mobility: UK Expansion Worker framework.
This transition affects those who wish to bring additional senior employees to the UK to assist with business development or management. Under the GBM route, the overseas entity must now hold a Sponsor Licence, and the incoming employee must meet the salary and skill requirements defined in Appendix Global Business Mobility.
We guide businesses through this transition, assisting with Sponsor Licence applications, Certificate of Sponsorship allocation, and Skilled Worker integration planning to ensure continuity of UK operations.
Even for those with valid Representative status, compliance remains critical.
The Home Office retains the right to refuse extensions or settlement where there is evidence of:
Our solicitors conduct detailed pre-submission audits to ensure that your financial records, corporate structure, and operational documents meet Home Office evidential expectations.
Family members of existing visa holders continue to enjoy full dependent rights under the transitional rules. Spouses, partners, and children under eighteen can apply for extension or settlement alongside the main applicant.
We provide complete case management for families to ensure consistent visa validity and prevent inadvertent lapses in immigration status.
All Representative of an Overseas Business visa holders now manage their immigration status digitally through the Home Office eVisa platform.
The Data Use and Access Act 2025 provides the legal basis for this digital system, allowing secure identity verification and information sharing between the Home Office and legal representatives.
We ensure that all submissions, evidence uploads, and digital signatures meet the Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) standards recognised by the Home Office under the current digital framework.
Legacy Route Expertise: Few firms retain in-depth experience with the Representative of an Overseas Business Visa. Our solicitors have advised clients on this category since its inception and understand the nuances of transitional protection.
Strategic Transition Planning: We assist businesses in migrating seamlessly from legacy arrangements to the Global Business Mobility framework without disrupting UK operations.
Corporate Integration: We coordinate with accountants, tax advisers, and overseas counsel to ensure that both the UK and parent entities remain compliant with immigration and corporate law requirements.
Data and Security Excellence: All client data is managed under the Data Use and Access Act 2025, using encrypted portals for complete confidentiality and accuracy.
At First Law Solicitors, we do more than manage your visa status. We preserve your organisation’s strategic position within the United Kingdom’s evolving business immigration landscape.
If you are a Representative of an Overseas Business visa holder or are transitioning to the Global Business Mobility route, contact First Law Solicitors today.
Call 0044 161 224 4066
Complete our secure online enquiry form to arrange a confidential consultation with a solicitor.
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