Business Immigration
Business visitors
There is no separate business visitor visa. Business activities are normally undertaken under the Standard Visitor route, and the traveller must fall within the permitted activities.
The line between a permitted business activity and work is narrower than most organisations expect, and getting it wrong affects the traveller and the host business.
Who this is for
- UK organisations hosting overseas colleagues or clients
- overseas businesses sending staff to the UK for meetings or training
- employers unsure whether a short project needs sponsorship
- travellers who have previously been refused or questioned on arrival
Key considerations
- the activity falls within the permitted activities in the Visitor Rules
- the person is a genuine visitor and intends to leave at the end of the visit
- the person is not filling a role or providing ordinary services to a UK business
- any payment arrangement fits a specific permitted exception
- the correct permission is held before travel, whether a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation
Evidence and information commonly required
- the purpose and duration of the visit
- invitation and meeting or event details
- evidence of overseas employment or business activity
- funding, accommodation and return arrangements
- documents showing the activity is permitted
What is actually needed depends on your circumstances. We confirm the list with you before anything is prepared.
How the process works
- Step 1
Review the position
We look at the organisation, the roles involved and what has already been done, so advice is based on the actual position rather than assumptions.
- Step 2
Identify the requirements
We set out what the Home Office will expect to see and where the evidence or the internal position needs work.
- Step 3
Prepare the submission
We help prepare the application, supporting documents and the internal record keeping that sits behind it.
- Step 4
Deal with what follows
We advise on requests for further information, compliance activity and any conditions attached to the outcome.
Issues that may need closer attention
- work carried out for a UK entity under the description of a business visit
- payment from a UK source outside a permitted arrangement
- repeated or long visits that look like living in the UK
- remote working treated as the main purpose of the visit
- reliance on out-of-date visa-national or ETA assumptions
How UKU can help
- assessing the position before anything is submitted
- identifying issues that could affect the outcome
- preparing the application and supporting evidence
- advising on internal processes and record keeping
- responding to Home Office queries or compliance activity
Common questions
Current guidance on business activities under the Standard Visitor route.
Related services
Back to Business ImmigrationThis page is general information about UK immigration and is not advice on your individual circumstances. Requirements, guidance and procedures change. Please obtain advice before relying on anything published here.
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