Business Visa For UK From India: Requirements For Indians

Overview of Business Visas in the UK

The UK offers Business Visas for applicants looking to come to the UK to carry out business-related activities. There are various Business Visa types, which have different requirements and permit varying lengths of stay.

If you’re an Indian citizen planning to travel to the UK for a short period to carry out business-related activity, there are two types of visas you might be eligible to apply for – the Standard Visitor Visa and the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa.

If you’re planning to visit the UK for a period longer than 6 months, there are visas that allow long-term stays if you are coming from India on business-related travel.

Standard Visitor Visa

Overview

Standard Visitor Visa (Short-Term UK Business Visa) is for stays lasting up to 6 months. With this visa, you are permitted to carry out the following activities:

• Attend job interviews and other business-related meetings and activities.
• Meet with clients
• Attend trade fairs to promote business.
• Receive or provide business training.
• Give professional talks
• Carry out site visits and inspections.
• Oversee delivery of goods and services.
• Install, repair, dismantle, service or advise on business equipment, computer software and hardware (if your company in India has a contract with a UK company or organisation).

Please note that with the Standard Visitor Visa, you cannot do paid or unpaid work for a UK-based business or be involved in self-employment. If a UK organisation will offer a financial reward for your professional expertise, you may wish to apply for a Permitted Paid Engagement Visa.

Eligibility Requirements for the UK Standard Visitor Visa from India

To show your eligibility for the Standard Visitor Visa, you must demonstrate that you:

• Intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
• Have the financial resources to support yourself and your dependants during your stay, or you have funding from someone else to support you.
• Have money to pay for your return or onward journey or that your travel is being paid for
• Do not intend to live in the UK on this visa for extended periods or by visiting frequently.

Permitted Paid Engagement

Overview

The Permitted Paid Engagement Visa enables you to visit the UK for up to 1 month to undertake paid work without the need for sponsorship. You must be invited as an expert in your profession by a UK-based organisation or client. You can apply for the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa to the UK as:

• A professional artist, entertainer or musician
• Professional sportsperson
• Lawyer
• Lecturer
• An academic – examiner or assessor
• Air pilot examiner

Eligibility Criteria for the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa

To be eligible for the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa, you must show proof that:

• You are over 18
• Have a formal invitation from a UK-based organisation or client to come to the UK and carry out specific paid work related to your qualification, expertise, or profession in India.
• Are visiting the UK for a maximum of 1 month.
• You will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
• Have enough financial means to support yourself during your stay, or you have someone else to support you.
• Have sufficent money to pay for your return or onward journey, or you have someone who can pay for you.
• You will not live on this visa in the UK for extended periods or settle in the UK.

Innovator Founder Visa

Overview

If you’re planning to come to the UK for longer than 6 months and are an experienced businessperson with an innovative business idea, you might be eligible for the Innovator Founder Visa. With this visa, you do not need a job offer, but you must have knowledge of English and a unique business idea. Additionally, your idea must be assessed by an ‘endorsing body’.

The Innovator Founder Visa is initially valid for 3 years but can be extended as many times as you want, provided you are still an eligible applicant.

Other Requirements for the Innovator Founder Visa

To apply for the Innovator Founder Visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• Demonstrate that you have enough savings to support yourself during your stay in the UK (at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 days before you apply, extend, or switch to the Innovator Visa).

Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent Visa is for leaders or potential leaders in fields such as:

• Academia or research
• Arts or culture
• Digital technology

This type of Business Visa allows you to apply if you’re an employee, self-employed and a company director. You do not need a job offer or knowledge of English to be eligible for the Global Talent Visa. However, you must have successfully applied for an endorsement to prove you are a leader or potential leader. You can also apply without an endorsement if you have won an eligible award.

Once your Global Talent Visa gets approved, it will be valid for up to 5 years with an option to extend.

UK Expansion Worker Visa

Overview

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is for applicants who have not started trading in the UK yet. If you’re from India, you can set up your company’s first branch or subsidiary in the UK.

You must hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship to be eligible for the UK Expansion Worker Visa. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have worked for your employer in India for at least 12 months, have a job listed as an eligible occupation and be paid the minimum eligible salary required for your job.

This visa is initially valid for up to 1 year and can be extended for another year. If you wish to stay longer in the UK, you must switch to a different visa.

Eligibility Criteria for the UK Expansion Worker Visa

To be eligible for the UK Expansion Worker Visa, you must:

• Provide a valid certificate of sponsorship from your employer.
• Demonstrate that you have worked for your employer in India for at least 12 months – you can prove this by submitting printed payslips, online payslips with a letter from your sponsor, or bank statements.
• Carry out work that is on the list of eligible occupations.
• Make the minimum eligible salary required for your job.

India Young Professionals Scheme Visa

Overview

The India Young Professionals Scheme Visa allows eligible applicants to live and work in the UK. It enables you to work in most jobs, be self-employed or establish a business.

To apply, you must be selected in the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot, where the successful entries will be randomly picked.

Eligibility Criteria for the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa

In addition to being successful in the India Professionals Scheme ballot, you must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

• Be an Indian citizen.
• Be between 18 and 30 years old.
• Have an eligible qualification – at Bachelor’s degree level or above.
• Have £2530 in savings to support yourself during your time in the UK
• Not have any children under 18 who live with you or who you’re supporting financially.

Eligibility Requirements for a UK Business Visa

In addition to the requirements specific to the type of Business Visa you want to apply for, you must fulfil the following general visa eligibility requirements:

• Show that you can support yourself and your dependants during your stay in the UK, or submit proof that someone else will fund your trip.
• Have enough money to pay for your return or onward journey, or show that someone else will pay for your return or journey
• Demonstrate that you have no intention of living in the UK for extended periods.
• Have adequate knowledge of the English language (if applicable to the type of Business Visa you are applying for).
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• Demonstrate that you intend to leave the UK when your visit is over.
• Have a clear criminal record
• Be in good health.

Documents Required for a UK Business Visa from India

To apply for a UK Business Visa, you will need to provide the following supporting documents along with the visa application form:

• Passport – must have two blank pages for the visa stamp and must be valid for 6 months over your intended stay in the UK.
• Any previous passports
• Two recent passport photographs
• Invitation letter from a company in the UK (if relevant to the type of Business Visa you apply for) – must mention the details of your stay in the UK and the company’s information.
• Proof of business activities that you will undertake while you stay in the UK
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Medical test results to show that you meet the minimum health requirements – You must have a Tuberculosis (TB) test if you’re coming to the UK for 6 months or more. The clinic in India from which you obtain your TB test certificate must be approved by the Home Office.
• Demostrate your intent to return to India after your stay in the UK is over – you can show that you have strong ties to your home country by submitting a statement from your employer, mortgage documents, homeowners insurance in your name, marriage certificate, student ID, etc.
• Bank Statement to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your stay in the UK.
• Travel-related documents, such as hotel bookings, travel itineraries or accommodation arrangements.
• Proof of Indian Income Tax Returns for the last 3 years to demonstrate that the purpose of your trip is genuinely related to business
• Business/company registration certificate and letter (if you are an owner of a company or are self-employed)

Gathering all of the required documents for your visa application can be complicated. If you are still trying to decide what documents you must provide, contact IAS for advice. Call +44 (0)333 305 9375, or contact us online.

Costs Associated with the UK Business Visa for Indians

In addition to the essential savings you must demonstrate to apply for the UK Business Visa, you must pay a visa application fee. This cost of your Business Visa application will depend on the type of visa you apply for.

The fees for each type of visa are as follows:

• Standard Visitor Visa – £135
• Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor Visa – £135
• Innovator Founder Visa – £1,357
• Global Talent Visa – £766
• UK Expansion Worker Visa – £340
• India Young Professionals Scheme Visa – £340

Additionally, most Business Visas in the UK require applicants to pay for a healthcare surcharge, which usually costs £1035 per year.

Please note that the visa fees change if you apply with your dependants or switch visas while you’re already in the UK.

How to Apply for the UK Business Visa?

To apply for the UK Business Visa, you must first contact your nearest UK Embassy or Consulate in India. The UK Embassy is in New Delhi, and there are consular offices in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

Once you gather all the supporting documents for your application, you must complete the visa application form and submit the documents along with the application.

When your application is complete, you can schedule and attend a visa appointment at the Embassy or Visa Application Centre nearest to you. The purpose of this appointment is to confirm the information you have provided in your visa application and to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and photographs will be taken during this appointment). You must bring your original documents along with you to the visa appointment.

UK Business Visa Processing Time

The processing time for the UK Business Visa can take about 3 weeks. However, this time can be delayed if your application is missing information or documents. The UK Business Visa processing times can be affected if:

• There are inconsistencies in your application
• You do not prove genuine intent for a business trip
• The application is missing the required documentation
• The documents have not been verfied
• There is insufficient prove you have access to the correct financial funds
• You have a criminal record
• You have not attended your visa appointment, or you have yet to attend your visa appointment

How Can IAS Help?

Travelling to the UK on a Business Visa is a popular route for many Indian citizens wishing to work in the UK or establish a new business. However, the Business Visa application process can be time-consuming and stressful, preventing you from travelling to the UK, as well as having an impact on business.

Out team reliable immigration advisers can help you with your visa application process by ensuring you gather the necessary documents and complete your application to the highest standards.

Call IAS today for advice on your Business Visa application +44 (0)333 305 9375, or contact one of our advisers online.