If you are a partner or child under 18 of a sole representative of an overseas business, you may be eligible to apply for an entry clearance under the Sole Representative Dependant Visa category. This application is assessed according to the requirements outlined in Appendix Representative of an Overseas Business within the UK Immigration Rules. Upon approval, the applicant will receive leave to enter the UK, aligned with the validity period of the main applicant’s (sole representative) visa.

Aden & Co Solicitors are leading UK immigration experts, renowned for providing exceptional visa and immigration legal services. Our highly qualified and experienced team has earned a stellar reputation, reflected in a 5-star Google rating from 99% of our satisfied clients.

Our dedicated team of dependant visa specialists offers expert guidance and representation on a fixed-fee basis for Sole Representative Dependant Visa applications. You can easily seek free initial advice from our immigration experts online or schedule a consultation for comprehensive legal support tailored to your application needs.

Eligibility Criteria for Dependants of UK Ancestry

Dependants of individuals holding UK Ancestry status may include:

• Spouse or Civil Partner: The legal husband, wife, or civil partner of the individual with UK Ancestry.
• Unmarried or Same-Sex Partner: A long-term partner in a genuine relationship akin to marriage with the individual holding UK Ancestry.
• Child Under 18 Years: Biological or adopted children of the UK Ancestry holder who are under the age of 18.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria for Sole Representative Dependant Visa Entry Clearance

To qualify for a Sole Representative Dependant Visa, the applicant must meet the following stringent requirements:

• Submission of a Valid Application
  Applicants must ensure their entry clearance application for the Sole Representative Dependant Visa is valid and complies with all procedural standards.
• Sponsoring Sole Representative’s Status
  The applicant must demonstrate their relationship with a Sole Representative who:
  • Has either submitted a valid application for entry clearance as a Sole Representative of an overseas business, which is pending a decision; or
  • Already holds entry clearance or permission to stay in the UK as a Sole Representative.

• Suitability Assessment
  Applicants must meet the suitability requirements outlined in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules, ensuring they do not fall under any grounds for refusal.
• Relationship Criteria
  The applicant must prove their relationship with the sponsoring Sole Representative as specified in the Immigration Rules under Appendix Representative of an Overseas Business.
• Ownership Restrictions
  The applicant must not hold a majority stake, ownership, or controlling interest in the overseas business represented by the sponsoring Sole Representative. This restriction applies to shareholding, partnership agreements, sole proprietorships, or any similar arrangements.
• Age and Child Care Arrangements
  For child applicants:

• • They must be under 18 years of age.
  • Suitable care arrangements must be in place to ensure their well-being.

• Financial Evidence
  Applicants must provide proof of sufficient funds to support themselves, the sponsoring Sole Representative, and any dependents without relying on public funds. These requirements are detailed in Appendix Finance of the Immigration Rules.
• Tuberculosis Test Certificate
  Where applicable, a valid Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate must be submitted in compliance with Appendix T of the Immigration Rules.

Relationship Criteria for a Dependent Child in the UK

To qualify as a dependent child under UK immigration rules, the applicant must meet specific relationship requirements. The sponsoring individual must be the partner of the applicant and fulfill one of the following conditions:

• The sponsoring sole representative currently holds leave to remain in the UK under the Representative of an Overseas Business visa category.
• The sponsoring sole representative is simultaneously applying for, and is granted, leave to enter or remain in the UK under the Representative of an Overseas Business route.

Unmarried or Non-Civil Partnership Relationships
If the applicant and the sponsoring sole representative are not married or in a civil partnership, the following additional conditions must be satisfied:

• They must have lived together in a committed relationship akin to marriage or a civil partnership for at least two years prior to the date of application.
• Any previous relationships of either the applicant or the sponsoring sole representative must have permanently ended.
• They must not be closely related to the extent that marriage or forming a civil partnership would be prohibited under UK laws.

Genuineness and Intentions
The relationship between the applicant and the sponsoring sole representative must be authentic and ongoing. Both parties must demonstrate a clear intention to reside together in the UK throughout the applicant’s permitted stay.

Dependent Child Relationship Criteria for the Representative of an Overseas Business Route
For a dependent child to qualify under the Representative of an Overseas Business route, the applicant must be the child of the sponsoring sole representative. Additionally, one of the following conditions must be met:

• The sponsoring sole representative holds valid permission under the Representative of an Overseas Business route; or
• The sponsoring sole representative is concurrently applying for, and granted, permission under the same route.

Both parents of the applicant must either be applying alongside the child or already hold permission to remain in the UK (excluding visitor status). However, there are exceptions:

• The parent applying for or holding entry clearance or permission under the Representative of an Overseas Business route is the child’s sole surviving parent; or
• The parent applying for or holding entry clearance or permission under the Representative of an Overseas Business route holds sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing; or
• The parent without permission under the Representative of an Overseas Business route is a British citizen, or someone entitled to enter or remain in the UK without restrictions, and is, or will be, ordinarily resident in the UK; or
• The decision-maker is satisfied there are serious and compelling circumstances that warrant the child’s entry clearance or permission to stay with the parent holding permission under the Representative of an Overseas Business route.

Child Age and Care Requirements for Immigration Applications

To meet the eligibility criteria, a child must be under the age of 18 on the application date, unless they were previously granted permission as a dependent child of one or both parents. If the child is aged 16 or over at the time of the application, they must not be living independently.

For applicants under 18, appropriate arrangements for the child’s care and accommodation within the UK must be in place. These arrangements must adhere to UK laws and regulations to ensure the child’s welfare.

Financial Requirements for Immigration Applications

The decision maker must be satisfied that the applicant or their Overseas Business Representative has the financial capability to adequately maintain and accommodate the applicant, as well as any dependants, in the UK. This must be done without reliance on public funds. The necessary funds must be evidenced as outlined in the financial requirements section of Appendix Finance.

Overseas Business Ownership Requirement

The applicant must not hold a majority stake in, or have control over, the overseas business they represent. This includes ownership through shareholding, partnership agreements, sole proprietorship, or any other form of control. The role of Sole Representative should be independent of any significant ownership or control over the business.

Terms and Conditions of Grant for Leave to Enter

A partner will receive leave to enter, which will expire on the same date as the leave granted to the Representative of an Overseas Business.

A dependent child will be granted permission that expires on the same date as the earliest of their parents’ permissions.

The grant will be subject to the following conditions:

• No access to public funds;
• Employment, including self-employment and voluntary work, is allowed, except for positions as a professional sportsperson (including sports coaches);
• Study is permitted, subject to the ATAS condition outlined in Appendix ATAS.

How Aden & Co Solicitors Can Assist You

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our dedicated team of immigration specialists is committed to providing expert legal counsel and representation for your entry clearance application on a fixed fee basis. Our fixed fee covers all services related to your entry clearance application, ensuring a comprehensive approach until a decision is made by the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO). Our immigration solicitors will handle all aspects of your case, including:

Expert Guidance on Requirements: Our solicitors will provide clear, tailored advice on the specific requirements necessary for the success of your entry clearance application.

Document Preparation Assistance: We will send you a detailed list of the essential documents required to support your application, ensuring your submission meets all criteria.

Thorough Document Assessment: Our team will meticulously review your documents to ensure full compliance with the Immigration Rules, giving your entry clearance application the best chance of success.

Application Form Completion: Our experts will accurately complete the relevant online application form on your behalf, ensuring all details are correctly filled in.

Priority Service Submission: Whenever possible, we will submit your application through the Priority Service to expedite the decision-making process.

Biometrics Appointment Booking: Following the submission of your entry clearance application, we will book your biometrics appointment at the application centre, facilitating the next step in the process.

Comprehensive Cover Letter Preparation: Aden & Co Solicitors will draft a detailed cover letter to accompany your application, ensuring that all legal requirements are clearly explained and addressed to maximize your chances of approval.

Online Document Submission: Prior to your biometrics enrolment, we will upload all necessary supporting documents to the relevant online portal, ensuring complete and timely submission.

Ongoing Follow-up: Our team will provide diligent follow-up, keeping track of the application process until the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) renders a decision on your case.

Fixed Fees for Dependant Visa Applications with Aden & Co Solicitors

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer transparent, fixed fees for dependant visa applications to help you navigate the immigration process with confidence. Our fees are structured to cover the full scope of services until a decision is made by the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) or other relevant authorities. Below is a detailed breakdown of our fixed fee structure:

Please note that the final fee will depend on the complexity and volume of the casework involved. Additionally, applicants will be responsible for the Home Office UKVI application fees, which are separate from our fixed fees.