If you are already in the UK and meet the necessary criteria, you can apply to switch to a Sole Representative Dependant Visa within the country. The application process for switching to this visa is conducted online via the Home Office UKVI website, in accordance with the guidelines outlined in Appendix Representative of an Overseas Business. If the applicant is applying as a dependent partner, they must be at least 18 years old on the application date. Additionally, applicants can expedite their decision by using the Priority or Super Priority Services available for quicker processing.

Aden & Co Solicitors are renowned for their expertise in UK immigration law. The exceptional quality of legal services provided by our highly skilled and experienced immigration solicitors is reflected in the consistently positive feedback from our clients, with 99% of them awarding us 5-star ratings on Google Reviews.

Our expert team of dependant visa solicitors is equipped to offer professional immigration advice and legal representation for your application to switch to a Sole Representative Dependant Visa, all on a fixed-fee basis. Whether you need a quick answer to your queries or an in-depth consultation, you can reach out to our specialists for free online advice or book an appointment for a comprehensive session regarding your application process.

Which Family Members Can Qualify for a Dependant Visa?

The following family members of the sole representative of an overseas business are eligible to switch to a dependant visa:

• Spouse or Civil Partner: The husband, wife, or civil partner of the sole representative of an overseas business.
• Unmarried or Same-Sex Partner: An unmarried or same-sex partner of the sole representative of an overseas business.
• Children under 18: The child(ren) of the sole representative, aged under 18 years.

Additionally, if the dependant child is over 18 years old but previously held a dependant visa before turning 18, they may still be eligible to stay in the UK under the same status.

Eligibility Requirements for Switching to a Sole Representative Dependant Visa

To qualify for switching to a sole representative dependant visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Valid Application: A complete and valid application for switching to the sole representative dependant visa must be submitted.
• Immigration Status Requirement: The applicant must meet the necessary immigration status conditions required for switching to this visa.
• Relationship Requirement: The applicant must prove their relationship to the sole representative of the overseas business, as outlined in Appendix Representative of an Overseas Business under the Immigration Rules.
• Partner Age Requirement: If applying as a dependant partner, the applicant must be 18 years or older at the time of application.
• Child Age and Care Requirement: If applying as a dependant child, the applicant must be under 18 years old on the date of application, unless they were granted a dependant visa as a child of the sole representative previously. Additionally, there must be suitable arrangements for the child’s care and accommodation in the UK, in compliance with relevant UK legislation and regulations.
• Suitability Requirement: The applicant must not fall under any grounds for refusal listed in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules.
• Financial Requirement: The applicant must demonstrate adequate financial resources to support themselves and their dependants in the UK without access to public funds.
• Immigration Law Compliance: The applicant must not have violated any immigration laws, except in cases where paragraph 39E applies, which allows for disregarding overstays during certain periods. Applicants must also not be on immigration bail.

Immigration Status Requirements for Switching Application

For an individual seeking permission to remain in the UK, it is essential to meet specific immigration status criteria on the application date. The applicant must be physically present in the UK at the time of application and must not have been granted, nor currently hold, permission under any of the following categories:

• Visitor visa
• Short-term student visa
• Parent of a child student visa
• Seasonal Worker visa
• Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa
• Any status outside the Immigration Rules

Relationship Requirements for Dependent Partners of Sole Representatives

To apply as a dependent partner of a sponsoring sole representative, the applicant must meet specific relationship requirements based on the sponsoring representative’s immigration status. One of the following conditions must apply:

• The sponsoring sole representative holds a valid sole representative visa.
• The sponsoring sole representative is applying for, and being granted, further leave to remain under the sole representative visa route.
• The sponsoring sole representative is either settled in the UK or has acquired British citizenship, provided that they held a valid sole representative visa when they settled, and the applicant had been granted permission as their partner during that period.

In cases where the applicant and sole representative partner are neither married nor in a civil partnership, the following conditions must also be met:

• They must have cohabited in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for a minimum of two years before the application date.
• Any prior relationship involving either the applicant or the sole representative partner must have permanently ended.
• The applicant and their sole representative partner must not be closely related in a way that would prohibit marriage or the formation of a civil partnership under UK law.

The relationship between the applicant and the sponsoring sole representative must be genuine and ongoing. Both parties must intend to live together throughout the applicant’s stay in the UK.

Relationship Requirements for a Dependent Child of a Sole Representative Visa Holder

For a dependent child of a Sole Representative visa holder, the applicant must be the biological child of the sponsor, and one of the following criteria must be met:

• The sponsoring Sole Representative holds valid permission under the Sole Representative visa route; or
• The sponsoring Sole Representative is simultaneously applying for, and has been granted, further leave to remain under the Sole Representative visa route.

Additionally, both of the child’s parents must meet one of the following conditions:

They must be applying alongside the child or already possess valid permission to reside in the UK (excluding Visitor status); unless:

• The parent applying for, or holding, entry clearance or permission to remain as a Sole Representative is the only surviving parent; or
• The parent applying for, or holding, entry clearance or permission as a Sole Representative has full responsibility for the child’s care and upbringing; or
• The non-Sole Representative parent is:

• • • A British citizen or a person entitled to enter or stay in the UK without restrictions; and
    • Is or will be ordinarily resident in the UK; or

• The decision-maker is satisfied that serious and compelling reasons exist for granting the child entry clearance or permission to remain with the parent applying for or holding Sole Representative status.

If the applicant is a child born in the UK to a Sole Representative or their partner, a full UK birth certificate listing both parents’ names must be submitted.

Age and Care Requirements for a Child

To qualify for entry, the child must be under the age of 18 at the time of application, unless they were previously granted permission as the dependent of their parent or parents. If the child is 16 or older at the time of application, they must not be living an independent life.

For applicants under 18, arrangements must be made to ensure suitable care and accommodation in the UK. These arrangements must comply with all relevant UK laws and regulations regarding child welfare.

Financial Requirements

The decision-maker must be convinced that the applicant, or the representative of an overseas business, has the financial means to support themselves and any dependents in the UK without recourse to public funds. This includes ensuring that adequate accommodation and financial provision are in place. The specific financial criteria are outlined in Appendix Finance.

Grant Period and Conditions

A partner will be granted permission for either:

• The same duration as the permission granted to the Representative of an Overseas Business; or
• A 2-year grant if the Representative of an Overseas Business is, or has been, granted settlement status.

A dependent child will be granted permission for the same duration as the parent with the shortest remaining permission, unless both parents have been granted settlement or British citizenship. In this case, the child will receive permission for 30 months.

The grant will be subject to the following conditions:

• No access to public funds.
• Permission to work, including self-employment and voluntary work, with the exception of working as a professional sportsperson (including as a coach).
• Permission to study, subject to compliance with the ATAS conditions outlined in Appendix ATAS.

Expedited Service for Switching to Sole Representative Dependant Visa

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our expert team of immigration lawyers is dedicated to providing a fast-track visa service to expedite the decision-making process on your application. With our Priority and Super Priority services, you can avoid the long waiting times that typically extend for months or even years.

Our fast-track immigration solicitors are proficient in preparing and submitting your application under the Priority or Super Priority service, ensuring a quicker decision on your visa application.

As authorized immigration specialists based in London, we are fully registered with the Home Office, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), and its commercial partners UKVCAS Sopra Steria. This enables us to offer Priority and Super Priority services for your application, ensuring that the Home Office processes your application swiftly. An application through the Priority Service generally results in a decision within 5 working days, while the Super Priority Service typically offers a decision by the end of the next working day (within 24 hours).

One-Off Service for Application Submission via Super Priority Service

Our team of fast-track immigration solicitors also offers a one-off service to submit your completed UK visa and immigration application through the Priority or Super Priority Service, ensuring a faster decision. This service operates on a ‘no submission, no fee’ basis. If we fail to submit your application via Priority or Super Priority Service within 48 hours of payment, we will refund the full amount paid, with no deductions.

We offer this service under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). If we do not submit your application within 48 hours, we will return the entire fee paid. However, if the submission is successful within the given time frame, we will charge a fixed fee of £250 + VAT (£300 including VAT) under the CFA, which you will sign prior to proceeding with the service.

How We Can Assist You with Your Dependant Visa Application

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our experienced team of family visa experts is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive immigration advice and legal representation throughout the process of switching to a dependant visa. We offer fixed-fee services to ensure you have the support you need every step of the way. From the initial consultation to the final decision from the Home Office UKVI, our solicitors will handle all aspects of your dependant visa application. The services we offer in relation to your dependant visa application include:

• Expert Guidance on Visa Requirements:
  Our family visa solicitors will provide you with clear and detailed advice on the necessary requirements for a successful dependant visa application.
• Document Preparation and Guidance:
  We will prepare and send you a tailored list of documents required to support your dependant visa application, ensuring all paperwork is in order.
• Document Evaluation:
  Our immigration lawyers will carefully review your submitted documents to ensure they align with the Home Office immigration rules, preventing delays or refusals in the application process.
• Completion of Application Forms:
  Our legal team will accurately complete the necessary application forms for your dependant visa switch, ensuring every section is filled in compliance with the requirements.
• Priority Service Submission:
  Should you choose to expedite your application, our solicitors will submit your dependant visa application via the Priority or Super Priority Service, allowing you to receive a decision within 24 hours.
• Appointment Scheduling for Biometrics:
  Once your online application is submitted, we will coordinate the scheduling of your biometrics appointment with the application centre, ensuring timely submission of your biometric data.
• Comprehensive Cover Letter:
  A detailed cover letter will be crafted by our immigration experts to accompany your dependant visa application, clearly outlining the legal grounds for approval, tailored to your individual case.
• Online Document Upload:
  Before your biometrics enrolment, our team will upload all supporting documents to the Home Office portal, ensuring all necessary paperwork is considered in your application process.
• Ongoing Case Management:
  Our solicitors will continue to monitor your dependant visa application, providing follow-up support until a final decision is made by the Home Office UKVI.

One-Time Services for Dependant Visa Switch Application

If you prefer not to opt for our comprehensive service for your dependant visa switch application, Aden & Co Solicitors are pleased to offer an array of specialized one-off legal services. Our experienced team provides tailored solutions to meet your specific needs throughout the application process. Below are the individual services we offer for your dependant visa switch application:

Fixed Fees for Dependant Visa Applications at Aden & Co Solicitors

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer transparent and competitive fixed fees for dependant visa applications. Below are the details of our fees:

The final agreed fee is based on the complexity and scope of your application. In addition to our fixed fees, applicants are required to pay the relevant Home Office UKVI fees for the application.