Visitors

The Points Based Scheme is not concerned with visitors. Current rules for visiting the UK are subject to review; consultation and significant change in 2009. Sponsorship licences may then be required for family visitors, but not for business visitors.

All visitors must establish that their entry will not exceed six months; that they will not take employment; establish a business; provide services or sell goods or services to the public; and can maintain and accommodate themselves without recourse to public funds. Special requirements are listed for certain types of visitor.

Business Visitors are permitted to transact business in the UK, to attend business meetings, briefings, fact finding; negotiating and making contracts. They should be in a position to demonstrate that their business is based outside the UK and will not be transferred even temporarily to the UK. They may receive salary/drawings from abroad and may receive expenses in UK for travel and subsistence. No income however, is permitted from UK sources.

Difficult dividing lines may need to be drawn with care between transacting business and establishing a business UKBA accept however that delivering international goods or passengers, non-commercial conference speakers, representatives of non-UK businesses coming to advise, troubleshoot, install software or heavy machinery, fall within the existing rules.

Refusals of visit visa do not attract appeal rights except for family applicants. MfB can advise and assist with preparation and applications before formal pre-assessment; generating or evaluating support documentation; assisting with reviews and if necessary judicial reviews.