Should I apply for a UK visa to attend an onsite business meeting at a new job?
I'm a software developer working remotely from Nigeria and I started working with a UK company this month after being unemployed for 6+ months. The company is planning an onsite meeting of everyone in the company for November and I was wondering if I should even bother applying since my situation seems so complicated.
My contract explicitly states that I am an "Independent Contractor" so I can't fill "Employed" on the visa application. The next (and what I believe is the correct) option is "Self-Employed" but the guide says I would have to send in supporting documents proving I own a business but, I do not as I work... individually (for lack of a better word). Am I "Unemployed" for this situation?
The company is sponsoring all costs related to the 1 week visit but my personal finances aren't great since I've depleted my savings during the period of unemployment. I have £4000 in "savings" (salary for this month) in Transferwise (which I use to receive GBP payment) and <100K naira in my bank account. My bank account shows a history of supporting a dependent relative but nothing more.
Is there any chance I get the visa even as I'm being invited over or should I forget it? And what are the things I can do to have a stronger case for next time? Register a business?
Best Answer
Since the company is covering all the costs of your trip, I would ask them also to cover the costs of getting a UK solicitor who specialises in this area to prepare your application. We have far too many questions around here where people's immigration records have been ruined for life because their then-current employers played fast and loose with their visa status.
You're travelling as a professional; do it professionally. If your employer won't do this, it is a giant red flag and you should consider your position very carefully.
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Can I enter the UK before my work visa starts?
As part of the visa application you will be asked for your intended travel date to the UK. The visa will then be valid from that travel date, which can be a maximum of 14 days before the employment start date as declared on the CoS. You cannot enter the UK before the start date as recorded on your visa.Can I get a UK work visa without sponsorship?
Can I apply for UK work visa without job offer? There are a number of UK work visas which do not require a job offer from a UK licensed sponsor, including the High Potential Individual visa, the Graduate route and Global Talent visas, although various other route-specific requirements must still be met.Do I need a business visa for the UK?
If you want to work in the UKYou'll need to apply for a work visa. If you're being paid by a UK organisation as an expert in your profession, you may get permission to visit the UK for a Permitted Paid Engagement.How long does it take to get a UK business visa?
You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks once you either attend your appointment at the visa application centre or use the ID Check app, if you are applying for a visa to work or invest in the UK.The Most Generous’ UK visa set for launch In 2022 | Sponsor yourself to the UK | No Job required.
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Answer 2
You are "Self-employed", and you proof this with the contract or/and payments you receive from you "employers" (or bank account where you have regularly payment from the company).. If you should notify somehow your country about your self-employment (taxes, social security, etc.), you will get additional official documents.
I think you should attach some contract/email where there is a long term commitment from the company (e.g. you are committed for a 18 month project, or so). Also if it is not 100% sure, it has some guarantee of your income then most of self-employment jobs.
A warning: you should do an research on internet about your company: there are many scams against foreigners (also because it is difficult (or expensive) to go to court remotely (and foreign people knows much less local laws, and scammers tend to misrepresent it).
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