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Written question asked by Daniel Kawczynski (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 January 2013, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 January 2013. It was answered by Lord Harper (Conservative) on Friday, 25 January 2013 on behalf of the Home Office.

Entry Clearances: Business

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how her Department distinguishes between people who want to obtain UK visas for (a) business purposes and (b) other reasons.

[137992]

Answer

Different visit categories for visa purposes are outlined in the Immigration Rules. The business visit category outlines permitted activities for film crews, news media, academic and religious workers, consultants, trainers as well as listing permitted categories for general business purposes such as attending meetings or arranging deals.

Those who want to invest in the UK by setting up or taking over, and being actively involved in running of, a business or businesses may enter the UK by applying for tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa.

Student graduates may also apply for a tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa if they have outstanding business ideas that they wish to put into practice.

Other reasons for visits are also outlined in legislation. We have separate visa categories for:

Visiting friends/tourism

Student visa

Sportsperson

Entertainer

Marriage/Civil partnership

Medical treatment

Transiting the UK

Details of each category can be found on the UK Border Agency website at:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
137992; 557 c507W
Session
2012-13
Subjects
Business Entry clearances
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk