Changes to Visitor Visa rules

The UK standard Visitor Visa allows holders to visit the UK as a visitor for tourism, business, and study courses for up to 6 months, as well as other permitted activities.

The terms of the Visitor Visa have been revised as part of a broader review of the immigration system. This has resulted in a wider range of permitted activities that can be undertaken by the holder of a visitor visa.

From January 31st, 2024, several current restrictions will be lifted from the terms of UK Visitors Visas. The expansion of permitted activities falls into two categories:

Intra-Corporate Activities

Individuals who are employed overseas and who visit a group business in the UK will now be allowed to carry out a range of activities directly with clients during their stay. These include:

● Advising & Consulting
● Trouble Shooting
● Providing Training
● Sharing skills & Knowledge

All of these activities can only be carried out to deliver a project or service on behalf of the UK group business. They cannot be carried out for the overseas business for which the visa holder normally works. The activities must be incidental to the visa holder’s employment abroad.

This removes previous restrictions on carrying out work-related duties and intra-corporate activities. These restrictions were widely seen as unnecessarily restrictive and complex.

Remote Working

The rules around remote working are also being amended to confirm and clarify what is currently only contained in the guidance. The new rules allow visitors to work remotely on activities related to their overseas employment but these activities must not be the primary purpose of their visit.

The new rule provides clarity around the extent to which a visitor can engage in work activities for their overseas employer while they are visiting the UK on holiday or a business trip. Currently, the guidance permits activities that relate to the visa holder’s overseas employment, such as answering phone calls or responding to emails. The new rules contain no limitations on what work tasks the visa holder can carry out remotely on behalf of their overseas employer.

Why are the rules changing?

The rules are changing to bring extra clarity to the range of work-related permitted activities. It also makes it easier for people to work temporarily in the UK for an overseas employer and UK group business on a Visitor Visa.

Immigration advice & support from BS Consulting

At BS Consulting, our experienced team of immigration and settlement consultants can help you negotiate the complexities of the UK immigration system and answer your questions about Visitor Visas.

Contact us today to find out more about our services and how we can help.