Who is this visa for?

This route is for a media representative who is an employee of an overseas media organisation posted to the United Kingdom on a long-term assignment.

If you’re a representative of an overseas business planning to set up its first UK branch, apply for a UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) instead.

If you’re already in the UK as a sole representative, you can still apply to extend your stay.

What are the basic eligibility requirements?

• You can apply as a representative of an overseas business if you’re an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency, or broadcasting organisation posted on a long-term assignment to the UK.
• Media Representative applicants must be based mainly in the UK and be working on a UK long-term assignment. Applicants are usually journalists, but may be other employees, for example: producers, news cameramen, or front-of-camera personnel.
• In order to qualify as a media representative, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
  • be recruited and employed outside the UK by a company whose headquarters and principal place of business are outside the UK;
  • provide confirmation that they will be representing the parent company in the UK in a long term, full-time role;
  • provide a full description of the parent company’s activities, including details of assets and accounts; and
  • provide evidence to show they can afford to live in the UK, for example copies of bank statements.
• The applicant may need to prove their knowledge of the English language when they apply.
  • You can prove your knowledge of English by either:
    • passing an approved English language test with at least CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening
    • having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD

How long can I stay in the UK?

If the applicant is applying for entry clearance as a Media Representative or is applying for permission to stay as a Media Representative and does not have, or did not last have, permission on the Representative of an Overseas Business route they will be granted permission for a period not exceeding 3 years.

If the applicant has or last had, permission under the Representative of an Overseas Business route, they will be granted permission for a period not exceeding 2 years.