The Permitted Paid Engagement visa is suitable for undertaking short-term, high-value paid engagements directly related to your area of expertise in your home country.
The Home Office thoroughly evaluates applications for Permitted Paid Engagement visas. Therefore, it is essential to understand the visa’s criteria and application processes for a successful outcome.
What is the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa for Business Contributors?
The Permitted Paid Engagement visa permits you to work in the UK for a paid short-term project related to your qualifications and a full-time job in your home country. An eligible UK-based organisation or client must have invited you to the UK before you can apply for the visa. Established professionals who qualify for the visa include:
- Professional sportspeople
- Professional artists, musicians, or entertainers
- Lawyers
- Senior academics
- Air pilot examiners with the required certifications
- Top professionals in most fields who are attending a conference in the UK
The Permitted Paid Engagement visa is valid for up to six months; however, your engagement must not exceed your first 30 days in the UK. While you cannot undertake a permitted paid engagement after 30 days, you can continue to stay in the UK under the conditions of the Standard Visitor visa.
This short-term visa only applies to visa-required nationals under UK immigration law. Nationals of a visa–exempt country can apply for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to undertake short-term engagements. However, border authorities will still assess whether they meet the requirements based on their proposed engagement in the UK.
Permitted and Restricted Engagements Under the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
The Permitted Paid Engagement visa permits several activities, including:
- Taking part in a short-term sporting event, such as an exhibition match or athletics tournament.
- Performing at a concert, acting as a judge in a talent show, or giving a paid talk related to their field of expertise.
- Representing a client in a UK court tribunal or hearing
- Giving a series of talks or lectures related to your area of expertise
- Attending a conference
- Examining UK pilots as an air pilot examiner
Under the Permitted Paid Engagement visa, you cannot:
- Undertake an internship or placement,
- Take employment
- Establish or run a self-employed business
- Undertake an internship or placement
- Sell goods and services in the UK.
- Undertake long-term, repeated, or ongoing activities.
- Participate in short-term work outside the engagement.
- Study short-term courses
You can attend job interviews on the Permitted Paid Engagement visa. However, if you secure a job, you will need to leave the UK, apply for a relevant work visa, and re-enter the country. The route also permits you to work remotely in the UK, but it should not be the primary purpose of your visa.
Eligibility Requirements for the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
To apply for the Permitted Paid Engagement visa, you must:
- Be a minimum of 18 years old and based in the UK at the time of the application
- Demonstrate the ability to cater for yourself during your stay in the UK.
- Demonstrate compellingly to the Home Office that your purpose of travel is to undertake permitted paid engagements
- Prove that you will depart the UK at the end of your stay by showing a connection to your country of residence
- Have a good character record.
- Ensure that your application does not fall under the general refusal grounds, such as having a criminal history, a serious medical condition, or being currently subject to a ban from entering the UK.
Required Documents for Applying for the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
The Home Office will require you to submit documentation to support your suitability for the visa. Your circumstances may influence the specific documents you need, but here are the ones you will typically require.
- Passport
- Documents detailing your itinerary
- An invitation letter or document that clearly specifies the engagement’s date, purpose, and location
- Your CV, portfolio, publications, or professional accreditation
- Bank statements, payslips, or tax documents
Application Process for the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
You must apply for the Permitted Paid Engagement visa from outside the UK up to three months before your arrival date. Here is the application process for the visa.
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Check if You Need a Visa
You can check whether you need a visa to enter the UK on the Home Office portal. The portal will ask basic questions about your nationality and the purpose of your visit, and inform you whether you are visa-exempt or require a visa. You can proceed with the application if it is determined that you require a visa.
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Complete the Application Form
Complete the form for the Standard Visitor visa application by providing your personal data, travel history, and work details. Specify appropriately that you intend to travel to the UK for a permitted paid engagement. It is essential to complete the form accurately, as any misinformation may result in the application being refused.
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Pay the Application Fee
Pay the application fee using a debit or credit card. The payment details and receipt will be sent to your email. Print for record-keeping and submission at your biometrics appointment.
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Upload your Documents
You can upload digital copies of your document to the portal after completing your application. Alternatively, you can take them to the visa application centre during your biometrics appointment for submission, although additional charges may apply.
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Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment
Schedule an appointment at a convenient and available VAC centre in your home country. The centre officials will take your biometrics (digital photograph and fingerprints) as part of the application process.
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Await the Decision
The Home Office typically take three weeks to process a Permitted Paid Engagement visa application. Strive to submit an error-free submission to avoid delays. If your application is approved, you will be able to enter the UK.
You cannot appeal a rejected Permitted Paid Engagement visa application. However, you can reapply or request an administrative review if the Home Office made a clear error during the review.
The UK Permitted Paid Engagement Visa Fees
Here is a breakdown of the compulsory and optional fees for the UK Permitted Paid Engagement visa.
| Service | Cost |
| Application fee | £115 |
| Expedited processing (optional) | Priority service £500, super priority service: £1,000 |
| Immigration lawyer (optional but strongly advised) | £150 and £500 per hour, or between £800 and upwards of £2,000 for a fixed UK PPE visa application. |
| Document translation | £20 to £50 per page |
| VAC fees | Potentially up to £200 for biometrics, document scanning, courier, SMS notifications, and other services. |
How Immigration Lawyers Can Assist Business Contributors with their Permitted Paid Engagement Visa Applications
Immigration lawyers can provide end-to-end advice on the visa process, including guidance on eligibility assessment, application preparation and strategy, and post-application compliance.
They can provide practical application services to increase your chances of success. Lawyers will assist you in completing relevant application forms and organising supporting documents.
If there is any complexity with your application, immigration lawyers will identify ways to mitigate it and improve your submission.
Conclusion
The Permitted Paid Engagement visa is a compatible option for eligible short-term, high-value business contributors. Review the visa’s criteria and confirm that you qualify before submitting your application. Additionally, follow the appropriate application process and submit relevant documentary evidence.
Furthermore, it is advisable to hire a lawyer to manage the process on your behalf as they have the experience and expertise to maximise your chances of success.
