Limited Company on a Working Holiday Visa

[fooey]

OK cool.

Maybe I didn't make myself clear, I wasn't asking how to dodge the rule, but for a clarification of the rule. I do not intend to break any laws, but to be honest, it is a little confusing what they mean.

Hence me coming on here and asking what other WH Visa people did with getting contract work.

Contract work is still temporary work to assist in me travelling so it isn't illegal or me trying to break the law.

[mcquiggd]

If you wanted clarification of the rules for your visa, why didn't you just phone HMRC...?

[Lowery]

My advice would be to apply for the HSMP Visa as soon as you can.

Potential clients/agencies will look much more favorably on the HSMP as it appears that you are much more serious about your trade, therefore will attract more lucrative contracts.

Even though you haven't worked for three months it doesn't necessarily mean that you haven't earned enough to gather the required points. Remember earning potential is only a part of the HSMP criteria.

Also do not go over board on trying to get 100's of points, just apply for the points you are certain of getting. You don't get special treatment for the more points you earn...just make the minimum. If there is any ambiguity in your application the Home Office will post it back then charge you for a re-submission.

And also just to clarify regardless on what visa we're on we'll always be scoring your chicks and drinking your beer.

[Back In Business]

You are definitely not permitted to run a business on a WHV. It is one of the primary exclusions of this visa type. If you violate the requirements of this visa it is unlikely that you will be issued with another.

(from: ukvisas.gov.uk) You can take most types of work, including voluntary work, but you cannot set yourself up in or run a business, or work as a professional sportsperson. You can choose when to work and when to take your holiday breaks, but you must not work for more than a total of 12 months or you will be breaking the conditions of your stay.

HTH INAL etc

[fooey]

Firstly, I have emailed Home Office but as it is the holiday break, I'm waiting to hear their official reply...

However, I have been in correspondence with 1st Contact :

"Forming a limited company which is trading for profit is still a "business"
in the common eyes of the law" is what I put forth to 1st Contact whom responded :

Immigration <visas@1stcontact.co.uk> hide details 6:07 pm (9 minutes ago)
to XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
date Dec 27, 2006 6:07 PM
subject 1st Contact Visas » Immigration - Response to your enquiry
Hi Jonathan,

Thanks for your email.

That may be your interpretation of the policy. The home office interpretation is that operating as a Ltd Co is not engaging in business.

Regards,

Sam Hopwood
Immigration Sales Consultant
1st Contact Immigration
Direct: 020 7759 5351
Ph: 0800 1st Contact (0800 039 3076/7)
Fax: 0845 880 1253
www.1stcontact.co.uk

Opening Hours : Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 6.00pm
Friday 9.00am to 5pm
1st Contact Visas are regulated and authorised to provide Immigration Services by the Office for the Immigration Services Commissioner. Registered No F2001-00004.

This is some interesting news, will post an update when Home Office responds back to me.

Jonathan

[DimPrawn]

The home office interpretation is that operating as a Ltd Co is not engaging in business.

I think that is New Labour interpretation of all small companies in the UK.

Cocks.

[Back In Business]

That is interesting - I wonder how the define "set yourself up in or run a business" if forming a limited isn't that. Have a look at the HO's reply before you do anything further.

Also I would avoid using middle-men (1st Contact et al) to handle you relations with the HO/IND. It is just as easy to do it yourself and you have more control over you own affairs (IMO).