Part 4: Common Reasons for Office-Related Rejections — and How to Avoid Them

Practical Case Studies and a 10-Point Pre-Submission Checklist

1. Introduction

The office requirement often appears straightforward — but in reality, many applications for the Business Manager Visa are rejected due to this very point.

In this article, we examine common rejection cases and provide practical, expert-backed solutions to help you avoid the same mistakes.

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2. Common Reasons for Rejection and How to Prevent Them

(1) Use of a Virtual Office

• Cause: No physical presence; applicant cannot work or reside on-site
• Solution: Avoid virtual offices entirely — lease an actual space that can be physically occupied

(2) Use of Shared Desks in Co-working Spaces

• Cause: Lack of exclusivity; immigration cannot verify dedicated space for the business
• Solution: Rent a private, lockable office and ensure the lease clearly states exclusive use

(3) Residence and Office Not Clearly Separated

• Cause: Overlap between living and work space leads to doubts about business reality
• Solution: Use floor plans, photos, and signage to clearly separate and identify the business area

(4) Lease Contract Not Under Applicant’s Name

• Cause: If the lease is in the name of a third party, the applicant’s right to use the space is unclear
• Solution: Always sign the lease under the company’s or applicant’s own name

(5) Inadequate or Poor-Quality Photographs

• Cause: Blurry images, missing views, or absence of company name display
• Solution: Take high-quality, well-framed, date-stamped photos covering all key views: exterior, entrance, interior, equipment, signage

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3. After a Rejection: What to Do

• Immigration authorities often do not detail the rejection reason in writing, so it’s critical to review all documents with an expert
• When reapplying, immigration expects you to demonstrate how you resolved previous shortcomings
• Examples: switching from virtual office to private room, updating lease to company name, installing proper signage

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4. Pre-Submission Checklist: 10 Things to Confirm

1. Lease is under the company or applicant’s name
2. Lease clearly states the property is for business use
3. There is sufficient exclusive space (ideally 10m² or more)
4. Space is clearly separated from any living quarters
5. Signage or nameplate is visibly installed
6. Interior has desks, chairs, computer, etc.
7. Utility services are activated (electricity, internet, water)
8. Photos are clear, recent, and cover all required angles
9. Lease term is at least one year, with renewability
10. All documents are reviewed for consistency by a legal/immigration expert

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5. Conclusion

The office requirement may look simple, but it’s one of the most common and underestimated reasons for denial of the Business Manager Visa.

Don’t assume that a lease is enough — what matters is whether your submission proves a functional, legitimate business operation to the immigration officer.

In our next article, we will explore how to time your company setup, office lease, and visa application, including best practices for first-time applicants.