Tier 1 Migrants: Investing in or starting a business in the UK
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Tier 1 Visa
If you are wanting to move and work in the UK, you must first apply for a UK Work Visa. The Home Office operates a Five-Tier Points-Based system with category-specific requirements. The route for highly skilled and exceptionally talented workers is the UK Tier 1 Visa.
This category also includes the Innovator Visa and the Tier 1 Investor Visa. These applicants can enter the UK without a job offer but will need to meet the other requirements of the points-based assessment. There are five categories of Tier 1 Visa. The Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa, Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa, Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa, Tier 1 Investor Visa and Tier 1 General Visa.
How can IAS help?
Our lawyers are able to provide expert business immigration advice for all UK Tier 1 Visa categories and advise you on your best options. We will ensure you are fully prepared for your interview and review any business plans or investment portfolios. You will receive an untimed session with your personal lawyer to discuss your circumstances. The UK Tier 1 Visa has some of the most difficult to meet expectations, such as the extensive scrutiny for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa. This means this visa type has high refusal rates. Our qualified immigration consultants will ensure that you are in the best position to receive a positive result. Call now on +1844 290 6312 or use our online form to get in touch.
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Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
With our untimed Advice Session, our professional immigration lawyers will review your case and provide you with comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated caseworker will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your legal advisor will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
This category is for those who are internationally recognized as a world leader or future world leader in your field of science or the arts.
Each application for the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa must be endorsed by a designated competent body. These include the Arts Council or the Royal Academy of Engineering. There is also a limit of 1,000 places per year.
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa is for those who wish to enter the UK to start or take over a business. You must be, or intend to be, actively involved in the running or the business in the UK. This application has a 95-point requirement, most of which comes from having access to £200,000 (or £50,000 from a listed source.
This category will allow you to make substantial financial investments into UK businesses. The Tier 1 Investor Visa is designed for high-earning individuals to develop a portfolio of investment.
You are not required to have a job offer or sponsorship to enter on this visa. You will be expected to score 75 points, mostly by having access to £2 million in the UK. The Tier 1 Investor Visa, unlike most other UK visas, does not need proof of English Language for your application, nor proof of maintenance funds.
The Tier 1 General Visa allows a highly-skilled migrant to enter the country for work or self-employment purposes. However, this category is now closed to applicants outside the country.
There are limited circumstances where you may be able to extend your stay under the previous Tier 1 visa category. This includes if you are:
- A highly skilled migrant,
- A self-employed lawyer, composer or artist (or)
- Part of the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP).
Your total point score must be 95 points (100 for any other eligible category). This is based on your age, qualifications, earnings, and UK experience. You will also need to prove your English Language ability and available funds.
If you want to extend your stay after your Tier 4 Student Visa and have a serious business idea, you could apply for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa. This category is for international graduates of a UK university to extend their stay for 12 months to establish their business. You will also be able to apply as an overseas graduate chosen by UK Trade Investment (UKTI) as elite global graduate entrepreneurs. to extend their stay for an initial 12 months to establish a business.
To apply under this category, you must meet the 95-point requirement. This includes a letter of endorsement from a UK higher institution or from UKTI. Please note, this route has an annual cap of 2,000 places.
If you currently hold leave to stay in the UK on a different immigration category, you may be able to switch onto the UK Tier 1 Visa from inside the country. The application for a High-Value Tier 1 Visa can be complex. Seeking the advice of a qualified immigration attorney is highly recommended.
If you are intending to enter on a UK Tier 1 Visa, you will not need a Certificate of Sponsorship or a job offer. This requirement is for permanent or temporary skilled workers under categories 2 and 5 of the points-based system.
If you are in the UK on a Tier 1 Visa, most often you will have to have five years of continuous residence to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
The Tier 1 Investor Visa has slightly different requirements based on how much money you have invested in the UK economy. Investing more than the minimum £2 million could mean that you could apply for ILR after two years.
High-value visas like the Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Investor Visas are some of the most difficult to obtain. The Home Office is known to be critical of all applications made under the Tier 1 Visa category.
The lawyers at IAS are available to help you through every step of the process of applying for a UK Tier 1 Visa. This includes preparation for your Home Office interview and reviewing your business documents.
Our services include:
- Speaking with you in person, over the phone or via Skype at a suitable time for you;
- Assessing your eligibility for the UK Tier 1 Visa route;
- Confirming your documentation is substantial and sufficient;
- Producing a Letter of Representation;
- Liaising with the Home Office throughout your application;
- Fully completing your application form(s) to a professional standard.
To discuss your eligibility for a UK Tier 1 Visa, or for more information, speak with the immigration lawyers at IAS now. Get in touch by calling +1844 290 6312 or using our online inquiry form.