The Tier 1 Investor visa category under the Point Based System was designed for high net worth individuals wanting to relocate and invest significant monies in the United Kingdom. Recent Home Office figures reveal that in the first quarter of 2018 (January to March), 96 Tier 1 Investor visas were granted by the Home Office. The vast majority of these Tier 1 Investor visas were granted to Applicants from Asia. The key advantages of applying for a Tier 1 Investor visa is that Applicants can apply for accelerated settlement and there are less stringent requirements than other visa categories (no maintenance or English language requirement).
96 Tier 1 Investor Visas granted in Q1 2018
Recent figures published by the Home Office reveal that in the first quarter of 2018 (January to March), 96 Tier 1 Investor visas were granted by the Home Office. The latest figures reflect a considerable increase in the number of Tier 1 Investor visas granted compared to the previous quarter (75 Tier 1 Investor visas granted for the same period in 2017). It should be noted that 40 of the 96 Tier 1 Investor visas were granted to nationals of China and its Special Administrative regions. There were 8 successful Tier 1 Investor visa applications from both Russia and India and 5 from Turkey.
What has caused the increase in Tier 1 Investor Visas?
One of the supposed reasons as to why interest in the Tier 1 Investor visa category has increased is because of the Home Office’s approach in reviewing the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa applications. It has been suggested that the Home Office takes a stricter approach when reviewing Tier 1 Entrepreneur applications and gives these applications greater scrutiny. The Home Office has introduced a Genuine Entrepreneur Test which requires Applicants to demonstrate that their business is credible and viable. Further, Applicants are also required to show that they are genuine entrepreneurs and are not abusing this visa to enter the UK. Applicants applying for a Tier 1 Investor visa are not required to meet an English language or maintenance requirement.
Benefit from early settlement under the Tier 1 Investor Visa?
The Home Office has acknowledged the importance of foreign investment in the United Kingdom. To reward Tier 1 Investors who make significant investment improving the economy and prosperity it has introduced an Accelerated Settlement option for Applicants who hold Tier 1 Investor visas. Tier 1 Investors can apply for accelerated settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the United Kingdom if they can show that they have invested significant monies into the UK far exceeding the minimum £2 million. It is important to note Applicants cannot combine leave under different categories when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain under the Tier 1 Investor visa route. The purpose of introducing an Accelerated Settlement is to encourage overseas migrants to invest and settle in the United Kingdom. Applicants will be eligible for Accelerated Settlement if they can show the following:
- Investment has been in the United Kingdom by way of UK Government Bonds, Share Capital or Loan Capital in active and trading UK registered companies;
- Applicants who wish to apply for the Accelerated after 2 years must demonstrate a minimum investment of £10 million; or
- Applicants who wish to apply for the Accelerated after 3 years must demonstrate a minimum investment of £5 million; or
- Applicants wish to apply using the standard Indefinite Leave to Remain (5 years) route must demonstrate a minimum investment of £2 million.
Applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain up to 28 days before reaching the qualifying period.
Using Legal Representation to submit a successful Tier 1 Investor visas
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with an application to apply for a Tier 1 Investor Visa. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your Tier 1 Investor application succeeds, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided.
The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully submit Tier 1 Investor visas
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of submitting a Tier 1 Investor application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a Tier 1 Investor application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss a Tier 1 Investor application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.