Rise in number of UK Tier 1 Investor Visa applications

The Tier 1 Investor Visa allows High Net Worth individuals from overseas to come to the UK and invest significant amounts of money. Over a twelve month period, the number of Tier 1 Investor Visa applications has significantly increased. This may be for a number of reasons including the UK’s strong cultural appeal and the attractive accelerated settlement route. This comes despite the uncertainty of Brexit. Investors should contact our specialist business immigration team in order to book a consultation with our experienced solicitors and find out more how we can assist in preparing a successful Tier Investor Visa application.

Why has the number of Tier 1 Investor Visa applications increased?

The number of Tier 1 Investor Visa applications has dramatically risen in the UK. Between March 2017 and March this year, figures have indicated that 405 high net worth migrant had applied for a Tier 1 Investor Visa to the UK. The majority of applications came from China, followed by Russia and Turkey. The UK has and continues to be an attractive destination for overseas investment, in spite of the uncertainty of Brexit. Brexit, however, has meant that there has been a recent increase in the delays Tier 1 Investors have experienced in renewing their visas as the Home Office is cracking down on ensuring the legitimacy of the investment funds. This was highlighted by Chelsea FC’s owner Roman Abramovich’s Tier 1 Investor Visa extension recently been refused.

What are the main Tier 1 Investor Visa requirements?

The Tier 1 Investor Visa is a Points-Based System application. This means Applicants will need to score 75 points for attributes by:

  • Demonstrating they have at least £2 million to invest in the UK; and
  • Having opened a UK bank account.

Some of the general requirements for the Tier 1 Investor Visa are that Applicants must be aged 18 years or over, prove the investment funds belong to themselves, their spouse, unmarried or same-sex partner, the investment funds must be disposable in the UK and can be held in one or more regulated financial institutions. The funds can be in the UK or overseas when the Applicant applies. Unlike the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa, there is no English language requirement.

Tier 1 Investors are not permitted to invest in companies mainly engaged in property investment, property management or property development.

Tier 1 Investor Visa Settlement Routes

The Home Office has introduced an accelerated settlement option for Tier 1 Investors. Tier 1 Investors can apply for accelerated settlement, also referred to as indefinite leave to remain, in the UK if they can show that they have invested significant monies into the UK, far exceeding the minimum £2 million.

It should be noted that Applicants cannot combine leave under different categories when applying for accelerated settlement under the Tier 1 Investor Visa route. In order to qualify for accelerated settlement under the Tier 1 Investor Visa route, Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following:

  • The investment has been in the UK 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 settlement route of 5 years must demonstrate a minimum investment of £2 million.

Using Legal Representation to submit a successful Tier 1 Investor Visa Application

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 Visa 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.

Successful Tier 1 Investor Visa Applications

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 Visa 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 Visa 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 Visa application.

Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.

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