Successfully Overcoming the Home Office Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview

If you are applying for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa application you will need to meet the Genuine Entrepreneur Test as well be ready for a tough Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview. The Home Office has made it clear; where there are suspicions surrounding the credibility of a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa application they will conduct an in-depth interview with the Applicant. The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview can be daunting as the Home Office expect Applicants to have a broad and comprehensive understanding of their business plan and business activity. 

The Home Office Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview

The Home Office often refuse applications following a comprehensive Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview on the basis of Applicants lacking knowledge of their business. The Purpose of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview is for the Home Office to ascertain more information about an Applicants background, business activity and future business plans such as growth and expansion.

The Home Office often start the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview by examining the application and then start asking questions depending on how much evidence an Applicant had submitted with their Tier 1 Entrepreneur application. It is important for Applicants to be well prepared and to have a broad understanding of their business activity, business model and most importantly in depth knowledge of their business plan. In our experience, Applicant’s often make the mistake in submitting lengthy business plans without actually studying and ensuring they are aware of the fundamental basics such as; the marketing strategy, number of employees and their roles and financial projections.

Overcoming Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) in a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview

Our team of specialist Immigration Solicitors and Barristers can organise mock Tier 1 Entrepreneur interviews or can prepare mock questions to assist Applicants in preparing for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview. During a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview a Home Office case worker can ask questions about the following:

1. Immigration History: The Home Office will be aware of your UK Immigration history in respect of previous applications submitted as well as travels to the UK. The Home Office case worker can ask why a previous application may have been refused especially where it was for a different visa category as well as question frequent visits to the UK.
2. Education and Relevant Experience: The Home Office will review your CV and may ask you questions relating to your relevant education and work experience. A typical question the Home Office could ask; is for you to explain how your previous experience and education background will help you set up or take over an existing business in the UK.
3. Background to Business: The Home Office may ask questions in relation to why you have chosen the UK to set up or take over an existing business and what steps have been taken to date to set up the business.
4. Business Plan: In our experience, Applicants often find it difficult to answer questions about their business plan. Therefore it is crucial for you to have studied your business plan prior to a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview as it is certain that there will be questions on the business plan. The Home Office would expect you answer basic and complex questions in relation to the aims and objectives of the business, marketing strategy, financial projections and a backup plan.

Tier 1 Genuine Entrepreneur Test

We have previously written about overcoming the Genuine Entrepreneur Test as well the challenges Applicants often face with submitting a successful Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa application. In summary, the purpose of the Genuine Entrepreneur Test is to deter Applicants from submitting Tier 1 Entrepreneur applications which lack credibility. The Genuine Entrepreneur Test is applied vigorously and the Immigration Rules and Policy does not specify a definite list of document required to meet the Genuine Entrepreneur Test. Therefore it is essential for Applicant to obtain specialist legal advice prior to submitting a Tier 1 Genuine Entrepreneur visa application.

Using Legal Representation to prepare for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview

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 a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview demonstrating that you satisfy the Genuine Entrepreneur Test. 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 Entrepreneur visa application succeeds and meets the Genuine Entrepreneur Test, all necessary documents must be provided.

This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence in support of your Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.

Successful Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview

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 Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview and the merit of an application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your Tier 1 Entrepreneur 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 Entrepreneur visa application and whether you satisfy the Genuine Entrepreneur Test and the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Interview.

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