Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa route to close according to recent Written Statement of Changes

On 6 December 2018, the most recent Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules: Written Statement – HCWS1159 was released. One of the most significant changes mentioned is that the popular Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa route is to close. High net worth Tier 1 Applicants should first consult with an immigration specialist, such as our Immigration Team and fully qualified Immigration Solicitors before submitting a UK visa application to the Home Office. This is to ensure all of the stringent points based system requirements are met and demonstrated correctly.

What does the most recent Statement of Changes say about Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa route?

In the most recent Statement of Changes, it has been announced by Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes that the Home Office will be introducing a new Innovator route for experienced business people. This new route will replace the current Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa route. There will supposedly be “a similar emphasis on endorsement by a business Sponsor who will assess Applicants’ business ideas for their innovation, viability and scalability”.

Furthermore, the Home Office will also be introducing the new Start-up Visa route, which was announced back in June 2018. This route will build on the current Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) route and will expand to ensure that the UK can benefit from a wider pool of overseas talent who are looking to establish new business in the UK.

Neither Caroline Nokes or the Home Office has yet to say when these changes will begin to be incorporated into the UK’s complex immigration system or even when the actual Statement of Changes will be released. Until then, the current system applies.

What are currently the main requirements for Applicants applying under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa route?

Tier 1 Entrepreneurs must earn a total of 90 points in order for their application to be successful. This includes:

  • 75 points for Attributes;
  • 10 points for Maintenance; and
  • 10 points for the English language.

Those who wish to successfully apply for Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visas must demonstrate that they have £200,000 readily and available to invest in a new or existing UK business. The funds must be held in the Applicant’s name in a regulated financial institution for a consecutive 90 day period. Tier 1 Entrepreneurs must also satisfy the Genuine Entrepreneur Test and have a strong business plan that they are familiar with as it is often on this point where Applicants fail.

What are the other key changes mentioned in the Statement of Changes?

Last Thursday Caroline Nokes also announced the following changes:

  • The suspension of the Tier 1 (Investor) visa route, amid money laundering concerns which we discussed in our article last Friday;
  • Allowing architects to apply for the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa;
  • Crackdown on the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Religious Worker) route by “prohibiting Tier 5 Religious Workers filling roles as Ministers of Religion”;
  • Introducing a cooling-off period for Tier 5 (Temporary Workers), specifically for religious and charity workers;
  • Introducing the pilot scheme for seasonal agricultural workers (as was initially announced in September). The Immigration Minister stated that “the formal date of implementation for this pilot will be announced in due course”; and
  • Some other minor changes to Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas in regard to the wording of the rules/guidance.

If you wish to apply for any of the above-mentioned visas and are unsure of the process and requirements following this recent written Statement of Changes, then you should contact our Immigration Team immediately to book a consultation and discuss your matter in more detail.

Using Legal Representation to submit successful Applications under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa route

Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit success applications under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa route.

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 application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.

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

Successful Applications under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa route

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 immigration status and the merit of your visa and immigration application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration and 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.

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

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