The Tier 1 Investor visa was specifically introduced for high net worth individuals who wish to make a significant investment of at least £2 million in the UK. Following Brexit, this route is also now available for EU nationals as well as business people from all around the world. Migrants can apply for a Tier 1 Investor visa under Paragraph 245E of the Immigration Rules. The Tier 1 Investor visa is a unique visa that gives Applicants unrestricted immigration status in the UK. The Tier 1 Investor visa also offers an option of accelerated settlement in the UK.
What is a Tier 1 Investor visa?
The Tier 1 Investor visa is for high net worth business people from all around the world who wish to make a substantial financial investment in excess of £2 million in the UK. Since 1 January 2021, applications from EU nationals are also accepted. The UK is one of the leading business locations in the world; its proximity to Europe makes it a natural choice to locate for investors. This route is attractive due to the fact that applicants do not need to show evidence of maintenance or demonstrate that they meet the English language requirement. Tier 1 Investors will be granted leave to enter for a period of 3 years and 4 months.
How to apply for a Tier 1 Investor visa?
Tier 1 Investor visa applications must be submitted under Paragraph 245E of the Immigration Rules. Applicants who apply for this type of visa are usually from outside the UK but there are some circumstances where migrants already in the UK may be able to apply for the Investor visa from the UK. There are also limitations on what you can invest in, for example, you are not allowed to invest in companies engaged in property investment, property manager, or property development. In order to qualify for a Tier 1 Investor visa you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be 18 or over;
- You must have access to at least £2 million in investment funds to apply or have already invested £2 million in a qualified investment;
- You must be able to show that the investment funds legally belong to you and available to use in the UK;
- You must have opened a bank account at a UK regulated bank.
Can you switch to a Tier 1 Investor visa from the UK?
It is possible to switch into a Tier 1 Investor visa from within the UK if you already have valid leave on any of the following visa categories:
- Tier 1 leave; or
- Any Tier 2 category; or
- Student (including Tier 4).
What currency must my money be for a Tier 1 Investor visa?
Whilst the application process may be simplified if the investment funds are held in pounds, this is not a formal requirement. Applicants can rely on an overseas currency, as long it is equivalent to at least £2 million and you can show the source of the funds. The Home Office will use www.oanda.com to see if your application meets the investment criteria.
Will my money need to be moved to the UK before the submission of my Tier 1 Investor visa?
There is no requirement for the investment funds to be transferred into the UK before the submission of the application. You can make the investment within 90 days of entering. You can rely on funds held in a regulated overseas bank account as long as you can demonstrate that the money is readily available and can be transferred to the UK. You must also be able to show that the investment funds are held in your name. Where funds have been gifted to the Applicant you would need to have legal ownership with evidence of the source of funds.
Can I apply for a Tier 1 Investor visa if my money is already invested in the UK?
It is not uncommon for Applicants to meet the investment requirement by relying on funds already invested in the UK 12 months before the date of the application. However, the funds must have been invested in a qualified investment. If you have already invested some monies in the UK and you are unsure if you can rely on these monies, you can book a consultation with our specialist business immigration team for legal advice on the same.
Can you apply for accelerated settlement under the Tier 1 Investor visa?
It is possible to apply for accelerated settlement (early indefinite leave to remain) under the Tier 1 Investor visa. There are two options:
- 3-year settlement route if you can demonstrate that you have invested at least £5 million in the UK;
- 2-year settlement route if you can demonstrate that you have invested £10 million.
In addition to the above, you must also meet the normal indefinite leave to remain requirements.
How our immigration solicitors can help submit a Tier 1 Investor visa application
Our immigration solicitors in London specialise in visa applications and can submit successful Tier 1 Investor visa applications. Our immigration team prepares applications to the highest standard. We have an impeccable track history of submitting successful visa applications for a range of clients. The key to submitting a successful Tier 1 Investor visa application is being aware of the relevant Immigration Rules and submitting the correct supporting documents. Our immigration solicitors in London guide Applicants through the requirements and prepare detailed legal submissions in support of the application. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provides multiple substantial reviews of the application bundle to ensure that the correct documentary evidence is submitted. We also prepare and assist with the submission of the application.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to submit a 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 a Tier 1 Investor visa application. 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 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 a Tier 1 Investor visa application
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 an Unmarried Partner visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of an Unmarried Partner visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements under the Immigration 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. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice, and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful Tier 1 Investor visa application. 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.