Top know how for Tier 1 Investor Visa Extension applications

The Tier 1 Investor visa is an attractive visa category under the Immigration Rules for High Net Individuals who are looking to settle in the UK with minimum bother. Applicants who have been granted the Tier 1 Investor visa can apply to extend their visa by submitting a Tier 1 Investor visa extension application 28 days before the date of the expiry of their current visa. In some cases, Applicants can benefit from the accelerated settlement route if they can show that they have invested large sums in the UK. 

When to apply for a Tier 1 Investor Visa extension application

A Tier 1 Investor visa application will usually be granted for 3 years and 4 months. If Applicants have met the conditions of their Tier 1 Investor visa they can then apply for a Tier 1 Investor visa extension application 28 days before the date of the expiry of their visa.

It is extremely important for Applicants to be aware of the differences between the Tier 1 Investor extension requirements for applications granted before and after 6 November 2014 as the extension requirements differ. Applicants often make the mistake of not obtaining the correct legal advice prior to submitting their Tier 1 Investor extension visa application, especially where they are not sure of the requirements.

Tier 1 Investor Visa extension requirements for applications granted before 6 November 2014

Applicants who were granted their Tier 1 Investor visa application prior to 6 November 2014 must meet the following requirements for their Tier 1 Investor visa extension application:

• Must be able to show that they have at least £1 million available to them and the money must be under their own control; or
• If the above cannot be proved, Applicants may be able to meet the requirement by showing that they have personal assets of a value not less than £2 million. This does not include any liabilities. Applicants must also show that they have £1 million which has been loaned to them by a UK Regulated Financial Institution; and
• Must be able to show investment in the UK in accordance with their visa conditions.

Tier 1 Investor Visa extension requirements for applications granted after 6 November 2014

Applicants who were granted their Tier 1 Investor visa application after 6 November 2014 must meet the following requirements for their Tier 1 Investor visa extension application:

• Must be able to show you have invested not less than £2 million in the UK by way of Government bonds, share capital or loan capital in active and trading UK registered companies; and
• Must be able to show that the investment was made within 3 months of entry with evidence of entry into the UK.

In some cases, there are exceptions to the above regarding investment timescales where there are exceptionally compelling reasons for a delay in investing. However, if there is a delay in the initial investment into the UK, the reason must be unforeseeable and fall outside of the Applicants control.

Fast Track Settlement under Tier 1 Investor Visa Extension route

One of the benefits of the Tier 1 Investor visa is that it rewards Applicants who make positive contributions to the British economy. The accelerated settlement option allows Applicants to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain before the usual five year period.  Applicants can potentially benefit from the accelerated settlement option if they can meet some additional requirements. In order to apply for accelerated settlement, Applicants must show significant investment into the UK. In particular, as listed below:

Investment of £2,000,000 allows Applicants to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years;

Investment of £5,000,000 allows Applicants to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 3 years;

Investment of £10,000,000 allows Applicants to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 2 years;

Once an Applicant is granted Indefinite Leave to Remain under the accelerated settlement route, they can apply to naturalise as a British Citizen after five years instead of the usual 6.

Using Legal Representation to submit a successful Tier 1 Investor visa extension 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 extension 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 Tier 1 Investor visa extension 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 Tier 1 Investor visa extension application meets the Immigration Rules.

Successfully submit Tier 1 Investor visa extension 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 a Tier 1 Investor visa extension 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 extension 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 extension application.

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