The Tier 1 Investor Visa is a route for High Net Worth individuals looking to come to the UK. Tier 1 Investors must show that they can invest a minimum of £2 million in the UK. In March 2019, the Home Office introduced stringent changes asking Applicants to show the source of their investment funds, in order to cut down on disingenuous Tier 1 Investor visa applications and money laundering. If successful, the Tier 1 Investor Visa UK is valid for a maximum of 3 years and 4 months, however, Investors can apply to extend this visa for a further 2 years. Our Business Immigration Solicitors in London are happy to discuss your case for an Investor Visa and the prospects of success during a consultation. We offer a comprehensive and bespoke service so please call our team to find out more.
What are the requirements for the Tier 1 Investor Visa UK?
The Tier 1 Investor Visa is a route under the Points Based System. The requirements for the Investor Visa are found in paragraphs 245E to 245EF of the Immigration Rules. As of 29 March 2019, the government introduced changes whereby Applicants could no longer rely on Government Bonds as a form of investment for an initial grant of leave as a Tier 1 Investor. The investment can only be made by way of share capital or loan capital in active and trading UK registered companies. To submit a successful Tier 1 Investor Visa application the following requirements must be met:
- Applicants must be 18 or over and have good character (an overseas criminal record certificate must be submitted);
- Applicants must be non-EEA nationals;
- Applicants must have opened a UK bank account;
- Applicants must hold and have control of at least £2 million (“the investment amount”). The investment amount must be held in one or more regulated financial institutions and freely available for investment in the UK;
- Applicants must be able to prove that the investment amount is from a legitimate source; and
- There is no maintenance or an English language requirement for this application, unlike other visa routes for High Net Worth individuals (i.e. the Start-up or Innovator Visas).
The Tier 1 Investor Visa allows individuals to study and work in the UK. However, Applicants are not permitted to work as a sportsperson or sports coach or as a doctor or dentist in training unless if an exemption applies.
Can I switch into the Tier 1 Investor Visa from within the UK?
The vast majority of Tier 1 Investor Visa applications are entry clearance, which means the Applicant makes an application from outside the UK. It is, however, also possible to switch to Tier 1 Investor visa from within the UK if last grant of leave in the UK was as one of the following:
(i) as a Highly Skilled Migrant,
(ii) as a Tier 1 (General) Migrant,
(iii) as a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Migrant,
(iv) as a Tier 1 (Investor) Migrant,
(v) as a Tier 2 Migrant,
(vi) as a Tier 4 (General) Student
Our Immigration Solicitors in London specialise in switching applications from one visa category to another from within the UK. Therefore, potential Tier 1 Investor Applicants should contact our team to arrange a consultation to discuss how our knowledge and experience can assist with the preparation and submission of a successful Investor application.
Can I apply for Settlement under the Tier 1 Investor Visa UK Route?
As with most UK visa routes, Tier 1 Investor Visa allows the Applicant and their dependents to settle in the UK if they can demonstrate 5 years’ continuous leave in the UK. However, Tier 1 Investors may also be able to apply for accelerated settlement (early settlement) if additional investment criteria can be met. For example, if an Applicant invests £5 million on the UK then they may be able to settle in the UK after 3 years’ continuous leave. Furthermore, if an Applicant invests £10 million in the UK then they may be able to settle in the UK after 2 years’ continuous leave. In addition to the investment requirement, Applicants must also meet the other requirements for indefinite leave to remain.
Can I still see an Immigration Lawyer for Tier 1 Investor Visa UK enquires given the Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic?
Yes. We are a technologically advanced law firm and are well equipped for the current situation and have the resources and infrastructure to support you with any UK immigration issue.
We are actively monitoring and responding to the COVID-19 situation and will continue to follow advice and guidance issued by the UK Government, Public Health England and the NHS.
The well-being of our team and our clients is our priority. We are following the advice to maintain social distancing, therefore we will hold all meetings with clients via video conferencing or via our telephone conferencing facilities for the foreseeable future.
Please contact our Immigration Team to arrange a consultation with us so we can assess your case in more detail and give you advice specific to your individual circumstances.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London 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 UK Investor 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 with our Immigration Solicitors in London
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 UK 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 get all the necessary points under the Points Based System.
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.