The Tier 1 Investor visa is often referred to as the Golden Visa as it is one of the most popular visas under the Point Based System. The Tier 1 Investor visa was introduced to appeal to high net worth individuals from outside the European Union (EU) member state countries. Tier 1 Investors who opt for the Golden visa can potentially benefit from an early settlement as well as financial prosperity. Tier 1 Investor visa Applicants can also have their family members also join them in the UK and may also benefit from early settlement in the UK.
The Golden Opportunity under the Tier 1 Investor Visa
The UK has always been an attractive destination for direct foreign investment with recent statistics showing that the UK’s economy is continuing to prosper with direct foreign investment despite the ongoing Brexit negotiations. The figures suggest that the UK has benefitted from the financial prosperity and has now climbed above Ireland, Switzerland, Netherlands and France and has become the top destination in Europe for direct foreign investment. The number of Tier 1 Investor visa applications last year also reflect this.
The Tier 1 Investor visa allows high net worth overseas investors from outside the EU member state countries to invest in the UK and reside freely with their dependents. The Home Office has made it very clear that they want more Tier 1 Investor visa applications and has encouraged investment by approving investment in Government bonds, share capital or loan capital in active and trading companies registered in the UK. In order to apply for a Tier 1 Investor visa, investors must be able to show that they have a minimum of £2m held in a regulated financial institution which is disposable in the UK. Another benefit for Tier 1 Investors applying for the golden visa is that their initial investment is returned after their visa expiry.
Our expert immigration solicitors and barristers would be happy to meet with Tier 1 Investors to discuss the eligibility requirements under the Immigration Rules. Our solicitors and barristers can assist with the preparation and submission of a successful Tier 1 Investor visa application to the UKVI department of the Home Office.
Settlement Rights in the UK under the Tier 1 Investor Visa
One of the key attractions for the Tier 1 Investor visa is the potential to settle in the UK before the 5-year mark. In normal circumstances, Applicants can only settle once they have resided in the UK for 5 continuous years and meet the requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Immigration Rules. The Tier 1 Investor visa offers accelerated settlement for Applicants and their dependents. Ultimately, the settlement route would depend on the investment amount. The accelerated investment amounts are listed below:
- £10 million investment allows settlement in 2 years;
- £5 million investment allows settlement in 3 years; or
- £2 million investment allows settlement in 5 years.
Another benefit for Applicants is that they are not required to meet the English Language requirement that must be met in other Points Based System applications such as Tier 1 Entrepreneur, Tier 2 Work and Tier 4 Student visa. The residency requirement is also very kind as it allows Applicants to spend up to 180 days outside the UK per year. There is no other visa category under the Immigration Rules that allows Applicants to spend 180 days outside the UK without breaking the residency requirement.
Using Legal Representation to Prepare 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 status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit a Tier 1 Investor Visa application.
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 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 Tier 1 Investor Visa application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful 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 Tier 1 Investor Visa application and the merit of your Tier 1 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 your Tier 1 Investor 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. 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.