Last week, the Home Affairs Committee published a report on the work of the Immigration Directorate in which they recommended that the Tier 1 Investor visa route be suspended. This follows on from Professor Sir David Metcalf’s comments that there appears to be “very little benefit” of this visa route. It is interesting to note that any such suspension could be introduced on no notice and would mean that no fresh applications could be made. It has also been suggested that the suspension could apply to applications which have been submitted but not yet decided.
Home Affairs Committee: Suspend Tier 1 Investor Visa Route
On 25 February 2014, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) published a report on the Tier 1 Investor visa route in which it outlined several options for reform of the investor’s route. These included raising the minimum investment threshold from £1 million to £2 million, widening the investment options to encourage alternatives to gilts and removing the ability of the investment funds to be raised by way of a loan.
The Home Affairs Committee have now considered these submissions and have recommended the Home Office suspend the Tier 1 Investor visa route and seek to petition to the European Commission about the practice of EU member states “selling citizenship”.
Advantages of UK Tier 1 Investor Visa
The UK continues to be an attractive destination and a safe haven for global millionaires due to historical links and benefits of a stable, liquid economy, political stability and being largely free from government interference in private individual assets.
The UK Tier 1 Investor route has become attractive due to the fact that the applicant does not need to show evidence of maintenance nor demonstrate that they meet the English language requirements.
The visa can be granted for three years and individuals can switch into this category whilst already present legally in the UK. If an applicant is successful under the points-based system, they are allowed to bring dependants (children under 18 years of age, a husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried or same-sex partner) to the UK, as long as they are given entry clearance or permission to stay (known as ‘leave to remain’).
Successful UK Tier 1 Investor Visa Applications
Our team of experienced and professionally qualified immigration solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making a Tier 1 Investor visa application (and applications for your dependants) step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of law.
We also undertake a great deal of appeal work before the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal and have a successful track record of successful results for our clients. We have the experience and the knowledge required to take your case forward successfully. If you have had a Tier 1 Investor visa refused, contact us to discuss your case so that we can provide you with a case assessment.
Contact us so that we can review your case and provide you with an assessment.