The Tier 1 Investor visa route was introduced under paragraph 245 of the Immigration Rules. The route is available for high net worth individuals from outside the UK who intend on making a substantial investment in the UK. Applicants must invest at least 2 million GBP to enjoy the benefits of this visa. The application itself is a Points Based System application requiring applicants to score 75 points. Applicants who successfully submit an application will be granted leave to enter for a period of 30 months. There is also an accelerated settlement option for those who wish to invest more than 2 million GBP.
What is the Tier 1 Investor visa?
The Tier 1 Investor visa category is for high net worth individuals who wish to make a minimum investment of 2 million GBP in the UK. Applicants who are successful in their UKVI application will be granted a 30-month visa. Under this visa category there is no maintenance or English language requirement. It is well known that the UK Government encourages Tier 1 Investor visa applications but in recent times, we have witnessed a stricter approach from the Home Office in assessing the investment funds.
What are the benefits of the Tier 1 Investor visa?
There are a number of advantages in applying for a Tier 1 Investor visa. This visa has the potential to give investors the opportunity to obtain British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain by investing their free capital in secure investment vehicles, UK Government bonds, share capital or loan capital in active and trading UK registered companies other than those principally engaged in property investment. The route also allows Applicants to work or study in the UK. This is a popular alternative to applying for a Tier 4 Student visa, as the visa application process is less stringent. High net worth students are advised to consider this route if they wish to study and settle in the United Kingdom. There are different settlement (indefinite leave to remain) options for different investments.
- If you invest 2 million GBP you can apply for settlement after 5 years;
- If you invest 5 million GBP you can apply for settlement after 3 years; and
- If you invest 10 million GBP you can apply for settlement after 2 years
You can apply for British citizenship after holding indefinite leave to remain status for 12 months.
What are the Tier 1 Investor visa requirements?
Generally, the Tier 1 Investor visa application process should be straightforward. It is a Points Based System application and applicants are required to score 75 points (which can be obtained for meeting the investment criteria). However, in an attempt to crackdown on financial crime, the Home Office now takes extra caution when assessing the origin and lawfulness of the investment funds. In 2018, the UK Government had suspended this route due to claims that money was being embezzled from some countries and laundered through the Tier 1 Investor visa route. Tier 1 Investor visa applications should be submitted pursuant to paragraph 245E of the Immigration Rules. The following requirements must be met:
- You must not fall under the General Grounds for Refusal and you must submit a criminal record certificate from any country you have stayed in for a total of 12 months or more over the last 10 years;
- You must submit a Tuberculosis test (if applicable);
- You must be 18 or over;
- You must have at least 2 million GBP readily available for investment and the funds must be held in one or more regulated financial institutions;
- Your investment must be lawful and you will be required to establish the same through documentary evidence; and
- You must have opened a UK regulated bank account.
Unlike other UK visa applications, there is no English language or maintenance requirement.
Our specialist business immigration team has a proven method of submitting successful Tier 1 investor visa applications. We have a number of affiliated wealth management partners who can help you with the investment options.
What you cannot do on a Tier 1 Investor visa?
There are two main prohibitions under the Tier 1 Investor visa. You cannot work as a sportsperson or sports coach. Applicants are also prohibited from accessing public funds, as they should have sufficient financial resources available to them as investors. A failure to respect the Tier 1 Investor visa prohibitions is likely to jeopardise future settlement applications.
How our immigration solicitors can help submit a Tier 1 Investor visa application
Our immigration solicitors in London specialise in Tier 1 Investor visa applications and prepare 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 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 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 an application to submit 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 a 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 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. 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.