Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa

This immigration route has closed to new applicants. However, existing applicants may be able to extend their Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa.

What is a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa?

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa category enabled individuals investing in the United Kingdom by setting up or taking over and being actively involved in the running of one or more businesses.

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements to extend a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa?

In order to successfully apply for an extension to a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Must be registered as a director or as self-employed no more than 6 months after the date they were given permission to stay in the UK under a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa;
• Must prove that they have been self-employed, a member of a partnership or working as a director of a business 3 months before they apply;
• Must have created at least 2 full time jobs that have existed for at least 12 months;
• Must have invested into 1 or more UK businesses either:
• £200,000 in cash
• £50,0000
• Can continue to support themselves.

How Long is a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa Extended for?

A Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa was initially granted for 3 years and 4 months. Before the expiry of this visa applicants must apply to extend their visa. If approved, applicants will be granted an extension of 2 years.

To note, applicants who did not hold leave as a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) before being granted as a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa will had only until 6 April 2023 to apply for an extension.

Applicants who held leave as a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) before they switched into the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) category, can submit applications to extend their stay after switching into Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) until 6 July 2025.

Does a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa Lead to Settlement?

Once an applicant has held a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa for 3 years they may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. An applicant can apply after 3 years if they have either:

• created the equivalent of 10 new full-time jobs that existed for 12 months
• generated £5 million business income in 3 years

An applicant can apply after 5 years if they created the equivalent of 2 new full-time jobs that existed for 12 months.

Indefinite Leave to Remain gives settled status in the UK, also known as ‘settlement’. It gives the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as an applicant wishes to do so and apply for benefits if eligible.

Will an Applicant be Eligible for British Citizenship?

Once an applicant has held indefinite leave to remain in the UK for 12 months, they may be eligible for British Citizenship.

Can Dependants Join or Accompany Tier 1 (Entrepreneurs)?

The partner and children of an applicant can accompany or join them so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If this is met, then they will be issued a visa which will have the same end date as the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa holder.

How Long Does it Take For a Decision to be Made?

The Home Office will usually process a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) extension application within 8. weeks.

If eligible, applicants will be advised whether they can apply to get a decision faster. The Home Office charge additional fees for these priority services.

How Much Does it Cost?

The Home Office fee for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) extension submitted from inside the UK is £1,292. Applications made from outside the UK costs £1,036.

Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is usually £624 per year.

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If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.