Document Checklist For Tier 1 Entrepreneur Extension

The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa is a great option for those who want to get a business idea off the ground. While it has recently been closed to new applicants, existing Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa holders will still be able to make an extension application at the end of their current visa. As you will no doubt know from your experience of making your original Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa application, the process put in place can be arduous. Arguably the process for extending a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa is just as tough! So, we have produced this article to help you in your quest to extend your Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa.

Documents That Are Required To Make A Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension

While many of the documents that you will need will be related directly to your business, there are some items that will be almost uniform across the board. The list below contains some of the more common items of documentary evidence that you will need to satisfy the requirements of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa extension application process:

• Proof that you registered as self-employed or as a director in a business within 6 months of being permitted to stay in the UK
• Proof that you created at least 2 full-time jobs that lasted for at least 12 months during your visa period (this will usually be in the form of payroll - which must also meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration)
• Proof that you have been either self-employed, a member of a partnership or a director in the 3 months prior to making your extension application
• Proof that you can continue to support yourself during your stay in the UK
• Proof that you invested your original seed funding of either £50,000 or £200,000 - depending on your application

The vast majority of these criteria can be proved by documents you should have in your possession. Payroll data will be important, as will bank accounts. Don't forget - it is incumbent on you to prove you have met the eligibility criteria.

How To Make A Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension Application

As with all current UK Visas and Immigration applications, the extension application for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa will need to be made online. As well as entering all of the information required, you will also need to upload your documents (these can be done at your appointment if you do not have the facility to do this from home) and make an appointment at a UKVCAS service point to provide your biometric information for your Biometric Residence Permit. If you were unable to upload your documents from home, you will also be able to do that at the appointment.

At the end of your application, you will need to pay the fee (currently £1,277). Once your application has been lodged, you will then need to wait up to 8 weeks for a decision. This could be longer or shorter depending on if there are any issues that come up during the consideration of your application. If there are issues, you will be contacted by a member of UKVI staff who will let you know what they need.

Refusal Reason For A Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension Application

The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa and its extension process are very strict, and refusals are possible. There are a huge number of potential reasons for a refusal, but below we have laid out some of the more common reasons for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa extension being refused:

• Sources of funds - with the UK being a highly-prized target for money laundering, the government has significantly tightened up their processes for vetting investments. With this in mind, you will need to ensure your sources of funding are clear and legal
• Job Creation - one of the key areas of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa is the requirement that at least 2 full-time jobs are created by the visa holder during their visa period for at least 12 months. You will need to provide evidence (such as payroll) to prove you have met this (substantial) requirement

There are, of course, many reasons why applications for Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa extensions are refused, but these are by far the most common.

Getting More Help With A Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension

If you need help with your Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa extension application then please get in touch. Our expert team of immigration lawyers can help you, no matter the circumstances. Our team has years of experience helping entrepreneurs to move to, and stay in, the UK. So, for more help and advice, call today for a free, no-obligation immigration consultation.