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Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extensions Checklist

Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extensions Checklist

The now-defunct Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (now replaced with the Start-Up and Innovator Visa routes) allowed would-be entrepreneurs the opportunity to move to the UK to start their business. While the removal of the visa ensures the process for entering the UK has changed for would-be entrepreneurs, there is still an option for those who are in the UK on a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa to extend their current visa to continue their stay in the UK. So, if you are coming to the end of your current visa period, this guide will give you all of the information you need to extend your Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa.

Tier 1 Entrepreneur Extension Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa extension, you will need to meet some important criteria. These criteria are in place to ensure you not only launch your business as laid out in your business plan, but also continue to successfully run the business on a day to day basis.

The criteria for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa extension is as follows:

  • You registered as a director or as being self-employed within 6 months of being given permission to stay in the UK
  • You can prove you have been either self-employed, a member of a partnership or working as a director in a business in the 3 months prior to applying
  • You need to prove you have created at least 2 full-time jobs which have existed for at least 12 months
  • You also need to prove you can continue to support yourself
  • You must have invested at least the minimum amount specified on your original application (either £50,000 or £200,000 depending on the seed funding type)

This eligibility criteria ensures that you have carried out your business as you laid out in your business plan. It is highly likely your business has changed somewhat from what you first intended, but as long as you have met the eligibility criteria above, your changes will likely be acceptable.

Applying To Extend Your Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa

You will need to make a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa extension online. After filling out the information as required, you will be asked to supply documentary evidence to support your extension application. This will likely entail quite a lot of documentary information, so be prepared to seek help from specialist immigration solicitors such as ourselves. While it may seem a little unnecessary, our team can help ensure your documents will be acceptable to UK Visas and Immigration. This straightforward check will help you to lodge a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa extension application with a high level of confidence.

During your application, you will be required to make an appointment with a UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizen Application Service) service point. Here you will need to provide your biometric information for your Biometric Residence Permit. You will also be able to bring your documents to be scanned if you did not upload them during the application process. UKVCAS service points are conveniently located across the country, and your appointment will likely be very brief.

How Much Does It Cost To Apply For A Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension?

The current fee for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa extension is £1,277. As well as this fee, you will be required to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information taken at a UKVCAS service point. Once you have made your application, you will then wait approximately 8 weeks for a decision to be made.

Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension Refusals And Appeals

Considering the nature of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa and its extension process, it is no surprise that refusals happen. There can be a huge number of reasons for a refusal, but below we lay out some of the more common reasons for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa extension application refusal:

  • Sources of funds - with the UK being a highly-prized target for money laundering, it is no surprise the government have upped the checking of funding sources. You will need to ensure your funding sources are clear
  • Job Creation - one of the key parts of the visa is the insistence 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 sufficient information (such as payroll) to prove that you have met this important requirement

There are, of course, many other 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 more help with a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa extension then please get in touch. Our team of expert immigration solicitors can help you to ensure your application has the best chances of being approved. So, for assistance, call today and receive a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team.

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