The Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa was for foreign entrepreneurs interested in investing in or setting up and running a business (or businesses) in the UK as a sole trader, partnership, or company.
This visa scheme is no longer open to new applicants. Contact our experienced immigration solicitors on 020 3744 2797 to discuss your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extension application or other alternative visas you can consider.
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa is closed to new applicants, however, there are alternatives available. Overseas entrepreneurs considering setting up a business in the UK should now consider either the newer start-up visa or the innovator visa. If you currently hold a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa, you have until 6th April 2023 to extend your visa.
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa was for foreign entrepreneurs interested in investing in or setting up and running a business (or businesses) in the UK. This includes as a sole trader, partnership, or company registered in the UK.
Applicants needed to have cash funds of at least £200,000, and there was also a Graduate Entrepreneur route which required capital of £50,000.
With a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, it was possible to:
If you currently hold leave to remain as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur migrant, you may be able to make a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa UK extension application as you approach the tail end of your initial application visa.
It is important that during your initial leave as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur migrant, you must have created jobs and invested the required sum in addition to meeting the other conditions of your visa. The Tier 1 UK Entrepreneur visa initial application is usually granted for 3 years and 4 months. At this point, the applicant may apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extension to extend their leave to remain.
You can apply for a Tier 1 UK Entrepreneur extension if you:
The current immigration rules state that if you did not hold a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur before being granted a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, you must apply for your extensions by 6th April 2023.
If you did hold a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa before you switched to a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, you will have until 6th July 2025 to apply for an extension.
If you are unsure how or when to apply for an extension of your entrepreneur visa, our team of specialist immigration solicitors can help you. We can handle the application process on your behalf, ensuring you have the best chance of a successful outcome and allowing you to focus on your business. Speak to one of our specialist solicitors today on 020 3744 2797.
To acquire a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extension, you will need to meet the following requirement:
To check if you meet the full requirements to apply to extend your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, speak to one of our specialist business visa solicitors today on 020 3744 2797.
The exact supporting documents for your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa will depend on your circumstances. Some of the documents you may be asked to provide include:
For a full set of documentation requirements, check the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) of the Points Based System – Policy Guidance1.
If you are unsure which documents to provide to the Home Office, speak to one of our specialist business visa solicitors today on 020 3744 2797, who can check your documents prior to submission.
The application fee for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa UK extension is £1,277. In addition, you will need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. The healthcare surcharge will also be payable when you apply for your extension (£624 per person per year).
You must apply to extend your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa before your current visa expires. To extend your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, you will need to complete the following steps:
While your application is being processed, you will be able to remain in the UK and continue running your business without restrictions.
It is also important that you do not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while your application is being processed.
Applications for Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extensions take approximately 8 weeks. You may be asked to provide additional documents or to attend an interview, which may take longer.
Your dependant family members can apply for a visa extension at the same time. They will need to submit their own visa extension application.
In addition, you will need to provide evidence that you have an additional £945 to support each family member who is with you in the UK. The application fee for family members is £1,277 each, in addition to the biometric fee of £19.20 and the healthcare surcharge (£624 per year per adult and £470 for children).
Our team of specialist business visa solicitors can prepare applications for you and your family members on your behalf. Speak to our team today on 020 3744 2797.
If you have already created 10 or more full-time jobs or a business income of £5 million or more, you will be eligible for ILR after just 3 years. If you are not on the accelerated route, you will need to wait for 5 years. This means that once you have an extension of your entrepreneur visa and you have been in the UK for 5 years (since the start of your first entrepreneur visa), you can apply for ILR. Having ILR means you can remain in the UK permanently and, after 1 year, apply for British citizenship.
It is important that you apply for settlement before the new deadlines set by the Home Office for Entrepreneur visa holders. The new rules state that those who did not hold a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa before gaining a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa have until 6th April 2025 to apply for ILR. Those who held a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa before switching to a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa have until 6th July 2027 to apply for ILR.
Entrepreneur extension applications may be refused for a number of reasons, including if:
If your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa application is refused, it may be possible to apply for an administrative review if you believe a mistake has been made by the Home Office. This must be done within 28 days of your refusal decision.
In rare circumstances, such as if the decision made was unlawful, it may be possible to apply for a judicial review. Alternatively, it may be preferable to submit a fresh application or apply for a different type of visa.
Our team can review your refusal and advise on your options and the best way forward. We can also complete the next steps for you and ensure you receive a positive decision as quickly as possible. Speak to one of our friendly and empathetic business immigration solicitors today on 020 3744 2797.
References
1 GOV.UK: Tier 1 Entrepreneur Policy Guidance
2 GOV.UK: Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa