Tier 1 Entrepreneur

The Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa route closed to new applicants on 29 March 2019.  Those who already hold leave under this route can continue to apply, until 5 April 2023, to extend their stay and, until 5 April 2025, for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Tier 1 Entrepreneur: Extension applications

All those with permission under Tier 1 Entrepreneur may apply to extend their stay in the UK for a further 2 years providing they meet a number of strict requirements including the following:

·         they have formally registered as a director of a business or as a self-employed person within 6 months of either entering the UK or being granted permission to stay in the UK under Tier 1 Entrepreneur;

·         they have created at least two full time equivalent jobs that have existed for at least 12 months;

·         they have invested the required funds into the business or businesses in the UK; and

·         they are able to demonstrate that they continue to be a genuine entrepreneur.

Tier 1 Entrepreneur: Indefinite Leave to Remain

An application for Indefinite Leave to Remain can be made once an applicant has held Tier 1 Entrepreneur status for a period of at least 5 years*. In order to be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, applicants must demonstrate that they continue to meet the requirements as listed above.

Applicants must also demonstrate that:

·         they have spent a continuous period of 5 years* in the UK and during this time have not breached any UK immigration laws;

·         they meet the requirements in relation to absences; and

·         they have sufficient knowledge of English language and have passed a Life in the UK test.

*Applicants may qualify for accelerated Indefinite Leave to Remain after 3 years if they have created 10 new full time equivalent jobs or their business received at least £5 million in income from business activity throughout the 3 years.