Tier 1 Visa - UK Entrepreneur Visa Guideline
The entrepreneur visa falls under Tier 1 of the points based system. Candidates applying under this category are required to make a substantial investment by starting a business in the UK.
A Tier 1 Visa application doesn't require the applicant to have a sponsor. It is solely based on the applicant successfully achieving points.
Entrepreneur applicants fall under the Tier 1 visa category. Applicants may also meet the criteria for a Tier 1 visa in one of the following categories:
Tier 1 Visa - General
Tier 1 Visa - Investor
Tier 1 Visa - Post - Study Work
Tier 1 Visa – Duration
A Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa is initially granted for two years. During this period applicants must make the full investment and create at least two jobs for EEA (European Economic Area) nationals. After the initial two year period, depending on the performance of the business, the applicant may apply for a Business Visa extension for three years. After five years the applicant may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. If your dependents qualify they would be free to work or study here with you.
Tier 1 - Entrepreneur Visa General Requirements
Under the Points Based System, UK visa applicants must be able to satisfy the language and maintenance requirements. It is particularly important for non-EEA nationals migrating to the UK to be able to speak the English Language with the exception of those entering the UK as investors.
Skilled migrants will need to prove they have sufficient English language skills in one of the following ways:
- The migrant is from a country where English is the main language
- The migrant has successfully completed a Master's degree course which was taught in English
- The migrant has passed an English language test that is equal to level C1 of the council of Europe's Common European Framework for Language learning
Under any of the Tier 1 visa sub categories the applicant must be able to support their self and any dependents for their entire stay in the UK without recourse to public funds. The total sum necessary to satisfy the requirement of the main applicant is £2,800. The first dependent will need approximately £1,870 and any further dependents will need to have £940 in their account at the time of applying.
The points for a Tier 1 Visa are based on the applicants UK experience, English language skills, qualifications, previous earnings, age and available maintenance.
The key requirement for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa is the amount of investment funds and the guarantee that the applicant will be taking control of a business in the UK.
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa requires the applicant to gain 75 points. Applicants must satisfy the following requirements in order to satisfy the point's criteria:
- Access to £200,000 = 25 points
- The sum is held in a regulated bank account = 25 points
- The funds are disposable in the UK = 25 points
Under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa category applicants must not undertake any form of employment within the UK. This type of visa is solely for the purpose of coming to the UK to set up a UK based business.
With a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa applicants may start their own business, join an existing business or take over an established UK enterprise.
It is an essential requirement of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa that the applicant employs a minimum of two people either part-time or full-time with settled status in the UK.
Switching to a Tier 1 Visa
Candidate may switch to a Tier 1 visa from another category is they meet the requirements of the new category.
Our UK Visa and Immigration experts are specialists in dealing with applications for Tier 1 Visas to ensure that the whole process is simple and quick for you.
Candidates who seek a visa can speak to our British immigration advisors at the UK Visa and Immigration for help, advice and action.
Click on our UK Visa Assessment form below or speak to us today for FREE on
0800 524 4963.
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