Tier 1 Investor Visa Extension

The Tier 1 Investor Visa is now closed to new applicants. However, current holders of this visa may still qualify to extend their stay or apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

The UK’s Investor Visa is designed for high-net-worth individuals willing to make significant financial commitments of £2 million or more. It provides the fastest path to permanent residency in the UK compared to other visa categories. Investors with this visa can live in the UK, invest funds, engage in employment, education, and business activities for an initial term of 3 years and 4 months. After this time, they may seek to renew their visa or pursue Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), depending on their level of investment.

Eligibility for the Tier 1 Investor visa is dependent on the applicant’s ability to invest the required minimum in the UK. Notably, unlike many other immigration routes, there is no requirement to demonstrate English language proficiency for the Investor Visa.

Details on Extending the Investor Visa:

• Validity: Up to 3 years and 4 months for applications from outside the UK; 3 years for applications submitted within the UK.
• Possibility of extension after the initial term.
• Criteria for a successful extension include:
  • A minimum investment of £2,000,000 in the UK.
  • Direct control over the investment funds.
  • Allocation of funds into share or loan capital in active UK companies.
  • Investment of the funds within 90 days of entering the UK or receiving visa approval.

Investor Visa Application Process:

• Completion of the online application.
• Presentation of identification documents.
• Payment of the application fee (£1,884).
• Submission of evidence proving the required investment.
• Standard processing time is approximately 8 weeks.
• An expedited process is available for an additional fee (£500), which guarantees a decision within 5 working days.

Criteria for ILR as an Investor Visa Holder

• Residency in the UK for the required period (2, 3, or 5 years), contingent on the investment tier.
• No more than 180 days spent outside the UK during any twelve-month period of the qualifying years.
• An investment of £2 million, £5 million, or £10 million, depending on the targeted timeframe for ILR, in either share capital or loan capital in active UK businesses, completed within three months of entry into the UK or the date the visa was granted.
• Successful completion of the Life in the UK Test.

Further Details for the ILR Application:

• The ILR application may be submitted 28 days prior to meeting the eligibility requirements.
• The application fee for ILR stands at £2,885 for each individual.
• Standard processing time for a decision is up to six months.
• For expedited decisions, an additional fee of £500 ensures a response within 5 working days, or £1000 for a decision by the next working day.
• Family members can be included in the main application or submit separate applications if they do not yet qualify independently.