Immigration Tier 1 Entrepreneur, Exceptional Talent and Investor Visa Applications

The Tier 1 visa is for individuals who wish to pursue a business or invest in the UK or for exceptionally talented individuals. Tier 1 Migrants do not need to be sponsored and make this application in their own right.

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)

You can apply as a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) if you want to set up or run a business in the UK. You would have to have either £50,000 or to £200,000 of investment funds. There are different eligibility requirements depending on whether you have access to £50,000 or to £200,000. You also have to demonstrate you have an adequate standard of English and that you are able to maintain yourself during your stay.

(This category is now closed to new applicants)

Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)

You can apply for a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa if you are a graduate who has been officially endorsed by the Department for International Trade (DIT) or a UK higher education institution (HEI) as having a genuine and credible business idea.

You would be required to hold a UK-recognised bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD awarded before your date of endorsement. You also have to demonstrate you have an adequate standard of English and that you are able to maintain yourself during your stay.

Tier 1 (Investor)

You can apply as a Tier 1 (Investor) if you want to invest £2,000,000 or more in the UK. You would have to invest those funds in UK government bonds, share capital or loan capital in active UK companies.

Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent)

You can apply for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa if you are exceptional talent or have exceptional promise and you have been endorsed in your field in science, humanities, engineering, medicine, digital technology or the arts.

There are two stages to this to process, you first need to apply to the Home Office for endorsement. After you have received your endorsement, you can apply for the visa.

At Vestra Lawyers, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you with these types of applications. Contact us today to speak to our specialist solicitors.