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Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa
After the 28 March 2019, the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa scheme will close.
If you were planning to apply for an Entrepreneur Visa the application is now urgent. At London based OTS Solicitors our team of dedicated immigration solicitors can help you with the paperwork needed to submit an urgent Entrepreneur Visa application or look at your alternative options.
If you need to apply urgently for your Entrepreneur Visa or you are worried about the status of a pending Entrepreneur Visa application or what happens when your current Entrepreneur Visa expires, please call Legal 500 law directory recommended OTS Solicitors for help on 0203 959 9123 or send us an enquiry via our Contact page.
What is a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa?
The UK offers a Points-Based Systems for non-EEA nationals who are seeking to enter the UK for business purposes specifically under Tier 1 of the system, there are various categories however one of the most common categories is the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa.
Why should I apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa?
The UK’s economy has been growing rapidly in recent years and more people are deciding to set up or take over a business in the UK due to the rising opportunities. If this is a route you are currently considering, please contact our business immigration team who are specialists in this field and who will be able to provide you with detailed advice.
What are the funding requirements for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa?
As with all Immigration applications, there are certain requirements that you will need to satisfy to obtain a grant of leave to enter via a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa. As this visa is under the Points-Based System, the applicant must meet a minimum of 95 points and aged at least 16 years of age or older. Please note that where the applicant is aged 18 years of age or older, the Home Office must be provided with a criminal record certificate from any country that the applicant has resided in for 12 months or more. One of the main requirements for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa relates to the funds required as there are two separate categories.
Funding under the £200,000 route
The first category requires that you hold a minimum of £200,000.00 of disposable funds which can be your own funds or third party funding. The funds in this category takes into consideration any funds already invested in the UK either by the Applicant or by the third party.
Funding under the £50,000 route
The second category allows you to make an application for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa if you have £50,000 however, this only applies if the investment funds are from an FCA registered UK venture capital firm, UK seed funding competition or a UK government department.
Depending on the funds available to you, the evidence required by the Home Office will differ and as such it is vital that you apply under the correct route to ensure that you satisfy the correct set of requirements. Each category has complex guidance notes instructing applicants on the specific documents required as evidence to demonstrate eligibility; failure to adhere to these guidelines will render your application as either invalid or your application refused.
What is the Genuine Entrepreneur requirement?
The ‘Genuine Entrepreneur Test’; entails providing sufficient evidence to demonstrate your genuine intention to establish or take over a business here in the UK within six months. The Home Office can request that you attend an interview during which they will attempt to ascertain whether your intentions are genuine.
If you do not satisfactorily demonstrate genuine intention, your application will be refused even if you have met all of the other requirements. Our team of Immigration specialists can take you through the interview stage step by step to ensure that you are able to answer questions with regards to your application confidently and accurately.
Additionally, you must also evidence that you have the required qualifications and business experience to create a successful business in the UK with the necessary level of English language as well as being able to maintain and accommodate yourself without any recourse to public funds.
Applying for an extension
If you are granted leave on a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, you will be able to remain in the UK legally for three years and four months. Following the initial grant of leave, you can make a further application to the Home Office to extend your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa for a further two years.
The extension application has further requirements that you must satisfy before your leave to remain is extended. To be eligible for an extension under Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, you must demonstrate that you created a business, invested either £200,000 or £50,000, and established a minimum of two full time jobs with their Employment continuing for at least 12 months. It is also important that you evidence your registration with HMRC and you must also show that you are heavily involved in the business by undertaking activities within the business.
Route to Settlement via the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa
If you have held a grant of leave by way of a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa for five years then you may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain on the condition that you have resided in the UK lawfully for a continuous period of five years and have not been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any given 12 month period.
The Home Office can request that you attend a further interview at the settlement stage to once more satisfy the ‘Genuine Entrepreneur Test’. The requirements for the ‘Genuine Entrepreneur Test’ for indefinite leave to remain include evidencing that you still have an established business that you invested funds in and that you are genuinely intending to continue with your established business.
Accelerated Settlement
Following the changes to the Immigration Rules in April 2011, some Tier Entrepreneur migrants may be eligible for accelerated settlement after only three years of residence in the UK.
To be eligible for accelerated settlement, the applicant must demonstrate that their business was able to create a minimum of 10 new jobs in the UK or alternatively, that their business had an income of £5 million during the three year period. The three year qualifying period can start from the date the applicant was granted leave however, the period in which leave was granted and the entry date to the UK can count towards the 180 days of permissible absence in any 12 month period.
A settlement application can potentially be one of the most significant applications that you will make whilst in the UK and it is important that you obtain correct, detailed advice from specialists in the field to ensure that your application is successful. A settlement application has considerably more detailed guidance notes published by the Home Office which must be followed meticulously. A refusal for indefinite leave to remain can be detrimental not only for your future but also for your business and as such it is vital that the first application for indefinite leave to remain is made correctly and competently. Our business immigration team undertakes settlement applications daily and have vast experience in this area. Please contact our team on 0203 959 9123 and we will ensure that your application for indefinite leave to remain is successful the first time and your future in the UK secured.
How is OTS Solicitors Different to other Immigration Law Firms?
Our business immigration team is led by top ranked Immigration lawyers, former Immigration judges, and barristers. Our Senior Immigration Solicitor and former Immigration judge of the Immigration Tribunal Mr Paul Gulbenkian is also advisor to the UK Government’s Migration Advisory Committee. Our business immigration team is also headed by our principal solicitor Ms Teni Shahiean recognised and recommended by the Legal 500 from 2012 and 2015, together with our team of Immigration solicitors we provide a flawless and strategic business immigration service to you throughout the process.
As an award winning law firm we understand that your success is our success. We also understand that entrepreneurs and investors are vital in continuing the fast economic growth in the UK. At OTS solicitors we are here to help as a gateway to that success by providing world class business immigration services to Tier 1 entrepreneurs and investors. We can assist you, your business or corporate partners to enter the UK and take full advantage of opportunities to invest in the UK, set up a business, or take over the running of one or more existing businesses in the UK.
This page contains a brief summary of the UK Entrepreneur and Investor visa requirements. For detailed and tailored advice to your individual circumstances, please contact the OTS Solicitors business immigration department on 0203 959 9123 or contact us online.
One-Stop Business Immigration Service
To provide our client’s with a one-stop business immigration service, our Immigration Solicitors along with business plan writers, and accountants will work togerther to ensure your application is successful and for continued support as an Entrepreneur. Our Employment and Corporate lawyers will also provide support to ensure you are advised on any aspects of meeting the specific Immigration rules and requirement and also thereafter while running your business. By proving you with a one-stop business service our teams work together to provide the best seamless business immigration service in the UK.
Our solicitors from the business immigration team led by Mr Paul Gulbenkian and Ms Teni Shahiean will take the lead to ensure your Immigration application is completed successfully, and that you remain compliant with the requirement for this visa category throughout your stay in the UK.
For detailed and tailored advice on your individual circumstances, please contact the OTS Solicitors business immigration department on 0203 959 9123 or contact us online.
For a more detailed discussion regarding your case, or to book an appointment with a member of our business immigration team, please call us now on 0203 959 9123
Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Success Stories
By Teni Shahiean, of OTS Solicitors
Teni Shahiean is a founding partner at OTS Solicitors. She has a wealth of experience in business immigration law, commercial law and employment law and regularly advises businesses on Sponsor Licence acquisition and compliance. Teni is also regularly called on to provide expert opinion on television and in print media, both in the UK and internationally.
A Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa is one of the most difficult to obtain. Not only do applicants have to have access to the required funds of £50,000 or £200,000, but they also need to pass the Genuine Entrepreneur Test.
In 2015, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) released a report that stated the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa needed to be reviewed. One of the main reasons cited was that some migrants were using the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa route to avoid the £2 million required to obtain a Tier 1 Investor visa, which could lead to an accelerated settlement. They achieved this by investing in a small equity stake of an established company but did not actively participate in running the organisation.
MAC suggested some significant changes to the existing application system. These included:
- Appointing a panel of specialists with expertise in early-stage entrepreneurship, such as angel investors or venture capitalists;
- Recruiting specialist Immigration officers qualified to review business plans;
- Working with other government departments such as UKTI or BIS, or outsourcing the assessment of business plans to a professional services firm.
As at the time of writing, these measures have not been implemented. However, in 2015, the Genuine Entrepreneur Test, has become significantly tougher.
OTS Solicitors is a Legal 500 recommended law firm. We have won numerous other awards for our Immigration service, including a Global Excellence Award for the Most Trusted in Immigration Law. My team and I regularly support clients who are applying for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa to pass the Genuine Entrepreneur Test.
What is the Genuine Entrepreneur Test?
The Home Office uses the Genuine Entrepreneur Test to assess your credibility. Immigration officials will take the following into consideration when looking at your application:
- How viable and credible your source of funds is
- How much market research you have done in your chosen sector and whether you have a viable business plan
- Your business experience and academic qualifications
- Your Immigration history
The two main components of the Genuine Entrepreneur Test are your business plan and an interview with the Home Office.
The business plan
A key error those applying for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa make when presenting their business plan is simply submitting the version they have developed for investors and lenders. Although the financial forecast of the business is important, Immigration officials are more concerned with whether you can meet the requirements of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa. These include:
- you can and will establish, take over or become a director of one or more organisations in the Britain within six months of being granted entry to the UK under the Entrepreneur visa route
- the required money (£200,000 or £50,000) is genuinely available to you and will remain so until it is invested in a start-up or existing company
- you do not intend to have any other job in the UK and will concentrate on working in your business
- you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents who may come with you, so you do not have to rely on public funds
- you meet the English language requirements
- your organisation has the prospect of providing full-time Employment for two settled UK workers within the first three years
In addition, your business plan will need to show you have an in-depth knowledge of the industry, you have the educational requirements and the experience needed to create/grow a successful enterprise and that you understand the UK market.
The Home Office Interview
As part of the Genuine Entrepreneur Test, you may be required to attend an interview with an Immigration official. You will need to be prepared as the interviewer will ask you many questions about your background, business knowledge and industry experience to help them decide on whether to grant you entry under the entrepreneur route.
You are likely to be asked questions such as:
- who wrote your business plan?
- what is your sales and marketing strategy?
- how much market research have you done?
- do you have professional advisors in place?
- do you understand UK Employment laws?
- What connections, both personal and business, do you have in the UK?
My team and I work extensively with Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa applicants to help them prepare for a Home Office interview. Not only do we provide a list of possible questions, but we also coach them through answers in mock interviews, so their answers are consistent and articulate on the day. Doing this means we have an extremely high success rate when it comes to having Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visas granted.
OTS success stories
Our client worked in the music industry in the Middle East. They applied for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa using and planned to invest in an existing business in London. As the targeted business was not in their field of expertise and given and our client’s limited experience in this industry, we focused on detailing and showcasing all of the transferable skills from their marketing and managerial roles in the business plan and CV to fulfil the requirements of the Genuine Entrepreneurship Test. Because of our thorough gathering of evidence, the Home Office did not require an interview with the client, and their entrepreneur visa was granted straight away.
Being exempted from a Genuine Entrepreneur Test interview is extremely rare. This example highlights the skills that our Immigration solicitors possess to create the best business plan that will instil confidence in Immigration officials.
To find out how we can help you successfully apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa and create a successful business plan, please call us on 0203 959 9123.
OTS Solicitors is one of the most respected Immigration law firms in London and is Legal 500 leading firm. By making an appointment with one of our business immigration solicitors, you can be assured of receiving some of the best legal advice available in the UK today.
The client, a Chinese national entered the UK on a student visa. Prior to instructing OTS Solicitors, and following her graduation, she attempted to establish a business in the UK and remain in the country as a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) migrant. However, this application failed due to insufficient evidence of being a genuine entrepreneur.
Refusal on the Basis of TOEIC Centre
After the failure of Tier 1 Entrepreneur application, she secured a job offer and was offered a sponsorship for that position. As at that time she was still on her Tier 4 visa, with the assistant of an oisc Immigration agent she applied in country to switch to tier 2. The application was initially refused due to a claimed deception, as the client had omitted to disclose the Tier 1 refusal. After a new application in the same category, where the client provided explanation in regards to the omitted information, another refusal was issued, on the basis that when she was applying to extend her student visa, she had used a TOEIC centre that was later on found to have participated in fraudulent scheme that allowed some applicants to use deception to pass the test. On this basis, the Home Office found that our client had obtained her previous leave using deception and therefore her application was refused.
In-country right of Appeal against TOEIC Decision
The client, of course, vehemently denied any wrongdoing. She instructed a solicitor before coming to OTS to challenge this refusal. As the application had been submitted in 2015, prior to the changes to the right of appeal, the decision carried an in country right of appeal. An appeal was lodged and the client approached OTS solicitors after receiving a hearing date, as she wished to desist instructing her previous solicitors.
Instructing OTS Solicitors & Amendment of Grounds of Appeal
Our firm's Appeals and Litigation team appraised the case and the available material and advised the client on the merits of her appeal. They further made a decision that the grounds of appeal needed to be amended to strengthen the case. Having carefully analysed the client’s case, it was decided by our specialist lawyers that the best venue for a successful appeal was to challenge the Home Office refusal decision on two grounds. On the one had the fact that the Home Office had not discharged from the duty to prove that the client had committed a fraud and had sat a TOEIC examination through a proxy or otherwise implemented illegal tactics to pass the examination. The Home Office was relying on a general expert report without any direct evidence implicating our client into such a fraudulent activity. This ground was fully argued to clear our client’s name who had been unfairly accused of dishonesty and deception.
The second ground that was put forward, was in relation to the client’s private and family life. The client was in a relationship with a British Citizen for over two years. This line of argument had been completely left out from the appeal and therefore necessitated the grounds to be amended.
Based on the advice given by our appeals and litigation team, the client decided to instruct on submitting amended grounds of appeal. Properly argued grounds of appeal were drafted by a barrister and submitted.
Preparation for the Appeal Hearing
Following these initial stages, our team started working on the preparation for the hearing, in conjunction with the counsel. Detailed statement was taken from the appellant and several other attendees of the same examination. This was aimed at showing that the client was familiar with the set-up of the examination centre and the process was of the assessment itself, aiding to the argument that the Client had, in fact, taken part in the assessment. Further to this, evidence of the knowledge of English prior to the assessment was provided, showing that e client had no probable cause for cheating.
Apart from the aspects dealing with the allegations of deception, our appeals team worked hard to produce evidence of the client's private and family life and to evidence why returning back to her country of origin to continue their family life there was not an option.
TOEIC Refusal Decision Challenged & Appeal Allowed
This appeal was allowed on both grounds, under the Immigration rules and the human rights.
Solicitor – Teni Shahiean– CEO and Founder of OTS Solicitor, UK immigration law Specialist
Background
Teni's client is an Iranian national who came to OTS after his Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa was refused twice following the applications being made by another Immigration law firm. Our client was not happy with the service he received from his previous Immigration solicitor and felt that after talking to Teni and Maryem, he would receive the best service available from OTS Solicitors.
UK Visas & Immigration first refused our client because they believed that he was not a director of a company. The second time he was refused was because the department claimed he had not properly invested the required £200,000.
How we helped
Teni began by investigating the first two initial refusals. She found that UK Visa & Migration had not considered our client’s Certificate of Directorship and had ignored invoices that showed he had invested in his company in a way that is required by the Immigration Rules.
We have submitted a Pre-Action Protocol on our client’s behalf, alerting the Home Office that we will be challenging the decision via judicial review. Teni and her team are currently negotiating with the Home Office to try and reach an early settlement.
Follow-up Support
We will continue to work with our client after his Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa is approved; assisting him by ensuring he understands the residency requirements for applying for indefinite leave to remain. We will also work with him and his staff to ensure his business is continuing to be compliant with UK Immigration laws and policies.
Solicitor – Teni Shahiean – Partner and co-founder of OTS Solicitors
Background
Teni’s client is a Chinese family who came to the UK on a Tier One (Entrepreneur) Visa. They had gone on to create an extremely successful business and wanted to apply for accelerated leave to remain in the UK.
How we helped
Under the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa, there are two ways accelerated leave to remain can be granted:
a) the business employs 10 or more people who are ‘settled’ (ie are British Citizens or have indefinite leave to remain) in the UK; or
b) the organisation has a turnover of at least £5 million per year
Teni’s client is applying under the 10 or more employee qualifier. The application required a vast amount of paperwork to be collated and submitted to UK Visas & Immigration, not only from the applicants themselves, but their employees.
We have advised the clients on the supporting documentation needed, prepared the application and are currently awaiting a decision from the Home Office.
Follow-up Support
Once the family obtain indefinite leave to remain, we will continue to work with them to strategise their application for British citizenship, ensuring any business travel requirements do not jeopardise their eligibility for naturalisation.
Our client TZ, a national of China, approached OTS Solicitors after refusal of her leave to remain as a Tier 1 entrepreneur visa and a high net worth Investor. She had previously been granted leave to enter as Tier 1 Entrepreneur applicant and had established successful businesses in the UK into which she had invested significant amount of funds. At the time of her extension application she was the director of the company she incorporated and was employing 4 workers.
Her Tier 1 Entrepreneur extension application was refused for alleged failure to provide a piece of specified evidence. As our client approached our business investment and Immigration department after refusal of her application that carried a right of administrative review our business immigration lawyers conducted an initial consultation to assess the reasons of refusal and any possible grounds of challenge.
The client was advised that the missing evidence was not mandatory, as the other documents provided with her leave to remain application provided the specified information. She was also advised of her options and that administrative review was her next step as an Investor she would not have a right of appeal. She was advised that this was a statutory remedy and, although it was unlikely to succeed due to the Home Office established practice of refusing administrative review requests, our lawyers explained that any judicial review claim was unlikely to succeed if administrative review was not sought.
While administrative review was pending, our investment and Tier 1 Entrepreneur Immigration team requested the client's file from previous representatives, in order to carry full assessment of the case to detect any possible and hidden issues that might lead to further refusals.
After receiving the expected refusal of the administrative review, our lawyers issued the Home office with a pre-action letter requesting withdrawal of the erroneous decision and reconsideration of our client's Tier 1 entrepreneur decision. Our business immigration lawyers argued that specified information had been provided and as such was sufficient. Further to this, argument was made, based on home office evidential flexibility policy, that the Respondent should have requested any such further evidence they felt necessary for considering the application.
No response was received in the 14 days allowed for the Respondent to respond to the pre-action letter. judicial review proceedings were started and lodged. On the same day, after the lodging of the judicial review claim, response was received from the Respondent, agreeing to reconsider our client's application. Negotiations started with the Respondent to settle the judicial review claim and the Respondent, also agreed to pay our client's costs.
Shortly after, our business immigration team was contacted by the Home Office confirming a new decision was made and that our client was to be granted 2 years further leave in Tier 1 Entrepreneur category and our client would continue to invest in ther UK businesses.
Your Questions & Our Answers about Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Your enquiry is being reviewed by our team and one of our solicitors will contact you shortly.
In the meantime, you can also call us on 02039599123 or email us on info@otssolicitors.co.uk
Thank you for your email.
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa route allows you to invest in an existing business in the UK or set up a new business from scratch. The key to success is to ensure that your father fully understands the business he intends to establish, that his skills and experience can be matched to the business needs and that the business is viable and credible. Of course, he must also meet all the other requirements which can be discussed at length at a later stage.
Should you wish to discuss the matter further, I will be happy to arrange a consultation for you over the telephone from our office.
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Your enquiry is being reviewed by our team and one of our solicitors will contact you shortly.
In the meantime, you can also call us on 02039599123 or email us on info@otssolicitors.co.uk
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Your enquiry is being reviewed by our team and one of our solicitors will contact you shortly.
In the meantime, you can also call us on 02039599123 or email us on info@otssolicitors.co.uk
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your question.
You can come to the UK with a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa for a maximum of 3 years and 4 months. You can extend this visa for another 2 years if you’re already in this category.
You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) once you’ve been in the UK for 5 years. You may also be eligible to apply for fast track settlement under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur in 3 years providing you meet the various requirements. You may apply for citizenship one year after you have obtained ILR.
Our solicitors will contact you shortly to discuss this further.
Thank you for your below enquiry, and further to our telephone conversation, please be advised that the absences which are more than 180 in last 5 years during the time of your 5 years of the Tier 1 status, will not make you quaify for the settlement, and so for your dependents, however if you require further clarifications, please let me know and I will be glad to assist you.
[This question has also been answered by our lawyers privately by e-mail]
Dear Sidra,
Thank you for your enquiry with us.
We will need to have sight of the Home Office refusal to your husband’s Tier 1 visa application along with the documents submitted in order to ascertain whether the refusal was in accordance with the Immigration Rules or not. Your husband can challenge this refusal by way of Administrative Review however, for this we suggest that you have a consultation with us. Our consultations are normally an hour with a fee of £180 plus VAT [if applicable] this is necessary for us to assess how we can assist your husband in his entry to the UK as a Tier 1 migrant.
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Your enquiry is being reviewed by our team and one of our solicitors will contact you shortly.
In the meantime, you can also call us on 02039599123 or email us on info@otssolicitors.co.uk
Dear Sir,
The investments or funds have to be held in the account for 3 months before making the Tier 1 entrepreneur application, however in regard to the kind and type of the investment depends on business to business and its nature. Our solicitors will contact you shortly to discuss your matter further.
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your Tier 1 Entrepreneur enquiry. We will require further information from you in order to advise you on the requirements and process of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa. We will firstly need to discuss your business plan and assess whether you meet the financial requirements. Our business immigration solicitors will contact you shortly to discuss your matter further.
Thank you for your enquiry.
You may be able to register as an Authorising Officer. However, before we can determine this, we will need further information from you about your role in the company and the company in general.
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your Tier 1 entrepreneur enquiry.
The processing time of the visa from Dubai should not take long. Some of the applications that were submitted as expedited (with an extra processing fee) are decided within a few days. However, the preparation of the application is what does take time and requires attention. Once visa is granted you would need to enter the UK within 30 days from the visa start date indicated on the visa stamp in your passport.
Our business immigration solicitors will contact you shortly.
Thank you for your enquiry.
There are several key requirements to be met in order to get a visa as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur. We will contact you to discuss this in more detail.
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your Tier 1 entrepreneur enquiry.
Our business immigration solicitors will contact you shortly.
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your Tier 1 Entrepreneur enquiry.
Our solicitors will contact you to discuss your matter further.
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your Tier 1 Entrepreneur enquiry.
Our solicitors will contact you to discuss your matter further.
Dear Sirs
In order to apply for entry clearance as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur, it is mandatory to demonstrate that you have access to £200,000. This can be from your own funds or funds provided by a third party. We can discuss the detail during a consultation.
With regard to the issue of you being deported from the UK, we will require more information to assess whether this will have a bearing on future applications.
[This question has also been answered by our lawyers privately by e-mail]
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your question.
We will contact you via email regarding your Tier 1 Entrepreneur enquiry.
Dear Madam,
Many thanks for your Immigration question.
Your husband may apply at a later date, he does not need to apply at the same time as you. If he does not meet the residential requirements he can extend his dependant visa but he will not get ILR.
Our Immigration solicitors will contact you shortly.
Dear Sir,
The government fees for Tier 1 Entrepreneur extension application are £1,277 per person. There is also a separate fee for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £200 per year of visa per person, so for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur extension the IHS fee is £400 per person.
Dear Aleimar
Thank you for your enquiry. Under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa an investment in dental practices is usually permitted. However, to advise you in detail we would need to obtain more background information on your matter. We will contact you via email.
Thank you for your enquiry.
We can certainly assist your brother with a Tier 1 Entrepreneur application. His wife and children can also apply as his dependent. With regard to your mother, she may not be able to qualify as a dependent and therefore, she will need to apply in her own right. We can discuss this issue further at a consultation and thus a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your questions.
You will need to apply for a national insurance number once you arrive in the UK in order to set up the business and start work. You will not be able to work for another company on the Entrepreneur visa.
In relation to your son, he can work whilst studying in the UK. He can work a maximum of 20hours per week and full-time during holiday periods. He must apply for a national insurance number in order to work legally in the UK.
Our Solicitors will contact you shortly to discuss your matter further.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your question.
The requirements of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur category are that an applicant must be able to show access to £200,000 in cash funds, and satisfy the English Language requirement. There is also a maintenance requirement where a certain level of savings must have been maintained for 90 days before making the application. It is mandatory to satisfy the Genuine Entrepreneur test and it is vital therefore to present a well prepared business plan as part of the process, which must be clearly related to the skills and experience of the applicant.
Our business immigration solicitors will contact you shortly to discuss your matter in further detail.
Dear Sirs
Thank you for your enquiry. We note you would like to establish business in the UK using the £50k route. As a law firm we are not authorised to advise on investments. We are, however, available to discuss visa options available to you. We will contact you on your contact details provided below.
Thank you for your question.
I understand you are looking at visa options for your parents to invest in the UK.
The requirements of the Entrepreneur category are that an applicant must be able to show access to £200,000 in cash funds, and satisfy the English Language requirement. There is also a maintenance requirement where a certain level of savings must have been maintained for 90 days before making the application.
The requirements for the Investor visa include that you must have at least £2 million investment funds to invest in the UK.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your Tier 1 Entrepreneur enquiry.
Buying an existing business does not count towards investment for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa. We would recommend having an initial consultation to discuss your enquiry in more detail for us to provide you advice.
Our business immigration solicitors will contact you shortly
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your question.
The requirements of the Entrepreneur category are that an applicant must be able to show access to £200k in cash funds or 50k in venture capital from UK government funding and satisfy the English Language requirement. There is also a maintenance requirement where a certain level of savings must have been maintained for 90 days before making the application. It is mandatory to satisfy the Genuine Entrepreneur test and it is vital therefore to present a well-prepared business plan as part of the process, which must be clearly related to the skills and experience of the applicant.
In terms of your travel history, we will need further elaboration on this in order to advise.
Our business immigration solicitors will contact you shortly.
Dear Sir,
We note your query relating to the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa and type of business that could qualify for this visa category. We will contact you to discuss your query in detail.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your enquiry.
At OTS Solicitors, we have specialist business immigration lawyers who can assist you in making a strong Tier 1 Entrepreneur application, which includes providing full advice on your business plan. We would like to have the opportunity to discuss this matter with you in detail in order to address your queries and discuss the next steps.
Our business immigration solicitors will be in touch with you in due course.
Dear Sir,
We note your query relating to the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa and type of business that could qualify for this visa category. We will contact you to discuss your query in detail.
Dear Sir,
Eligibility for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa is made based on specific circumstances of each applicant’s case. We will require further information from you before we can advise you on your options.
Our business immigration solicitors will contact you to discuss your case in detail.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your question.
Your brother would need to meet the financial requirement by showing that he has access to 200k of investment funds which are disposable in the UK.
I would like to make you aware that buying and selling property would not be an acceptable business idea for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur application and therefore is likely to be unsuccessful. The closest acceptable business idea for the property industry would be for example, interior design, architecture, construction.
Dear Sir,
We note that you are currently completing your second MSc on Cyber security and you would like to move to a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa to set up your own business in the UK. We can assist you with the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa application.
Our business immigration Solicitors will contact you to discuss the process in detail.
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your enquiry.
I note the information you provided regarding your business experience and your interest in obtaining Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa. The best way to proceed would be to meet us in person when you are in the UK during the 2nd week of May. We will contact you to arrange a meeting.
Dear Sir/Madam
We note your question regarding the recent changes in calculating the 180 days absences for ILR. Your understanding is correct that the current position from the Home Office is to apply this rule retrospectively. There are some limited exemptions to this. We will contact you shortly to discuss this further.
Dear Sirs,
Thank you for your enquiry.
You are right to focus on the type of business to establish/join in the UK as a starting point for the Entrepreneur application - choosing the type of business is an important part in preparation for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur application. Investment can be made in a business established by the Applicant or in an already existing business subject to meeting certain requirements. However, as the Entrepreneur rules are very complex and their application can change depending on specific circumstances, we would need to obtain detailed instructions in order to advise on the business options, the investment and other requirements for the visa. In terms of your daughter turning 18 years old in September, for UK visa purposes to be able to apply as child dependant children must be below 18.
A solicitor will contact you shortly.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your enquiry.
For Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa it is normally permitted to invest the £200k funds by way of shares. However, as the Entrepreneur rules are complex and its application depends on specific circumstances of each Applicant, in order for us to provide an advice we would need to obtain more detailed instructions on the circumstances of your case. We therefore recommend arranging an initial consultation with us allowing us to get the necessary factual information and then provide our advice.
One of our solicitors will contact you shortly.
Dear Sir, you would be eligible to apply for the a T1 Entrepreneur Visa if you have access to £200,000 which is readily available to you. In your instance, from a third party, your father. You can invest by way of share capital in your chosen business venture should you wish. A member of OTS Solicitors shall contact you to discuss the requirements of the visa in more detail and to provide a thorough explanation of our services.
Dear Mr Butt, we can definitely arrange to meet you at our office in London. Currently, our offices are located in London only. Pavandeep Bassi, the Head of Immigration shall contact you to arrange the appointment at your convenience.
Thank you for your question. The 180 days continuous residency requirement for indefinite leave to remain is likely to apply to every family member who wishes to apply for settlement. To ensure you remain within the threshold, speak to one of our Immigration solicitors who can provide you with the best advice throughout the life of your Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa.
Best wishes,
OTS Solicitors
Disclaimer: This answer does not constitute legal advice. We can only provide legal advice if we receive your formal instruction.
Dear Sir, we can certainly assist you with your query regarding a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa. One of our specialist business immigration Solicitors will be in contact with you shortly.
The various, rather complicated, ways of proving your English language ability are set out in Appendix B to the Immigration Rules particularly at para 6 onwards. It is quite complicated as you can see but we could discuss this. The real issue in our experience in Entrepreneur cases is the Home Office’s expectations as to proving that the business venture is a credible and realistic one: they have some funny ideas. Please kindly get in touch with myself, Oshin Shahiean on 0207 936 9960 and myself and my colleagues in the business immigration depart would be more than happy to assist you through the process.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your enquiry.
The £50,000 route is closed for applicants from overseas wishing to invest their own money. The required investment for Tier 1 is £200,000. If your intention is simply to work in the UK, you need to secure a job offer from a UK based company willing and able to sponsor you for tier 2 visa.
We will contact you shortly to discuss your Immigration matter in more detail.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consult with our Immigration Solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Prior experience in a particular field is not a pre-requisite for a Tier 1 visa, though experience or background understanding of the industry does help particular with answering questions on interview and in satisfying the genuine entrepreneur test. Our expert business immigration advisors can provide comprehensive assistance for those seeking to obtain settlement through investment in an existing business or launch a start-up in the UK. A member of the team will contact you for a more further in-depth discussion of our services.
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur route is open to visa applicants applying from abroad and from within the UK to leave holders in certain categories. Visa Applicants from abroad must show they have access to £200,000 held in a regulated bank account. For further detailed, please contact one of our Tier 1 Specialists at OTS Solicitors who would be happy to speak to you in more detail.
Dear sir, whether you only have school education to 10th grade, will not preclude you from applying for a for Tier 1 entrepreneurs visa, if you are able to meet the requirements for entry clearance and can show the industry experience in your chosen/established business. Our very experienced business immigration team will certainly be able to assist you with your application and shall be in touch with you shortly.
Dear Sir, we have a specialist team at OTS Solicitors which advice and assist in the preparation of Tier 1 Entrepreneur visas. A member of the team shall be in touch very shortly to arrange a consultation with you. As part of the service we shall explain in full what services we offer. The factors of success can be based on a number of aspects which we shall explain in detail.
Dear Sirs, we can confirm that your partner and children are eligible to apply for leave to enter the United Kingdom as Points Based (PBS) dependants, should your visa be granted. Your parents unfortunately cannot be considered as a PBS Dependant and they would have to apply for an Adult Dependant visa. The requirements for entry as an Adult Dependant can be quite a difficult process, however, our specialist Immigration advisors at OTS Solicitors will contact you shortly to explain the process in detail.
Dear Sir, it is appears that you may possibly be eligible to apply for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur visa). Our experienced business immigration team would be happy to assist you or alternatively provide you with advice on any other potential route to settlement you may be eligible for.
Thank you for your enquiry.
An application for entry clearance as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur is heavily scrutinised by the Home Office. It is important to ensure all documents submitted are in the correct format and that they meet the requirements under the Immigration Rules.
In order for you to qualify for entry clearance under this category, you must show that you have funds of £200,000 or more to invest in the UK.
In order to qualify under the £50,000 investment route, the funds must be from FCA registered UK venture capital firm, UK seed funding competition or a UK government department.
The Home Office will assess your application in light of your proposed business plan and as such, we will need more information from you to advise you further in this matter.
Someone will be in touch with you shortly to see how we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consult with our Immigration Solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact form.
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Thank you for your enquiry.
A visa under the Tier 4 category does not lead to settlement in the UK. Furthermore, there is a 5 year cap on Student Visas for those who wish to study an undergraduate or a Masters degree in the UK.
You can use your residency in the UK as a student to work towards the 10-year lawful residence route in order to apply for Indefninite leave to remain in the UK in 2022. For you to continue your residence in the UK, we can explore the options available to you to switch to other visa categories which will enable you to work and eventually settle in the UK such as the tier 2 visa category.
As a alternative, we can explore the options under a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa under which you may be able to re-enter the UK and set up a business. This visa routes does lead to settlement in the UK.
Finally, we can also explore your private and family life in the UK to see if this gives rise to any applications under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
Someone will be in touch with you shortly to see how we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our Immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact form.
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your enquiry.
You may be able to apply to switch into the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa category if you are already in the UK under the tier 2 visa category and you meet all of the eligibility requirements under the Immigration Rules.
You must hold a minimum of £200,000.00 of disposable funds which can be your own funds or third party funding. The funds in this category takes into consideration any funds already invested in the UK either by the Applicant or by the third party.
Someone will be in touch with you shortly to see how we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our Immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact form.
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your enquiry.
Your son may be able to switch into the Tier1 or Teir 2 visa catergory. This will of course depend upon his financial circumstances as well as his career goals. At this stage, it would be beneficial for your son to come to our office for a consultation so that we can explore all the options with him to live and work in the UK.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our Immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question. The rules of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa state that the money should usually be invested in the business. Passing the Genuine Entrepreneur Test is difficult and it is likely you will need legal advice, especially given the amount of capital involved. Someone from our office will be in touch with you shortly to discuss how we can assist you.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our Immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question.
To be eligible for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa with £50,000 investment, you will need to show the the funds come from the following sources:
- a UK entrepreneurial seed funding competition endorsed by the Department for International Trade (DIT)
- a UK government department making funds available for the purpose of setting up or expanding a UK business
- a venture capital firm registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
You can also apply if you’ve already invested £50,000 in a UK business. You must have invested the funds less than 12 months before you apply.
The UKVI will also want to see that you are a 'genuine entrepreneur' and have a clear business plan, money to support yourself and can pass the English language requirmeent. Someone will be in touch with you shortly to discuss how our solicitors can assist you wityh your application.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our Immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question. We would need some more information about your situation to be able to help you. Someone from our office will be in touch shortly.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our Immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question. You may be able to apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa if you have access to £50,000 to invest in your business from a venture capital firm regulated by the FSA. To meet the eligibility requirements, you must also provide;
- Evidence of a genuine and viable business plan.
- Evidence of your English language ability and that your have sufficient funds to maintain yourself in the UK.
You may receive a decision on your application within 3 weeks.
Passing the Genuine Entrepreneur test can be challenging, our expert business immigration solicitors can assist you with your application and make it more likely it will succeed.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our Immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question.
The eligibility criteria for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa includes:
- having access to either £50,000 or £200,000 in funds to invest in a start-up venture or an existing company
- you need to work for the start-up or existing company
- there is a 'genuine entrepreneur test' which needs to be passed
- you must present a valid business plan
- meet the English language requirement
- show you can support yourself during your stay
- score 95 points under the PBS
- be at least 16 years old
The application process can be very tough; it is often good to have the support of an experienced Immigration solicitor to guide you through the process. We have successfully assisted many Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa applicants in obtaining their visa. Someone will be in touch with you shortly to discuss this further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our Immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question. The investment of £50,000 is relevant to the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa. The source of the funds must be from:
- a UK entrepreneurial seed funding competition endorsed by the Department for International Trade (DIT)
- a UK government department making funds available for the purpose of setting up or expanding a UK business
- a venture capital firm registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
We will be in touch shortly to establish if we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our Immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question.
To be eligible for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa, you usually have to have either:
Access to £50,000 in investment funds from one or more of the following:
-a UK entrepreneurial seed funding competition endorsed by the Department for International Trade (DIT)
-a UK government department making funds available for the purpose of setting up or expanding a UK business
-a venture capital firm registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
You can also apply if you’ve already invested £50,000 in a UK business. You must have invested the funds less than 12 months before you apply.
or
Access to £200,000 in investment funds and you can prove that the money is either:
-your own
-made available to you by other people (‘third parties’), such as a spouse, partner or Investor
-in a joint account with your spouse or partner but only if they aren’t applying for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our Immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question.
Yes, we may be able to help you as you can obtain a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa by investing £200,000 in an existing business, as long as you meet other eligibility critria. Someone from office will be in touch with you shortly.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our Immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question. The eligibility criteria for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa are quite strict. You usually need to invest either £50,000 or £200,000 in an existing company or start your own business and become a director of that organisation. You are also obliged to pass the 'genuine entrepreneur' test and present a clear business plan documenting how your skills can be used to grow the company. It is likely that you will be able to draw a salary from the company in the manner of a normal director.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our Immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your email to OTS Solicitors.
After reading your query, I am confident that we can advise you regarding your case.
This is something that our firm routinely deals with. I would suggest that we arrange a consultation to discuss your case further. The following is not an exhaustive list and should not be taken as legal advice until we have your full instructions. However, there are certain requirements you will need to show:
• £200,000 GBP to invest in your proposed business in the UK, or £100,000 GBP if you are part of an entrepreneurial team of two partners
• Or you may have access to £50,000 to invest in your business from a venture capital firm regulated by the FSA
• Evidence of a genuine and viable business plan
• Evidence of your English language ability and that you have sufficient funds to maintain yourself in the UK.
Without taking your full instruction we are unable to advise you, and kindly ask that you confirm your availability for an appointment with us this week/next week?
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
Hello,
Thank you for your question. Your case raises certain complex matters which our business immigration lawyers for UK residents are confident they can assist and advise you on. We would be able to offer you assistance as part of a one-off consultation for entrepreneur visas, or otherwise as part of our full representation service to assist you throughout the legal process of obtaining your Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa.
Unfortunately we are not open on Sundays, however, your Immigration query has been forwarded to the relevant business immigration team and your Immigration lawyer will be in touch with you on Monday 23rd November 2015 to explain how to proceed for the best outcome in your Immigration case.
Kindest Regards
OTS Solicitors
[This question has also been answered by our lawyers privately by e-mail]
