The Deadline for Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extensions is Fast Approaching – Apply for Your Tier 1 Entrepreneur Extension Today
If you currently hold a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, it is important to be aware that the deadline for extensions is fast approaching. Anyone considering extending their Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa must ensure that their renewal application is received by UK Visas and Immigration no later than 5th April 2023. In this article, we will explain the eligibility criteria for an extension of leave for the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa, the extension application process, and the fees and deadlines.
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Is the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Still Open for New Applications?
No, the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa closed to new applications on the 29th March 2019 and was replaced by the Innovator visa and the Start-Up visa schemes. Those with existing Tier 1 Entrepreneur visas can still extend their Visa up to 5th April 2023, and indefinite leave to remain (ILR) applications can be made up to 5th April 2025.
When do I Need to Apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Extension?
You must apply to extend your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa before it expires. If the expiry date is after the 5th April 2023, you will need to ensure your application for renewal is received by the Home Office no later than the 5th April 2023.
What are the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension Eligibility Criteria?
To make a successful application for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur extension, you will need to meet the eligibility criteria. These are slightly different to the criteria you would have met when you were first granted your Visa. In summary, to gain an extension, you will need to prove that you:
- Registered as a company director or as a self-employed person within 6 months of the date you were given permission to stay in the UK under the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa scheme
- Have been either self-employed, a member of a partnership or a director of a business the in 3 months before you apply for an extension,
- Have created at least 2 full-time jobs and these must have lasted for at least 1 year, and you
- Have the financial means to continue to support yourself
Crucially, you must have invested your funds into one or more UK businesses. The funds invested will be based on the amount you said you would invest in your original application – either £50,000 or £200,000 in cash.
In addition to the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa extension criteria, you must continue to be of good character (i.e. not have been convicted of a crime during your time in the UK) and make a valid application which includes all of the correct information, fees, and documents.
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How can I Apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Extension?
To apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur extension, you will need to complete the following steps:
- Complete the online application form before 5th April 2023. If applying outside the UK, you will need to use a different application form.
- Pay the extension application fee of £1,292 (if you are in the UK when you apply) or £1,036 (if you are outside the UK when you apply)
- Make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (i.e. fingerprints and a photo).
- Provide any documents required to support your extension application – these can be uploaded online or given to the UKVCAS officer, who can scan them and attach them to your application. You will need to provide evidence that you invested your funds appropriately, have created 2 full-time jobs lasting one or more years, and registered as self-employed or a director within 6 months.
If your partner and children are with you in the UK and are linked to your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, they will also be able to extend their dependant visa. They will need to apply separately – either when you apply for your Visa or before their Visa extends.
Once your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extension application has been submitted, you can expect to receive a decision within 8 weeks. This may take longer if UKVCAS require further information, you are asked to attend an interview, or there are aspects of your application which require further checks to be carried out.
If you are applying for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur extension in the UK, you can stay in the UK until you have received a decision, even if this is after your Visa expires.
Final Words
Inorder to process a Tier 1 Entrepreneur extension, it is important to act now if you plan to extend your leave. It is likely that as we progress closer to the deadline of 5th April 2022, more renewal applications will be received by UKVI. By acting sooner rather than later, you can ensure your immigration status and that your family members are secured early.
Gulbenkian Andonian specialises in the most complex and urgent immigration applications and appeals cases. Our immigration Solicitors have successfully assisted many individuals and their family members in overcoming overwhelming odds to remain in the UK; let us do the same for you. Call us on +44 (0) 207 269 9590 or fill out the form below to discuss your matter with one of our friendly and empathetic team.
FAQs about Tier 1 Entreprener Extensions
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension allows entrepreneurs (who are already on the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa from before) to extend their stay in the UK for an additional two years. The visa is aimed at individuals who want to continue with thei business activities in the UK or to start new activities or investments in the country.
To apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension, you must have already invested at least £200,000 in your business in the UK from before, created at least two new jobs, and met certain language and maintenance requirements. This must have all already been met from before an maintained until now for your extension to be successful.
Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors can assist you in every step of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension process, including providing legal advice, preparing your case, representing you in court and negotiating with the Home Office. We have a team of experienced immigration solicitors who specialise in UK immigration law and can provide you with the best possible representation
The length of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa EIf your Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension is successful, you will be granted an additional two years to stay in the UK and continue running your business.xtension process can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case, but on average the process is very fast.
Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors have a team of experienced immigration solicitors who specialise in UK immigration law and have a proven track record of success in Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension cases. We will provide you with the best possible representation and work diligently to ensure your case is successful. Additionally, we have the most up-to-date understanding of the current laws and regulations which will make the process easier for you.
At Gulbenkian Andonian, we pride ourselves on “Excellence, Experience and Efficiency”. With over 35 years of experience on your side, our team of London based lawyers and solicitors have a wealth of experience advising individuals, families and businesses of all sizes to find clarity on UK law. Call us on +44 (0) 207 269 9590 or fill out the form below. We usually reply within a few hours. Neither Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors ltd, nor their employees, agents, consultants or assignees, accept any liability based on the contents of written articles which are meant for guidance only and not as legal advice. We advise all readers to take professional advice before acting. If you would like to consult with a professional lawyer or solicitor to discuss your case, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. This site uses reCAPTCHA and is protected by the Google privacy policy and terms of service.Ask our Expert Legal Team
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Dr Bernard Andonian – the Co-Founder of Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, is an experienced Immigration Solicitor, former Judge, and recipient of a PhD in Law from the University of West London. He has over four decades of experience practising UK Immigration, Human Rights and Civil Litigation Law. He has served on the Law Society Immigration Law Panel, achieved numerous groundbreaking decisions in higher courts and is featured in the Legal 500’s Hall of Fame.
