Tier 1 - Entrepreneur Visa

What are the requirements for an extension?

• You registered as a director or as self-employed no more than 6 months after the date you were given permission to stay in the UK under a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa
• You can prove you've been self-employed, a member of a partnership, or working as a director of a business 3 months before you apply
• You have created at least 2 full time jobs that have existed for at least 12 months
• You can continue to support yourself
• Depending on the level of funds in your initial application, you must have invested into 1 or more UK businesses either:
  • £50,000 in cash
  • £200,000 in cash

Tier 1 job creation requirement

If you have established a new business or businesses or invested in an existing business, you must have created the equivalent of 2 extra full-time paid jobs for at least 2 people who meet the definition of settled workers in the Immigration Rules at the time of their employment starts. Each job must have existed for at least 12 months.

If your business was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, then you will not be required to employ at least 2 people for 12 consecutive months. Instead, the 12-month period you are required to employ someone for can be made up of multiple jobs across non-consecutive months, where the work required is equivalent to 2 full time jobs

Any periods of time when your employees were furloughed under the UK Government furlough scheme can still count towards the 12-month period provided they were paid at least 80% of their normal salary throughout.

Indefinite Leave to Remain

If you have invested in a new or existing UK business and your investment has created at least two new full-time jobs, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years of residence in the United Kingdom.

You may qualify for accelerated settlement as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur after 3 years if you have created 10 new jobs or your business has received at least £5 million in income from business activity.

You will also need to satisfy the Home Office that you have established, taken over or become a director of a genuine UK business, genuinely operated that business, and genuinely intend to continue operating the business.

Why choose Westridge Legal?

Our team of experienced immigration lawyers can navigate the complex requirements of entrepreneur visas and support you in your visa extension every step of the way.

If you wish to speak about your options directly with our specialist staff, please contact us on 0121 724 0302 to book a consultation today.