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Tue, 6/1/2009

Tier 1 Entrepreneur

The Tier 1 Entrepreneur category of the Points-based system was introduced on 30 June 2008. The category is for those persons investing in the United Kingdom by setting up or taking over, and being actively involved in the running of one or more businesses in the UK.

 How do I qualify for this permit? 

To qualify to apply under the points-based system under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur category, you must score at least 75 points for attributes. Applicants will also need to meet the English language requirement (10 points) and the separate requirement for maintenance (10 points).

Points can be scored as follows: 

Tier 1 Entrepreneur - Attributes - INITIAL APPLICATIONS

  
 
 

PLEASE NOTE: You have to score at least 75 points for your attributes

You have £200,000 of your own money available to make a fresh investment in a business in the UK. Money may be included that are made available by a third party, that is available to you or the business you are running.
 		 25  


The money is held in one or more regulated financial institutions. This financial institution must be regulated by the home regulator, where the financial institution operates and the money is located.
 

 25  
The money must be disposable in the United Kingdom. 25  
Tier 1 Entrepreneur - Attributes - EXTENSION APPLICATIONS  
PLEASE NOTE: You have to score at least 75 points for your attributes  

You have invested, or had invested on your behalf, not less than £200,000 in cash directly into one or more businesses in the UK.
 		 20  

You have registered with HM Revenue and Customs as self-employed; or
registered a new business in which you are a director; or
registered as a director of an existing business.
 		 20  
You are engaged in business activity at the time of your application. 15  


You have:
Established a new business or businesses that has/have created at least two new full-time jobs for persons settled in the UK; or
Taken over or joined an existing business or businesses and the services or investment have resulted in a net increase in the employment provided for persons settled in the UK by creating the equivalent of at least two new full-time jobs.
 

20

Tier 1 Entrepreneur – English Language

  
 
 

You must claim 10 points under this category, as follows


1) You are a national of a majority English speaking country; or
2) You have passed an English language test on the UK Home Office's list of approved English tests; or
3) You hold a degree that is assessed by UK NARIC as being taught in English and is equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree.

OR

1) You were given permission to stay under a Tier 1 category (other than investors and post-study workers) and are applying for an extension.
2) You were given permission to stay as a highly skilled migrant under the immigration rules that came into force on 5 December 2006, and you are applying for an extension under this category.
 

10

Tier 1 Entrepreneur – Maintenance


You can claim 10 points under this category as follows
 


If you are applying from within the UK - You must prove £800 in available money.
If you are applying from outside the UK - You must prove £2,800 in available money.

You many not use any money included in your £200,000 money as evidence of maintenance funds.
 

10

Some Rules and Restrictions on the Tier 1 Entrepreneur: 

  • You may apply for your dependants to accompany or join you in the UK.
  • You will have to support and accommodate yourself and your dependants without recourse to public funds.

Does this visa lead to indefinite leave to remain?

Yes, after five years in the UK as an entrepreneur you can apply for indefinite leave to remain.

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