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Tue, 6/1/2009

Tier 1 Investors

The Tier 1 Investor category is for high net worth individuals making a substantial investment in the United Kingdom.

The Tier 1 Investor category of the points based system has replaced the previous Investor category on 30 June 2008.

How do I qualify for this permit? 

To qualify to apply under the points-based system under the Tier 1 Investor scheme, you must score at least 75 points for attributes. Applicants will not need to meet the English language requirement and the separate requirement for maintenance that applies to most other applicants under the points based system.

Points can be scored as follows: 

Tier 1 Investor

This table applies to all applicants seeking entry clearance in this category; and further leave to remain in the UK in this category when their previous permission to stay was under a category other than Tier 1 (Investor) or the former Investor category.

 
 
 

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

A. The applicant has money of his own
held in a regulated financial institution
and disposable in the UK amounting
to no less than £1 million; OR
 

75 

B. 1) The applicant owns personal assets
which, taking into account any
liabilities to which they are subject,
have a value exceeding £2 million;
and
2) The applicant has money under his
control held in a regulated financial
institution and disposable in the UK
amounting to no less than £1 million,
which has been loaned to him by
a financial institution regulated by
the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
 

75

Do I need to apply for entry clearance?

In-country applications - If you are currently in the UK in an immigration category which allows you to change your immigration status to the Tier 1 Investor route, you will not be required to return to your home country in order to apply for entry clearance at the British High Commission. Please contact us to determine whether you can apply from within the UK in your specific case.

Out-of-country applications - If you are currently in the UK in an immigration category which does not allow you to change your immigration status to a Tier 1 Investor permit holder from within the UK, or if you are not currently in the UK, you will be required to return to your home country in order to lodge the application to the British High Commission.

Some Rules and Restrictions on the Tier 1 (General) permit holder:

  • You have no work restrictions imposed on your stay in the UK, apart from the fact that you cannot work as a Doctor in training – i.e. take a training post within the NHS
  • You do not have recourse to public funds.
  • You will at first obtain permission to stay in the UK for three years as an investor. After this three years you can apply for an extension of two years which will be granted if the UK Home Office is satisfied that you meet the requirements for the Tier 1 Investor extension application.
  • You are allowed to apply to bring your dependants to the UK on this programme.

What happens at the end of the initial three year period:

A Tier 1 (General) permit holder will be able to apply for an extension at the end of his/her initial three year period as a Tier 1 Investor permit holder. You will be required to claim at least 75 points for your attributes.

Please see the table below.

Tier 1 Investor Extension Application

This table applies to all applicants whose previous permission was given under Tier 1 (Investor) or under the former Investor category.

 

 

 

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

A. The applicant has money of his own
under his control in the UK amounting
to no less than £1 million; OR
 

30

B. 1) The applicant owns personal assets
which, taking into account any
liabilities to which they are subject,
have a value exceeding £2 million;
and
2) The applicant has money under his
control held in a regulated financial
institution and disposable in the UK
amounting to no less than £1 million,
which has been loaned to him by
a financial institution regulated by
the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
 

30

The applicant has invested no less
than £750,000 of his capital in the UK
by way of UK Government bonds, share
capital or loan capital in active and
trading UK registered companies other
than those principally engaged in
property investment.
 

30

The investment referred to above was made
within three months of obtaining entry
clearance, leave to enter or leave to
remain as a Tier 1 (Investor) migrant
and the investment has been maintained
for the whole of the remaining period of
that leave; OR

The applicant has, or was last granted,
entry clearance, leave to enter or leave
to remain as an Investor.
 

15

Does the Tier 1 (Investor) permit lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Yes, after five years as a Tier 1 (Investor) permit holder you should be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. If a person decides to switch over from another permit that leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain, that time should not be lost, as it will normally be consolidated with the time spent on the Tier 1 (Investor) category. However there are exceptions and advice should be sought.

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