How to travel to the UK through Tier 1 (Investor) Visa Program

The Tier 1 (Investor) Program in the United Kingdom offers an enticing opportunity for international investors seeking to enter or remain in the country. Tailored for high-net-worth individuals with a minimum of £2,000,000, this passive investment program allows substantial investments in share or loan capital of active trading UK companies.

Initially granted for 3 years and 4 months (or 3 years if processed in the UK), the Tier 1 (Investor) visa can be extended, with eligibility for permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years of maintaining a £2 million investment. Accelerated settlement options are available, allowing ILR after 2 years for a £10 million investment or 3 years for a £5 million investment.

English language qualifications are not mandatory for the initial application, but they become a requirement when applying for indefinite leave to remain. Switching to the Tier 1 (Investor) category is possible if the applicant is already in the UK under Tier 1, 2, or 4 of the points-based system.

Key Eligibility Criteria for Initial Application:

• Applicant must be 18 or over.
• Have access to at least £2,000,000 in investment funds held for a consecutive 2-year period.
• Provide evidence that the funds belong to the applicant.
• Open a UK bank account, with the bank conducting due diligence checks.
• No English language requirements or tests for the initial application.
• No individual maintenance requirement.

For those not intending to settle in the UK, there are no residency requirements to follow, and the visa can be extended for 2 years. Permanent residency (ILR) applicants must meet specific residency requirements.

Investment funds’ immigration rules are complex, and the Home Office may refuse applications lacking sufficient evidence or disposable funds for use in the UK.

Permitted Actions:

• Invest £2,000,000 or more in share or loan capital in active and trading UK companies.
• Work or study.
• Apply to settle after 2, 3, or 5 years based on the investment amount.
• Enter with or bring family members during the visa term.

Prohibited Actions:

• Invest in companies primarily engaged in property-related activities.
• Work as a professional sportsperson, sports coach, or dentist.
• Receive public funds.

Processing Time:

• Earliest application can be made 3 months before travel.
• Priority Service may provide a decision within 10–15 days for entry clearance applications.
• Standard processing times for entry clearance applications are approximately 3 weeks, while in-country applications take around 8–12 weeks.