What is UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur Extension Visa?

Although the UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa has been replaced by the UK Innovator Visa and the UK Start-up Visa, holders of already approved Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visas can still apply for an extension until April 5, 2023. These visa holders can also apply for settlement in the UK until April 5, 2025. The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa initially lasts for approximately 3 years and 4 months. If holders wish to extend their visa, they can apply for a 2-year extension under the Tier 1 route before their current visa expires.

How can you qualify for the UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur extension visa?

To extend your UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa, you must meet requirements related to business registration, funding investment, and job creation. You can qualify for an extension by fulfilling any of the following criteria:

• Business Registration: Registering as a director or as self-employed within 6 months of being granted permission to stay in the UK under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa.
• Job Creation: Creating at least 2 full-time jobs that have existed for at least 1 year each.
• Business Involvement: Proving you have been self-employed, a member of a partnership, or working as a director of a business for at least 3 months before applying.
• Investment: Investing £200,000 in one or more UK businesses, or £50,000 depending on the original funds level submitted by the applicant.

Eligibility Requirements for the UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur Extension Visa

To meet the basic requirements for extending your UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa, you must pass the ‘Genuine Entrepreneur Test,’ which involves the following criteria:

• You must have established, taken over, or become a director of one or more genuine businesses in the UK, and have genuinely operated those businesses.
• You must have genuinely invested the necessary funds into one or more genuine businesses in the UK.
• You must intend to continue operating one or more businesses in the UK.
• You must not intend to take employment other than working for the business or businesses you have established, joined, or taken over.
• You must score 75 points under the Home Office extension applications points table based on registration, investment, and job creation.

Application Process

• Ensure you meet all the necessary requirements related to business registration, investment, and job creation.
• Gather all necessary documents, including proof of business activities, investment, and job creation.
• Apply for the extension before your current visa expires and pay the required fees.
• Pass the Genuine Entrepreneur Test to demonstrate your commitment and activities in the UK.