--- title: "ILR – Tier-1 Investor Visa" url: https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/ilr-tier-1-investor-visa/ type: page date: 2026-06-24 modified: 2026-10-24 markdown_url: https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/ilr-tier-1-investor-visa.md author: "T Shah" --- # ILR – Tier-1 Investor Visa [Home](https://immigrationvisaexpert.com) # Investor Visa (Tier 1) ILR and Settlement UK The Tier 1 Investor route is closed to new applicants and the main extension deadline has passed. We help existing or recent Investor visa holders and their families review investment evidence, qualifying residence, absences, dependants and ILR timing before the final settlement deadline. [Book an Investor ILR Consultation](#fluentform_5) ## Quick case check Review whether your investment history, portfolio evidence, residence, absence record and family position are strong enough before settlement is prepared. ### ILR deadline checked? ### Portfolio evidence ready? ### Absences reviewed? ### Dependants assessed? [Ask an Adviser](#fluentform_5) Book Consultation Key Facts Overview Eligibility Investment Documents Fees Dependants Extension ILR How We Help FAQs ### Overview ## What is the Tier 1 Investor Visa ILR route and who is it for? The Tier 1 Investor route was designed for high-net-worth individuals who made a substantial qualifying investment in the UK. It is no longer open for new main applicants and it should not be presented as a current investment visa route. For people who already hold, or recently held, Tier 1 Investor permission, the route still matters because settlement may remain possible if the strict timing, investment, residence and evidence requirements are met. The final route-specific settlement deadline means this page should focus on ILR readiness rather than new visa applications. The strongest cases are usually built around clear evidence of the first grant date, qualifying investment level, portfolio maintenance, regulated financial institution confirmation, residence history, absence compliance and family-member eligibility. Immigration Visa Expert can review the case structure before the application is prepared. ### Latest position ## What are the current Tier 1 Investor Visa closure and ILR rules? Route closure The Tier 1 Investor route is closed to new main applicants. It is no longer a route for a fresh UK investment visa application or a new switch from another visa category. Extension deadline passed Main applicant extension applications had to be made before 17 February 2026. The page should now focus on settlement readiness, deadline risk and dependant planning. Final ILR deadline Applications for settlement under the Tier 1 Investor route must be made before 17 February 2028. Investors should not leave portfolio, absence or evidence checks until the final months. Current ILR fee The current settlement fee is £3,226 per person. Standard decisions are usually made within 6 months, with paid faster-decision options where available. ### Key facts ## Tier 1 Investor ILR UK: key points before you apply Applicant type Existing or former Tier 1 Investor permission holders who may still qualify for settlement. Route status Closed to new applicants and no longer open for main applicant extension applications after 17 February 2026. Final deadline Settlement applications must be made before 17 February 2028. Settlement period ILR may be based on 2, 3 or 5 years depending on when the first investor permission was granted and the level of qualifying investment. Investment evidence Portfolio reports and investment evidence should show qualifying investment, timing, maintenance and regulated financial institution confirmation. Dependants Partners and children have their own settlement rules and may not be ready for ILR at the same time as the main applicant. ### Eligibility ## Who can qualify for Tier 1 Investor ILR? A main applicant may qualify for settlement if they have completed the required residence period in the investor route, maintained the required qualifying investment, met the English language and Life in the UK requirements where applicable, complied with absence limits, and does not fall for suitability or refusal reasons. The residence period can be 2, 3 or 5 years depending on the date of the first successful Investor visa application and the amount of qualifying investment. For investors first granted on or after 6 November 2014, the general accelerated settlement levels are based on £10 million after 2 years, £5 million after 3 years and £2 million after 5 years. Older cases can involve different rules, including historic asset and loan arrangements. Because the route has changed several times, the first grant date and investment history should be checked before giving settlement advice. ### Current or recently held Investor permission You must already hold Tier 1 Investor permission, or have held it within the previous twelve months as your most recent visa, and meet the full settlement requirements. This is not an invitation to new Investor applicants. The settlement application must be made before 17 February 2028. ### Historic pre-November 2014 investment rules Earlier provisions included a £1 million five-year route and accelerated £5 million three-year and £10 million two-year routes. They also allowed specified asset-backed loans and different investment allocations. These are historical rules: Appendix A limited the relevant Table 9B settlement provision to applications before 6 April 2022. A 2026 application must not assume the former £1 million threshold still applies; review the current table and the full grant and investment history. The first grant date matters Investor settlement rules changed over time. The qualifying period, investment level and permitted investment assets should be checked against the applicant’s own grant history before the application is prepared. ### Investment evidence ## What investment evidence is usually critical for Tier 1 Investor ILR? Investor settlement cases are evidence-heavy. The application usually needs portfolio reports from a UK-regulated financial institution showing the qualifying investments, when they were made, the companies invested in, the value maintained and whether the investment met the relevant route rules throughout the required period. For many cases, the key risk is not the headline investment amount alone. The decision can turn on the timing of investment, reinvestment after sale, whether the investment vehicle is permitted, whether the investment was held in the applicant’s name or permitted joint name, and whether the financial institution can verify the portfolio evidence. Where there is a shortfall, late investment, complex portfolio movement, historic UK government bond reliance, investment through unsuitable structures, or source-of-funds concern, the case should be reviewed carefully before settlement is prepared. ### Documents ## What documents should be checked before an Investor ILR application? The document strategy should cover identity, current or recent investor status, first grant date, investment history, portfolio reports, regulated financial institution evidence, absence history, English language, Life in the UK, criminal record or suitability issues and dependant evidence where family members are included. The exact evidence depends on the date of the first successful Investor visa application, the investment level, the investment assets used, whether any investment was sold and reinvested, whether the investor is relying on accelerated settlement, and whether dependants are applying at the same time. A professional document review can help identify gaps before the final deadline becomes urgent. This is especially important where records are held by wealth managers, banks, brokers, previous advisers or overseas institutions. Investment portfolio Portfolio reports should confirm the qualifying investments, dates, value maintained, UK companies and regulated financial institution position. Settlement readiness Residence history, absences, English language, Life in the UK and suitability issues should be checked before the application is prepared. Family strategy Partner and child applications should be reviewed early because their qualifying period and evidence may differ from the main applicant. ## Request a Tier 1 Investor ILR evidence review We can review portfolio reports, investment timing, residence, absences, dependants and final deadline risk before the settlement application is prepared. [Request Evidence Review](#fluentform_5) ### Fees ## How much does Tier 1 Investor ILR cost? Tier 1 Investor ILR **£3,226 per person.** Each applicant applying for settlement must pay the current ILR fee. Biometric information is taken as part of the process. Priority decision **£500 where available.** A faster decision within 5 working days may be available for eligible Tier 1 Investor settlement applications. Super priority decision **£1,000 where available.** A next-working-day style service may be available where the service is offered and the application is suitable. Dependant settlement **£3,226 per person.** Eligible partners and children can be included on the same settlement application or may need separate planning. Dependant limited permission **Case-dependent.** Some dependants who are not settlement-ready may need separate limited-permission advice and may face visa and healthcare surcharge costs. Professional support **Fixed-fee or case-specific quote.** We confirm the scope after checking the investment history, portfolio evidence, absences, dependants and deadline position. ### Dependants ## Can dependants apply for settlement with a Tier 1 Investor? A partner may qualify for settlement if they have permission as the investor’s dependant partner, have lived in the UK with the main applicant for at least 5 continuous years, meet the relationship and support requirements, and satisfy English language and Life in the UK where applicable. Children have separate settlement rules. Their age, dependency, residence, living arrangements and the status of both parents can affect whether they should be included in the main settlement application or handled separately. Dependants are often the most overlooked part of investor settlement planning. A partner or child may not be settlement-ready at the same time as the main applicant, so the family strategy should be reviewed before the main application is submitted. ### Extension closed ## Can a Tier 1 Investor Visa still be extended? Main applicant extension applications had to be made before 17 February 2026. As the deadline has now passed, the page should not suggest that a fresh main applicant extension is still generally available. If an investor is not ready for ILR, the position may be difficult and time-sensitive. The correct approach depends on current immigration status, whether any application was submitted before the deadline, whether section 3C leave applies, whether dependants need separate planning, and whether another UK immigration route may be realistic. Anyone in this position should obtain advice quickly because the final settlement deadline does not automatically protect someone whose current permission has expired or who is not eligible to apply for settlement. ### Settlement ## Does the Tier 1 Investor Visa lead to ILR? Yes, but only for eligible existing or recent Investor visa holders who meet the settlement requirements before the final deadline. The main applicant may qualify after 2, 3 or 5 years depending on the applicable rules and investment level. The applicant must also satisfy continuous residence, absence, English language, Life in the UK, investment and suitability requirements. Time spent in the UK as a dependant does not count towards settlement as the main investor, and time on other visa categories does not usually count towards Tier 1 Investor settlement. Settlement planning should focus on evidence, not just dates. Portfolio reports, investment timing, absence records and dependant documents should be reviewed together so the final application is consistent and credible. ### How we help ## How Immigration Visa Expert supports Tier 1 Investor ILR applicants ## Build the settlement application around investment evidence, residence and final deadline risk We help investors and their families prepare settlement-focused cases around portfolio reports, qualifying investment, residence history, absences, dependants and citizenship planning. - ILR deadline - portfolio review - investment timing - absence check - dependants - citizenship planning Process ### Tier 1 Investor ILR support pathway 1 #### Initial consultation We review current or recent Tier 1 Investor status, first grant date, investment history, family position and the final deadline. 2 #### Settlement strategy We assess whether the applicant may qualify after 2, 3 or 5 years and whether accelerated settlement evidence is realistic. 3 #### Investment evidence review We check portfolio reports, investment timing, maintenance, reinvestment, regulated institution evidence and risk points 4 #### Application preparation We help structure settlement evidence, supporting documents and case explanation around the requirements that matter. 5 #### Outcome and family planning We advise on decision timing, dependants, citizenship planning and any alternative route considerations where ILR is not available. ## Ask Immigration Visa Expert to review your Investor ILR case We can assess investment history, portfolio evidence, qualifying period, absences, dependants and settlement deadline risk before the application is prepared. [Book Consultation](#fluentform_5) [Request Evidence Review](#fluentform_5) ### FAQs ## Investor Visa (Tier 1) ILR and settlement FAQs [Can I apply for a new Tier 1 Investor Visa?](#collapse-d64d1886adc715b5e46c) No. The Tier 1 Investor route is closed to new main applicants. It is now relevant mainly to existing or recent Tier 1 Investor permission holders who need final settlement advice. [Can I still extend a Tier 1 Investor Visa in 2026?](#collapse-1a593046adc715b5e46c) Main applicant extension applications had to be made before 17 February 2026. After that date, the main remaining route-specific application is settlement before the final deadline, if the requirements are met. [What is the final Tier 1 Investor ILR deadline?](#collapse-c8785b16adc715b5e46c) A Tier 1 Investor settlement application must be made before 17 February 2028. Investors should review eligibility well before that date because portfolio, residence, absence and family evidence can take time to organise. [How quickly can a Tier 1 Investor qualify for ILR?](#collapse-1d2e7c66adc715b5e46c) The main applicant may qualify after 2, 3 or 5 years depending on the first grant date and the amount of qualifying investment. The investment level, date of first successful application and investment evidence all matter. [Can time spent on another visa count towards Tier 1 Investor ILR?](#collapse-96193e06adc715b5e46c) Time on another visa does not usually count towards settlement as a Tier 1 Investor. The relevant residence period normally needs to be completed in the investor route. [What investment levels are relevant for Tier 1 Investor ILR?](#collapse-a0ded056adc715b5e46c) For applicants first granted on or after 6 November 2014, the general qualifying periods are 2 years for £10 million, 3 years for £5 million and 5 years for £2 million. Older grants can have different investment and asset rules. [Do UK government bonds still count for Tier 1 Investor ILR?](#collapse-5f423fc6adc715b5e46c) UK government bonds held on or after 6 April 2025 cannot count towards the qualifying investment for an ILR application made on or after that date, including legacy cases first granted before 29 March 2019. Investors first granted under the rules from 29 March 2019 cannot rely on government bonds. Review replacement investments, dates, continuity and portfolio evidence against Appendix A before applying. [What documents are important for Tier 1 Investor ILR?](#collapse-7a785786adc715b5e46c) The case usually turns on identity, current or recent investor status, investment portfolio reports, evidence that the qualifying investment was made and maintained, absence history, English language, Life in the UK and dependant documents. [What is the 180-day absence rule for Tier 1 Investor ILR?](#collapse-35c8c1a6adc715b5e46c) The applicant must not normally have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the relevant qualifying residence period. [Do Tier 1 Investor applicants need English language and Life in the UK for ILR?](#collapse-6ed96146adc715b5e46c) Applicants aged 18 to 64 usually need to pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement when applying for Tier 1 Investor settlement. [Can my partner apply for ILR with me?](#collapse-a84e9726adc715b5e46c) A partner may qualify if they have permission as a dependant partner, have lived in the UK with the main applicant for at least 5 continuous years, meet relationship and support requirements, and satisfy English language and Life in the UK requirements where applicable. [Can children apply for settlement with a Tier 1 Investor parent?](#collapse-f2095966adc715b5e46c) A child may be included if they meet the child dependant settlement rules. Their age, dependency, living arrangements, family position and whether both parents are settled or applying can be important. [What happens if my dependant is not ready for ILR by the time I settle?](#collapse-bc0b3c46adc715b5e46c) A dependant may need separate advice on whether further limited permission is available and whether they can complete their own qualifying period later. This should be checked before the main applicant submits an ILR application. [How can Immigration Visa Expert help with a Tier 1 Investor ILR application?](#collapse-1b8e3d66adc715b5e46c) We can review investment history, portfolio reports, qualifying period, absences, English language, Life in the UK, dependants, deadline risk and refusal risks before the application is prepared. ### Related guides ## Related UK immigration guides ## UK Settlement / ILR Visa For wider settlement planning, residence history, absence issues and family settlement applications [Read guide](https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/uk-ilr-settlement/) ## British Citizenship by Naturalisation For investors and family members who already hold settlement and want to plan the next step. [Read guide](https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/uk-citizenship-by-naturalisation/) ## Innovator Founder Visa For entrepreneurs who need a current UK business immigration route rather than the closed investor route. [Read guide](https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/uk-innovator-founder-visa/) ## Global Talent Visa For high-achieving individuals who may qualify through expertise, awards or endorsement routes. [Read guide](https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/uk-global-talent-work-visa/) ## Self-Sponsored Skilled Worker For business owners considering sponsor-led alternatives where investor settlement is not available. [Read guide](https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/self-sponsor-skilled-worker-visa/) ## Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) For dependant or limited-permission planning where a healthcare surcharge may still be relevant. [Read guide](https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application) ## Ready to discuss Tier 1 Investor ILR or the 2028 settlement deadline? Speak to Immigration Visa Expert for advice on investment evidence, portfolio reports, qualifying residence, absences, dependants, final deadline risk and future citizenship planning. ### Ask an Immigration Adviser Share your visa query and our team will guide you on the next step.