For those already holding a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa, the opportunity to apply for an extension remains, provided specific criteria are met. Applicants who did not previously hold leave as a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) were eligible to apply for extensions until April 6, 2023. Conversely, individuals who transitioned from a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) to a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa can submit extension applications until July 6, 2025. It’s imperative to apply before the expiration of your current visa to maintain legal residency. 

To qualify for an extension, applicants must accumulate a total of 95 points, distributed as follows:

• Attributes (75 points): This includes demonstrating that you registered as a director or became self-employed within six months of your initial permission to stay, have been actively engaged in business activities for at least three months prior to the application, have invested the requisite funds into one or more UK businesses, and have created at least two full-time jobs for resident workers, each lasting a minimum of 12 months.
• English Language (10 points): Proof of proficiency in the English language is required.
• Maintenance Funds (10 points): Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself without recourse to public funds.
• The specific investment amount depends on the initial application criteria, typically either £200,000 or £50,000 in cash which must have been invested within one or more businesses in the UK.

• The application fee for extending a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa is £1,486 when applying from within the UK and £1,191 when applying from outside the UK. 

Navigating the complexities of visa applications without professional assistance

• The complexities of the UK’s immigration system can be daunting for many applicants. The stringent requirements, extensive documentation, and strict adherence to timelines necessitate a thorough understanding of the process. Even minor errors or omissions can lead to delays or refusals, potentially jeopardizing one’s immigration status. Without professional guidance, applicants may find it challenging to interpret the nuanced criteria and compile the necessary evidence to substantiate their claims.

• AGCL Services offers specialized expertise to navigate the complexities of the visa application process. Our team of seasoned consultants provides personalized assistance, ensuring that each application is meticulously prepared and submitted in accordance with the latest immigration regulations. By leveraging our comprehensive understanding of the UK’s immigration policies, we help clients compile compelling evidence, adhere to critical timelines, and address any unforeseen challenges that may arise. Entrusting your application to AGCL Services not only alleviates the administrative burden but also significantly enhances the likelihood of a successful outcome.

• Typically, applicants can expect a decision within eight weeks of submitting their application. However, certain factors may prolong this period, such as the need for additional document verification, the requirement to attend an interview, or specific personal circumstances, including prior criminal convictions. Applicants are permitted to remain in the UK until a decision is made, provided the application was submitted before the expiration of the current visa. 

• If you hold a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa, your immediate family members—referred to as ‘dependants’—are eligible to join or remain with you in the UK. Dependants encompass your spouse or partner, children under 18, and children over 18 who are already in the UK as your dependants. Each dependant must submit an individual visa application to accompany or stay with you. 

• Dependants currently residing in the UK can apply to either extend or switch their visas to continue their stay with you. They should apply as either a dependant partner or a dependent child, ensuring that the application is submitted before their existing visa expires. It’s important to note that individuals holding a visitor visa are not permitted to switch to a dependant visa from within the UK. 

• To demonstrate that your dependants can be financially supported during their initial 12 months in the UK, you must show evidence of having £1,890 for each dependant. These funds should have been maintained in your or your dependant’s bank account for at least 90 days prior to the application. Acceptable forms of proof include bank statements, a building society passbook, or a letter from a bank or regulated financial institution. For instance, if you plan to bring your partner and one child, you will need to show a total of £3,780 (£1,890 per dependant).

• The application fee for each dependant is £1,486 if applying from within the UK and £1,191 if applying from outside the UK. Dependants applying from within the UK may have the option to pay an additional £1,000 for the super priority service, which expedites the decision-making process. 

• Standard processing times for dependant visa applications are typically within 8 weeks from the application date. If the super priority service is utilized, a decision is usually made by the end of the next working day following the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment, if the appointment occurs on a weekday, or within 2 working days if the appointment is on a weekend. Applicants will be contacted if their application is complex and requires additional processing time, such as when supporting documents need verification or an interview is necessary. Once the application is submitted, dependants can remain in the UK until a decision is made, provided the application was filed before their current visa expired.

• If you have children while residing in the UK, you can apply online to include them as your dependants on your visa. This step is essential if you intend to travel in and out of the UK with them. You will need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, listing both parents’ names. 

• Family members from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein who began living in the UK by 31 December 2020 may be eligible to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. While the standard deadline was 30 June 2021, applications can still be made if the individual has a later deadline or ‘reasonable grounds’ for missing the original deadline, such as illness or being a victim of domestic abuse.