High net worth applicants who are seeking to make substantial financial investment in the UK can apply under this category of the points based system.

Who can apply?

Applicants can apply for entry clearance to enter the UK in this category. Alternatively, applicants who are currently in the UK and who want to switch can do so provided they have leave in one of the following categories:

·         Skilled worker (tier 2 General);

·         Intra-company transferee (tier 2);

·         Minister of religion (tier 2);

·         Sportsperson (tier 2);

·         Highly skilled migrant;

·         Highly skilled worker (tier 1);

·         Entrepreneur (tier 1);

·         Post-study worker (tier 1);

·         Business person;

·         Innovator;

·         Student;

·         Student nurse;

·         Student re-sitting an examination;

·         Student writing up a thesis;

·         Work permit holder;

·         Writer, composer, artist.

Requirements

Applicants will need to score 75 points under this scheme to qualify. The applicant will need to show any one of the following to obtain the 75 points:

·         If you have one million pounds disposable funds in the UK that you own absolutely and which is held in a regulated financial institution. This may include loaned money from a financial institution regulated by the FSA.

·         Or if you have £2,000,000 in personal assets and £1,000,000 in a loan. (Again, loan providers must be regulated by the FSA)

Applications made in the UK

Applicants must apply before their current leave expires.  Applications can be made by post and courier although not in person.  Applicants will need to complete the Tier 1 Investor application form that can be found on the UK Border Agency website.

Applications made outside the UK

Applicants must apply at the British Diplomatic post overseas, online or at the relevant visa application centres.

Initial application: Documents required

Applicants will need to provide the following:

·         2 passport sized photographs

·         Evidence of the money

·         Evidence of source of money

·         Letter from authorised financial institution in the UK

·         Letter from bank or financial institution which shows how money can be transferred

·         If money held jointly, then permission from your partner 

Extension applications

The Tier 1 Investor visa is normally granted for an initial period of three years where after it can be renewed for a further two years. After five years, applicants may qualify for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Applicants will need show the following in order to be granted an extension of leave:

·        You have not had recourse to public funds

·        You have registered with the police if necessary

·        You are not employed a s a doctor in training (unless last granted leave in that category

Applicants must show that they have invested £750,000 in the UK in the first three months of having been granted their Tier 1 Investor visa. The investments can include shares, Government bonds or investment capital (in trading UK companies).

Applicant who require assistance in this category can contact our lawyers at Ergen & Sharif on 0207 569 3035 or alternatively at info@ergensharif.co.uk.