If you want to live and work in the UK, there are a few ways that you can do this legally. One of those is through a Tier 1 Visa. This visa lets people with skills and talent from all over the world come to the UK to contribute their best efforts- whether they’re looking for a job or wanting to start up their own business here. The Tier 1 Visa has multiple subcategories. Check them out from below.
Each one has different requirements, so it’s essential to know which one applies most closely to your situation so you don’t waste time on an application that won’t be successful! Check out further details about subcategories of Tier 1 visas from below.
1. Tier 1 for Investors & Entrepreneurs
The Tier 1 visa is one of the most sought-after UK business visas and allows applicants to set up a profitable business in the United Kingdom. The main requirements for this type of visa are that applicants must be able to invest £200,000 or more into their new business, and they must also possess at least £750,000 to invest in the UK. Additionally, applicants will need to prove that their company can employ two people full-time. They must also be prepared to run this business personally rather than delegating the day-to-day responsibilities to another employee.
2. Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa
The Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa is designed for those individuals who possess exceptional talent in the field of science, humanities, engineering, medicine or digital technology. The Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa requires applicants to be endorsed by an endorsing body that will assess their application and confirm that they are truly exceptional in their field. Please note that this tier does not allow the applicant to apply for a work visa in the United Kingdom; it merely allows them a total of three years in the UK. After this time is up, they must return home unless they are able to secure sponsorship from an employer and transition into the Tier 2 visa system.
3. Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Visa
Those who have completed a UK degree and possess an innovative business idea that is capable of being successfully launched in the United Kingdom can apply for this type of visa. Applicants must be endorsed by one of two supporting bodies (Incubators or Universities). If their ideas are approved, they will be allowed to remain in the United Kingdom for up to 24 months. Applicants can apply for a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa if they hold an endorsed certificate in entrepreneurship or business management, if their degree was in business administration, accounting, finance or marketing or technology management, digital technology and computer science. Additionally, applicants must be able to prove that their business idea has the potential to bring economic benefits to the United Kingdom.
4. Tier 1 (General) Visa
Individuals who do not qualify for any other visa categories can apply for this type of visa, which allows them to remain in the United Kingdom for up to five years and/or they can choose to vary their status depending on their personal circumstances. Applicants must pass the points-based assessment for this visa and prove that they are experienced professionals or highly skilled individuals with exceptional talent. They must also demonstrate that the United Kingdom is their main destination of choice.
5. Tier 1 (Entrepreneur/Investor) Visa
Applicants who want to set up, join or take over a business in the UK may be eligible to apply for this type of visa. Applicants must meet the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa’s points criteria and prove that their business can generate at least £750,000 in annual turnover within its first year or it will have the potential to do so within the next three years. Additionally, applicants must also demonstrate that they have access to at least £50,000 in investment funds.
It doesn’t matter which variation of the visa you are applying for, we recommend you consult an immigration lawyer London before the application. They can assist you throughout the process for the best outcome.
Conclusion
The Tier 1 visa is a highly desired type of work permit. It’s also one that many people need to know more about before they apply for it, due to its complex nature and strict requirements. We hope this write-up will help you understand the ins and outs of the UK Tier 1 Visa scheme.
