Can I extend my Investor visa based on investments in UK Government Bonds?

For any Investor visa extension applications submitted on or after 6 April 2023, it will no longer be possible to rely on investments in UK Government Bonds.

If you obtained an initial Investor visa under the law prior to 29 March 2019, following the grant of your visa, you would have been able to invest in UK Government Bonds and such investments would have been considered ‘qualifying’.

However, since March 2019, new entrants to the Investor route have been unable to invest in UK Government Bonds. Accordingly, the ability to rely on investments in UK Government Bonds is being phased out.

If you currently have UK Government Bonds in your investment portfolio and are applying to extend your visa on or after 6 April 2023, as part of this extension application you will need to show that your investments in UK Government Bonds have been re-executed as alternative ‘qualifying UK investments’.

Under the current rules, qualifying UK investments are defined as share or loan capital in active and trading UK registered companies. This means companies that:

1. Are registered with Companies House in the UK;
2. Are registered with HM Revenue and Customs for corporation tax and PAYE;
3. Have accounts and a UK business bank account, both showing regular trading of its own goods or services; and
4. Have at least two UK-based employees who are not its directors.

Similarly, if you currently hold UK Government Bonds and will be applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain on or after 6 April 2025, you will need to show that your investments in UK Government Bonds have been re-executed.

You must seek advice from your FCA regulated investment manager prior to making any changes to your investments.

How Gherson can assist

The Gherson Immigration Team has extensive experience in Tier 1 Investor visa matters. Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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