The Home Office are no longer accepting initial applications under the Tier 1 (Investor) and Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) routes. However, those already on these routes (or those previously on these routes within 12 months of the date of application) can still apply to extend their visas or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Such applications must be submitted before the relevant deadlines, which we will discuss in this blog.
Tier 1 (Investor)
If you currently hold a Tier 1 (Investor) visa, the deadlines you need to be aware of are as follows:
- 17 February 2026 – You must submit any extension application before this date.
- 17 February 2028 – You must submit an ILR application before this date.
Additionally, if you have invested in UK government bonds, you either must apply for ILR, or have moved these funds into qualifying investments, before 6 April 2025.
Tier 1 (Entrepreneurs)
The deadline for extending a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa for most applicants was before 6 April 2023. However, for those who held a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa prior to switching their visa status to a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa, the deadline to extend your permission to stay in the UK is before 6 July 2025.
If the 6 July 2025 deadline does not apply, you will either need to apply for ILR, or, if you do not meet the requirements for ILR, you will need to switch into a different immigration category in order to remain in the UK.
The deadline for applying for ILR under the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route is currently before 6 April 2025. If you held permission as a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) prior to switching to a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa, the deadline to apply for ILR is before 6 July 2027.
Take-away
If you do not submit the relevant application by the respective deadline, your application will likely fall for refusal.
Given the deadlines, it is advisable to consider your position now so that you have enough time to make the relevant application and ensure that you meet the necessary requirements.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, 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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