The areas we cover are UK skilled Worker Visa, UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa, UK HEALTH AND Care WORKER Visa UK International Sportsperson Visa  UK  Minister of Religion Visa (T2),  UK Representative of an Overseas Newspaper, News Agency or Broadcasting Organisation Visa.

LONG TERM WORK VISAS

You can no longer apply for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa.

If you want to set up or run a business in the UK you might be able to apply for an Innovator visa or a Start-up visa.

If you already have a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa
You can still apply:

to settle in the UK (indefinite leave to remain)
to extend your visa
for family members to join you

Entrepreneur visa Tier 1

If you are a Commonwealth citizen and have a grandparent who was born in the UK, you may be able to live and work in the UK on the basis of your UK Ancestry.  A UK Ancestry visa can only be obtained from outside the UK. 

UK Ancestry visa

This Visa open to individuals who are  talent the field of 
 science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology and arts and culture (including film and television, fashion design and architecture who wish to work in the UK.

Global TALENT VISAS

Artist and Entertainers
The UK is a world-leading hub for the creative industries. Whether you are an actor, musician, dancer or other performing artist, our immigration team are well experienced in the full range of UK visas available to artists and entertainers who to visit or work in the UK

Artist and Entertainers

The UK is a world-leading hub for the creative industries. Whether you are an actor, musician, dancer or other performing artist, our immigration team are well experienced in the full range of UK visas available to artists and entertainers who to visit or work in the UK




SECTOR EXPERTISE

This services cover,  SPONSOR COMPLIANCE,  SECTOR EXPERTISE,  LONG TERM WORK VISAS,  SHORT TERM WORK VISAS,  SPONSOR LICENCES, TALENT VISAS, and OTHER WORK VISAS

Business Immigration

We assist  UK IINNOVATOR VISA,  UK START-UP VISA,  UK REPRESENTATIVE OF AN OVERSEAS BUSINESS VISA, ECAA ANKARA AGREEMENT VISA

Business Visa

In order to employ skilled workers from outside the UK, UK employers must usually first apply to UK Visas and Immigration for a sponsor licence. Workers must have a job offer from an employer that has made a successful sponsor licence application before they can apply to come to, or remain in, the UK for work

What are the main eligibility requirements for a Sponsor Licence?
In order to obtain a sponsor licence, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

Your company is a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK;
You are honest, dependable and reliable;
You are capable of carrying out your sponsor duties and evidencing your compliance in an appropriate timeframe and manner;
You can offer genuine employment that meets the appropriate skill level and appropriate rates of pay.
In order to establish that you are a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK, you will need to submit a number of company-related documents. The exact documents will depend upon the type of organisation that you are and the tiers that you wish to sponsor migrants under.

UKVI will assess whether you are honest, dependable and reliable by looking at your history and background, as well as that of the key personnel named on your application and any people involved in the day to day running of your business.

UKVI will examine your current human resources and recruitment practices in order to make sure that you are able to fulfil your sponsor duties.

Under the genuineness test, UKVI will look at the role that you are seeking to recruit foreign nationals for, and the extent to which this role fits within your organisation as a whole.

What else do I need to know about making a Sponsor Licence application?
You can apply for a sponsor licence online. At the end of the application, you will need to print out the submission sheet and post it to UK Visas and Immigration, along with the correct supporting documents.

Most sponsor licence applications are processed within 8 weeks.

As part of the sponsor licence application process, UK Visas and Immigration may visit your business premises in order to check if it satisfies the sponsorship criteria.

It is important that your sponsor licence application is prepared carefully, as there is no right of appeal if your licence application is refused. If you are refused a licence, you may not be able to apply again for up to five years, depending on the circumstances.

Once your application has been approved, you will be granted an A-rated sponsor licence, following which you can start assigning Certificates of Sponsorship to migrants who wish to work for you, and you will be listed under the register of sponsors.

You will be given access to the Sponsor Management System (SMS). This is an online portal where you can manage your licence. You must also use the system to report certain events, such as if a migrant fails to report to work.

A sponsor licence is valid for 4 years, after which you will need to apply for a Sponsor Licence Renewal.

WE CAN ALSO ASSIST WITH

In order to establish that you are a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK, you will need to submit a number of company-related documents to UKVI. You will also need to present information concerning your business activities in the UK, HR and recruitment practices and details of how your organisation intends to comply with the requirements of the sponsor licence. The documents will need to be received by UKVI within 5 working days of the date on which the online application form is submitted.

Sponsor Licence Suspensions and Revocations
If UKVI believe that you are breaching your duties and pose a threat to immigration control, your sponsor licence may be suspended. If you are subject to a Sponsor Licence Suspension, you will not be able to sponsor new migrants, but your current sponsored migrants will be unaffected. UKVI may then reinstate your licence, downgrade it or revoke it.

If you are failing to meet your sponsor duties in a serious way or stop operating in the UK, your licence will be revoked. If you are subject to a Sponsor Licence Revocation, any migrants that you sponsor will have their leave curtailed. They will be given 60 calendar days to find alternative sponsorship or leave the UK.

SPONSOR LICENCE APPLICATIONS

Short terms work visa apply to UK Graduate Visa, UK Intra-Company Graduate Trainee Visa, UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, UK Temporary Work – Creative Worker Visa UK Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker Visa, UK Temporary work- Charity worker Visa, UK Temporary work- Religious Worker Visa 

Short Terms Work Visa

This Visas category cover, Investor Visa, Investor Visa Extension, and Investor Visa ILR.

Investment Visas

This type of visas applies  to Spouse, Civil partner Unmarried Partner, Fiance, Proposed Civil Partner, Child, Adult Dependent Relative, Family  Member of PB Migrant.
SPOUSE VISA

The UK Spouse visa category is for partners of British citizens, persons with indefinite leave to remain in the UK or limited leave to remain  who wish to join, or stay with, their husband or wife in the UK.
 You can also apply for a UK Spouse visa if your Spouse is outside the UK, but intending to return to the UK with you.


Family & Partner Visas 

Under European Community Law, the right of residence gives EEA nationals the right to legally work and live in the UK.

At Solomon Shepherd Solicitors we recognize that every case has its own merits and an Immigration Expert will assess all of the relevant information surrounding your EEA Residence Permit. It is very important that an expert covers every detail of your case because only then can they fully inform you of the best way to process your application.


Our Solicitors will ensure that your paperwork is accurate and in order, as this will provide a solid backbone to your case. A well-presented set of documents will strengthen and validate your EEA Residence Permit application even further.


The EEA family permit is suitable for a non-EEA national who falls within one of these descriptions.

The spouse or civil partner of an EEA or Swiss national
A descendant (child or grandchild) of the EEA national or their spouse/civil partner under 21 years of age;
A dependent descendant (child or grandchild) of the EEA national or their spouse/civil partner aged 21 and over
A dependant relative in the ascending line (i.e. parents or grandparents) of an EEA or Swiss national or his/her spouse or civil partner.
 
How to Apply
Please contact  us we  will help you with this process.

Family Members
Unmarried Partners
Permanent Residence

EEA Visas

UK GLOBAL TALENT VISA

The UK Global Talent visa is open to talented and promising applicants within the fields of science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology and arts and culture (including film and television, fashion design and architecture) who wish to work in the UK.

‘Talent’ applicants will already be leaders in their respective field, while ‘promise’ applicants will be able to show the potential to become leaders in their field. 

The UK Global Talent category is not subject to a cap on the number of applicants, does not require a job offer and can lead to settlement in the UK.  A dependent partner and dependent children under 18 can apply under this route.

TALENT VISA

UK Citizenship gives applicants who successfully obtain Citizenship status the same privileges as those born in Britain. You will:
 
Hold British status
Be granted a British Passport
Be free to work in the UK without restrictions
Be required to attend a Citizenship ceremony.
Depending on your current citizenship or nationality, you may be able to apply in several ways:
 
Naturalisation
Registration
Children
Stateless people
 
In order to be naturalised as a British citizen, you will need to meet certain statutory criteria with regard to your immigration status, length of residence in the UK, future intentions, knowledge of the English language and life in the UK, and good character.  The requirements for British Citizenship by Naturalisation vary slightly depending on whether you are married to a British citizen or not.

Apply for UK Citizenship: Not married to a British citizen

If you are not married to a British citizen (or do not wish to rely on your marriage to a British citizen) the Home Office must be satisfied that:

You were in the UK on the day five years before the date of your application;
You have not been absent from the UK for more than 450 days during the intervening five year period;
You have not been in the UK in breach of the immigration laws at any time during that five year period;
You have not been absent from the UK for more than 90 days during the 12 month period immediately preceding the date of your application;
You are not subject to any limit on the period for which you may remain in the UK and have not been subject to any such time limit at any time during the 12 month period immediately preceding the date of your application;
You are of good character;
You have sufficient knowledge of the English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic language;
Your intentions are that if your application is successful your home (or principal home) will be in the UK.
Apply for UK Citizenship: Married to a British citizen

If you are married to a British citizen, the Home Office must be satisfied that:

You were in the UK on the day three years before the date of your application;
You have not been absent from the UK for more than 270 days during the intervening three year period;
You have not been in the UK in breach of the immigration laws at any time during that three year period;
You have not been absent from the UK for more than 90 days during the 12 month period immediately preceding the date of your application;
You are not subject to any time limit on the period for which you may remain in the UK at the date of your application;
You are of good character;
You have sufficient knowledge of the English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic language.

British Citizenship  by Naturalisation

Indefinite leave to remain,  also referred to as settlement, is a status that a foreign citizen can apply for if they are already living in the UK. This status means that a migrant in the UK is permitted to live and work in the UK without restrictions.

Permission to enter and stay in the UK (‘Leave’) can be granted to a person for a specified period of time, known as Limited Leave, or can be granted for an indefinite time, known as Indefinite Leave. The granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (“ILR”) is often also referred to as “Settlement”, as this is essentially what the permission amounts to. A migrant who is  granted ILR is permitted to live and work in the UK without restrictions.

Most migrants will need to have been granted one or more periods of limited leave before being able to apply for Settlement/ ILR. The length of time that they will complete in the UK before they can apply for ILR is referred to as the “qualifying period”. The qualifying period will depend on the category and the circumstances of their leave in the UK.

Qualification for ILR status will depend on the category and circumstances of the individual but it will be based on the length of time spent in the UK. There are both financial factors and length of stay that need to be taken into account. For more information visit our indefinite leave to remain page.

ILR is a status non-EU citizens and their family members must be granted before applying for British citizenship.

For example: A migrant spouse of a settled person who meets the financial requirements will be required to complete 60 months in the UK before they can apply for ILR; a migrant spouse of a settled person who does NOT meet the financial requirements, is required to complete a period of 10 years in the UK before they can apply for ILR.

What are the Eligibility requirements for ILR application:
You must meet the requirements set out in the Immigration Rules which are relevant to the visa category which you are apply from.

All applicants aged 18-64 must meet the two parts of the Knowledge of Language and Life (“KOLL”) requirement by :
Passing the Life in the UK test, and
Meeting one of the following language qualifications:
having a speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 level or above of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR),or
having a degree that was taught or researched in English, or
being a national of an English-speaking country.

Indefinite Leave to Remain and leave to Remain

This section will explain the various routes available as a student and made simple by the point based system.  Please contact us and we can help  you on making an application to enter the united 
Kingdom under the following student categories
Short Term Study Visa
Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa

Requirements for a UK Student Visa
In order to qualify for a UK Student Visa you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

You are aged 16 or over;
You have been offered an unconditional place on an approved course with a licensed student sponsor;
You can read, write, speak and understand English to at least CEFR Level B2 (if studying at degree level or above) or CEFR Level B1 (if studying at below degree level);
You have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course without relying on public funds;
You have the consent of your parent(s) or legal guardian if you are 16 or 17 years old;

Course Requirements for a UK Student Visa
Student Visa applicants can apply for a visa to study the following courses:

A full-time course that leads to a qualification below degree level (RQF level 3, 4 or 5) with at least 15 hours per week of organised daytime study;
A full-time course that leads to a qualification that is at degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7 or 8);
A full-time course that is at degree level or above (RQF level 6,7 or 8), that is equivalent to a UK higher education course and is being delivered as part of a longer course overseas;
A part-time course leading to a qualification that is above degree level (RQF level 7 or above);
A recognised foundation programme for postgraduate doctors or dentists (if you have finished a recognised UK degree in medicine or dentistry, received that degree from a registered student sponsor and spent your final year and at least one other year of studies leading to that degree in the UK);
An English language course at level B2 or above in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Student Visas

<h1>UK INVESTOR VISA</h1> The UK Investor visa category is for individuals who are able to make a substantial financial investment in the UK.&nbsp;In order to qualify for a UK Investor visa you will need to have access to at least £2 million and be willing to invest your funds in actively trading UK companies. <h2>What is a UK Investor visa?</h2> The UK Investor visa category is for high net worth individuals who are willing and able to make a substantial financial investment in the UK.&nbsp;Investor visa holders are permitted to work, study and engage in business activities.&nbsp;They can also be accompanied or joined by their dependants.&nbsp;The UK Investor visa typically leads to settlement in the UK after a period of 5 years.&nbsp;Accelerated settlement is available to UK Investor visa holders who invest more in the UK. <h2>What are the main UK Investor visa requirements?</h2> In order to qualify for a UK Investor visa, you will need to satisfy the following UK Investor visa requirements:<ul><li>You have funds amounting to at least £2 million belonging to yourself, your partner or the two of you jointly;</li><li>The money is held in a regulated financial institution;</li><li>The money is freely transferable to the UK and able to be converted to pounds sterling;</li><li>You have opened a bank account with a UK regulated bank for the purpose of investing not less than £2 million in the UK.</li></ul> If you have held your investment funds for less than 2 years then you will need to prove the source of your funds and, in every case, the Home Office will need to be satisfied as to the provenance of your funds.If applying for a UK Investor visa from overseas, you and any adult dependants will need to provide an overseas criminal record certificate for any country that you have lived in for at least 12 months in the last 10 years.As a UK Investor visa applicant, you will not need to satisfy any English language or maintenance funds requirement. <h2>Do UK Investor visa applicants need to hold their investment funds for 2 years?</h2> The UK Investor visa immigration rules do not require investment funds to have been held for 2 years.If you have held your investment funds for less than 2 years then you can still qualify for a UK Investor visa if the source of the funds was:<ul><li>a gift received by yourself (and/or your husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried or same-sex partner) in the 2 years prior to the date of application; or</li><li>the proceeds of sale of assets such as business or property within the 2 years before the date of application; or</li><li>money held in your business (and/or the business of your husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried or same-sex partner); or</li><li>inheritance under a will received within the 2 years before making the application; or</li><li>the proceeds of a divorce settlement received within the 2 years immediately before the date of application; or</li><li>a financial award or winnings; or</li><li>any other source provided that the source can be documented and independently corroborated.</li></ul>If you have held your UK Investor visa investment funds for at least 2 years then you will not be required to provide specified evidence of the source of your funds.&nbsp;In particular, there is currently no requirement to provide an independent audit of financial and business interests as part of a Tier 1 Investor visa application.&nbsp;However, you will still need to satisfy the Home Office that your investment funds were lawfully obtained. <h2>How long is a UK Investor visa valid for?</h2> Your initial UK Investor visa will be valid for either 3 years and 4 months (if applying from overseas) or 3 years (if applying from within the UK).You will need to invest at least £2 million in actively trading UK companies within 3 months of entering the category. You will then need to maintain your investment.You will be able to extend your stay as a UK Investor visa holder for a further 2 years, before qualifying for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) after 5 years. There is also an accelerated route to settlement as a UK Investor visa migrant after either 3 years (if you invest at least £5 million) or 2 years (if you invest at least £10 million).In order to settle in the UK as a UK Investor, you will need to spend not more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period and, unless aged 65 or over, have sufficient knowledge of the English language and Life in the UK. <ul><li><a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/tier-1-investor-visa-2-year-requirement/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 159, 227);">Tier 1 Investor Visa – 2 Year Requirement</a></li><li><a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/tier-1-investor-visa-the-uk-bank-account-rule/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 159, 227);">Tier 1 Investor Visa – The UK bank account rule</a></li><li><a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/uk-investor-visa-success-stories/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 159, 227);">UK Investor Visa Success Stories</a></li><li> </li></ul><h2>What are the UK Investor visa investment options?</h2> Once you have entered the UK Investor visa category, you will need to invest at least £2 million in qualifying investments.&nbsp;The only qualifying&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/investment-options-for-tier-1-investor-visa-applicants/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 159, 227);">UK Investor visa investment options</a>&nbsp;are share capital and/or loan capital in active and trading UK registered companies.&nbsp;&nbsp;You will need to make a qualifying investment within 90 days of entering the UK Investor visa category.The Immigration Rules for UK Investor visa applicants contain various restrictions on permitted investments.&nbsp;For example, investments in offshore companies or trusts, open-ended investment companies and companies mainly engaged in property investment, property management or property development are all prohibited. <h2>How long will my UK Investor visa application take to be decided?</h2> Most visa application centres outside the UK offer a priority service which allows UK Investor visa applicants to receive a decision on their applications for entry clearance within 5 working days.UK Investor visa holders applying for further leave to remain from within the UK can apply for either a standard 8 week consideration or a priority 5 working day consideration.&nbsp;UK Investor visa holders applying for indefinite leave to remain from within the UK can apply for either a standard 6 month consideration or a priority 10 working day consideration. <h2>How can I extend my UK Investor visa?</h2> The requirements that you will need to satisfy in order to qualify for a UK Investor visa extension will depend upon whether your initial UK Investor visa was granted before 6 November 2014, between 6 November 2014 and 28 March 2019 or on or after 29 March 2019.&nbsp;You can find further information on our&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/personal-immigration/investor-visas/tier-1-investor-visa-extension/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 159, 227);">UK Investor Visa Extension</a>&nbsp;page.&nbsp;Advice from an immigration lawyer will ensure that your extension application satisfies the strict requirements of the Immigration Rules. <h2>How can I settle in the UK as a UK Investor visa holder?</h2> You may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK as a UK Investor visa holder after spending 2, 3 or 5 years in the UK. The requirements that you will need to satisfy in order to qualify for ILR as a UK Investor visa holder will depend upon when your initial UK Investor visa was granted and the amount of your investment.&nbsp;You can find further information on our&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/personal-immigration/investor-visas/tier-1-investor-visa-ilr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 159, 227);">UK Investor Visa ILR</a>&nbsp;page or contact our specialist immigration lawyers for expert advice. <h2>Has the UK Investor visa scheme been suspended, halted or closed?</h2> The UK Investor visa scheme has not been suspended, halted or closed.&nbsp;The UK Investor visa category is open to new applicants with access to at least £2 million looking for a route to settlement in the UK. <h2>WE CAN ALSO ASSIST WITH</h2> Applications for extension of stay as a UK Investor visa holderApplications for settlement (including accelerated settlement) as a UK Investor visa holderFresh applications, Administrative reviews and Judicial reviews for UK Investor visa holdersOpening a UK bank Account and obtaining a bank letterInvestment Management for UK Investor visa holder

UK INVESTOR VISA

<h1>UK REPRESENTATIVE OF AN OVERSEAS BUSINESS VISA</h1> The UK Representative of an Overseas Business visa category is for businesses that wish to send a senior employee to the UK in order to establish a commercial presence for the company in the UK.&nbsp; <h2>What is a UK Representative of an Overseas Business visa?</h2> The UK Representative of an Overseas Business visa allows a senior employee of an overseas business to come to the UK to set up and run a UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary of the overseas parent company.&nbsp;Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) can be achieved after 5 years in the Representative of an Overseas Business visa category. <h2>Requirements for a UK Representative of an Overseas Business visa</h2> In order to qualify for a UK Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that your overseas company:<ul><li>Is an active and trading overseas business;</li><li>Has its headquarters and principal place of business outside the United Kingdom;</li><li>Has no other active branch, subsidiary or representative in the UK;</li><li>Intends to establish a registered branch or wholly-owned subsidiary in the UK that will actively trade in the same business activity as the overseas business;</li><li>The overseas business will not be established or the sole representative appointed mainly for the purpose of facilitating the entry or stay of the sole representative;</li><li>Intends to maintain the centre of its operations overseas.</li></ul>You will also need to demonstrate that you:<ul><li>Are a genuine Representative of an Overseas Business;</li><li>Are an existing senior employee of the overseas business;</li><li>Have been recruited and taken on as an employee of the overseas business outside of the UK;</li><li>Have the skills, experience and knowledge of the business necessary to undertake the role of sole representative of the overseas business in the UK;</li><li>Have full authority to negotiate and take operational decisions on behalf of the overseas business;</li><li>Intend to work full-time as a representative of the overseas business;</li><li>Do not intend to engage in business of your own or work for any other business;</li><li>Do not have a majority stake in, or otherwise own or control, a majority of the overseas business, whether that ownership or control is by means of a shareholding, partnership agreement, sole proprietorship or any other arrangement;</li><li>Can show English language ability to at least CEFR Level A1 (speaking and listening);</li><li>Can show you can adequately maintain and accommodate yourself and your dependants in the UK, without recourse to public funds.</li></ul> <h2>Is your business eligible to establish a UK branch or subsidiary?</h2> For an employee to qualify for a UK Overseas Business Representative visa, the parent company must be an active and trading overseas business. The overseas parent company must have, and intend to continue to have, its headquarters and principal place of business outside the UK.&nbsp;If the parent company already has a branch, subsidiary or other representative in the UK then the business will be excluded.&nbsp;Even where there is no representative in the UK, the business will be disqualified if the employee setting up the branch or subsidiary in the UK would involve the business effectively moving the centre of its business operations to the UK.&nbsp;The Home Office will also need to be satisfied that the branch or wholly-owned subsidiary in the UK intends to actively trade in the same type of business as the overseas business and is not being established solely&nbsp;for the purpose of facilitating the entry and stay of the sole representative. <h2>Choosing a UK Representative of an Overseas Business visa candidate&nbsp;</h2> The UK Representative of an Overseas Business visa applicant must genuinely be an existing senior employee of the overseas business who was recruited and taken on as an employee of the overseas business outside of the UK. They will genuinely have the skills, experience and knowledge of the overseas business necessary to undertake the role of sole representative of the overseas business in the UK. The Representative of an Overseas Business visa candidate will have full authority to negotiate and take operational decisions on behalf of the overseas business and genuinely intend to be employed full-time as a representative of the overseas business.&nbsp;They must genuinely intend to not engage in business of their own or represent any other business’s interest in the United Kingdom. <h2>Can a UK Representative of an Overseas Business be a shareholder?</h2> The Immigration Rules require that an applicant for a UK Representative of an Overseas Business visa must not have a majority stake in, or otherwise own or control, the overseas business, whether that ownership or control is by means of a shareholding, partnership agreement, sole proprietorship or any other arrangement.This means that applicants can be shareholders, but they must not own more than 50% of the available shares in the business at the point of application. Existing majority shareholders may qualify for a Representative of an Overseas Business visa if they reduce their shareholding prior to applying.&nbsp;However, applicants should note that the Home Office will look at the company share distribution in both the current and the previous year.Applicants (both shareholders and non-shareholders) should also note that the requirements of the route go beyond ownership to cover control.&nbsp;Regardless of the stake in ownership, applicants must not control the overseas business by means of any other arrangement.&nbsp;

UK REPRESENTATIVE OF AN OVERSEAS BUSINESS VISA

The ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa is for Turkish nationals over the age of 18 who either want to start a new business in the UK or come to the UK to help run an established business. <h2>Requirements for an ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa</h2> In order to qualify for an ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa under the Turkish EC Association Agreement (‘ECAA’ or ‘Ankara Agreement’), you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you are a Turkish national and:<ul><li>You have a genuine intention to set up a viable business;</li><li>You will devote sufficient funds or assets of your own to establish your business;</li><li>You will be able to pay your share of the costs of running the business;</li><li>Your part in the business will not amount to disguised employment;</li><li>Your share of the profits will be enough to support you and your family without you needing to have another job or rely on public funds;</li><li>You have not remained in the UK in breach of UK immigration laws</li></ul> If you want to join an existing partnership or company you will also need to show that:<ul><li>You will have an active part in running the business;</li><li>There is a genuine need for your services and investment.</li></ul> The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances.&nbsp;You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice. <h2>What type of business can I start with an Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa?</h2> ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa holders need to set up a business as either a sole trader, director of a limited company or legal partnership.&nbsp;Applicants cannot be employed on this visa, but this does not mean that the Director of a limited company cannot work for their company.&nbsp;Such people can still come within the scope of a ‘Business’ application.&nbsp;&nbsp;ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businesspersons can also join an existing partnership or company so long as they will be actively involved in running the business and there is a need for their services and investment.&nbsp;As the Innovator and Start-up visa categories do not allow for investment into existing businesses, this means Turkish applicants have greater flexibility than others.&nbsp;ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businesspersons relying also have flexibility over what a business can do.&nbsp;Unlike the Tier 1 Entrepreneur, Investor and Innovator categories, there are no strict restrictions on the business type (notably lacking is any prohibition on property-related businesses). <h2>How much money do I need to invest in my business to obtain an ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa?</h2> Unlike the Tier 1 Entrepreneur (£50,000 or £200,000) or Investor (£2m, £5m or £10m) or Innovator (£50,000) categories, no set amount of investment is required in order to make a successful ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa application.&nbsp;Instead, in order to qualify for an ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa you will need to show that you will bring ‘sufficient funds’ to establish your business.&nbsp;This means that there is greater subjectivity in play, and further thought around preparing the plans for the business and what it will achieve in the first 12 months and beyond will be important.&nbsp; <h2>Can my family come to the UK as dependants of an ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa holder?</h2> Yes. Applicants can bring their partner and/or children under the age of 21 if they are applying as dependants. A partner means spouse, civil partner, unmarried or same-sex partner.You will need to show that you can support your family without needing to get another job, as employment is prohibited.&nbsp;&nbsp; <h2>How long can I stay in the UK as an ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa holder?</h2> An initial ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa will normally be valid for 12 months.&nbsp;After this first grant, an ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa extension is normally granted for three further years, so long as the business is ongoing and will continue to operate in the UK.&nbsp;If you are not able to provide sufficient evidence that the business is still ongoing and your profits are enough to support yourself, leave for a 12 month period can be granted instead.&nbsp;Further grants of three years can follow.&nbsp;ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa holders must keep working in their business.&nbsp;Advice from an immigration lawyer will ensure that your initial and extension applications satisfy the strict requirements of the Immigration Rules. <h2>Can I get ILR as an ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson?</h2> Yes.&nbsp;There has been some&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/ecaa-ankara-agreement-applying-for-settlement/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">turmoil</a>&nbsp;in relation to settlement applications for those living under the Ankara agreement, but Appendix ECAA to the Immigration Rules, introduced in July 2018, makes clear that ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businesspersons can settle (obtain ILR) in the UK.&nbsp;&nbsp;In order for an ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish businessperson to be granted indefinite leave to remain in this category, the following criteria need to be met.&nbsp;In brief, an Applicant must:&nbsp;<ul><li>be a Turkish ECAA business person;</li><li>have resided in the UK for a continuous period of 5 years under either the Turkish ECAA business person category, the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) category or a combination thereof;</li><li>have last been granted leave as a Turkish ECAA business person;</li><li>meet the knowledge of English language and life in the UK requirement in Appendix KOLL;</li><li>continue to run the business(s) s/he relies upon to be regarded as a Turkish ECAA business person and intends to continue running a viable business in the UK;</li><li>have been able to support any family members with them without recourse to public funds to which they are not entitled;</li><li>not fall for refusal under the General Grounds for Refusal.</li></ul> <h2>How soon can an ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa holder become British?</h2> Unless you are married to a British citizen, you will need to wait for one year after being granted ILR before applying to naturalise as a British citizen.&nbsp;&nbsp;This means that it can take five continuous years of residence to get to ILR and another 12 months to be able to apply for British citizenship, so potentially you can apply six years from entry in this category.&nbsp;If your partner is/becomes British and you have obtained ILR, you can consider applying to naturalise as a British citizen immediately, without waiting for 12 months.&nbsp; <h2>What will happen to the ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa after Brexit?</h2> ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businesspersons&nbsp;benefit from an agreement relating to the UK’s membership of the EU, which means that when the UK leaves the EU the route will be closed.During the transitional period to 31 December 2020 new applications are being accepted.Under the&nbsp;Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/928751/CCS001_CCS1020373376-001_Statement_of_changes_in_Immigration_Rules_-_HC_813__PRINT_.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">announced on 22 October 2020</a>,&nbsp;after 31 December 2020&nbsp;extensions of leave will be granted to ‘ECAA’&nbsp;businesspersons (no longer called ‘Turkish’ businesspersons) under broadly the same conditions as were in place before Brexit, providing the route to settlement after 5 years as is set out in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-ecaa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">Appendix ECAA</a>&nbsp;(which is also being preserved post-Brexit, renamed ‘Appendix ECAA Settlement’).&nbsp;The new rule states:-ECAA 6.3. If the applicant meets the ECAA business person requirement, they will be granted permission to stay for up to 36 months.The end of the road therefore for this category will be when all those present in the UK as Turkish businesspersons (and their partners and children) have achieved indefinite leave to remain under Appendix ECAA.

ECAA ANKARA AGREEMENT VISA

<h1>ILR AS A TIER 1 ENTREPRENEUR</h1><h1> </h1>If you currently hold a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, you can apply to settle in the UK as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur until 5 April 2025.&nbsp;If your application is successful, you will be granted Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa ILR and be free of immigration time restrictions. <h2>Requirements for Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa IL</h2> In order to qualify for indefinite leave to remain as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur you will need to satisfy UK Visas &amp; Immigration that:<ul><li>You registered as a business director or as self-employed within 6 months of entering the Tier 1 Entrepreneur category;</li><li>You are still registered as a business director or as self-employed within the 3 months prior to your date of application;</li><li>You have invested at least £200,000 or £50,000 (as appropriate) in a business or businesses in the UK;</li><li>You have created at least two full-time jobs for persons settled in the UK and these jobs have existed for at least 12 months;</li><li>You have established, taken over or become a director of a genuine UK business, genuinely operated that business and genuinely intend to continue operating the business;</li><li>You have spent a continuous period of 5 years lawfully in the UK with leave as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur migrant, with not more than 180 days absent from the UK each year;</li><li>You have demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the English language and sufficient knowledge about life in the United Kingdom.</li></ul>There is also an&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/tier-1-entrepreneurs-applying-for-accelerated-settlement-after-3-years/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">accelerated route to settlement</a>&nbsp;as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur after 3 years if you create at least 10 new full-time jobs or your business has a turnover of at least £5 million. <h2>Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR job creation requirement</h2> If you have established a new business or businesses or invested in an existing business, you must have created the equivalent of 2 extra full-time paid jobs for at least 2 people who meet the definition of settled workers in the Immigration Rules at the time their employment starts. Each job must have existed for at least 12 months.A single job does not need to last for 12 consecutive months (for example it could exist for 6 months in one year and 6 months the following year), providing it is the same job, with the same job title (different jobs that have existed for less than 12 months cannot be combined together to make up a 12 month period).Jobs created in an earlier period of leave can be relied upon in a settlement application if they are maintained for at least a further 12 months during the most recent extension.If jobs relied on in a previous period of leave no longer exist, then 2 new jobs will need to be created and exist for at least 12 months during the most recent extension.The jobs must comply with all relevant UK regulations, including the national minimum wage and the working time directive.If your business has been disrupted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic then you do not need to employ at least 2 people for 12 consecutive months.&nbsp;Instead, the 12 month period you are required to employ someone for can be made up of multiple jobs across different months, providing that when combined this is equivalent to 2 full time jobs.Any periods of time when your employees were furloughed under the UK Government furlough scheme can still count towards the 12 month period provided they were paid at least 80% of theirnormal salary throughout.If you are not able to employ staff for 12 months by the time your visa expires, you may still be granted further leave for a period of 2 years provided that you have created at least 2 jobs for settled workers and you have been unable to meet the normal requirements due to the impact of the pandemic.If you were previously granted a covid related extension of leave, then in order to qualify for settlement you will need to demonstrate that you have created 2 full time jobs for the 12 month period in addition to the existing job creation requirement for settlement. For example, if you rely on having created 2 full time jobs for settled workers that existed in 12 months during your most recent grant of leave, you will also be required to show that 2 full time jobs existed for an additional 12 months.&nbsp;These can be the same jobs, providing they meet the requirement of existing for at least a further 12 months.The job creation requirement can be complex.&nbsp;You may wish to seek early advice from a specialist immigration lawyer in order to ensure that you can satisfy the requirement. <h2>When should I apply for ILR as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur?</h2> You can apply for ILR under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route once you have resided in the UK as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur for a continuous period of 5 years.As a Tier 1 Entrepreneur you may apply for&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/tier-1-entrepreneurs-applying-for-accelerated-settlement-after-3-years/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">accelerated ILR</a>&nbsp;after a continuous period of 3 years if you have created the equivalent at least 10 new full time jobs for members of the settled population.&nbsp;&nbsp;You may also qualify for accelerated settlement after 3 years if your UK business has had a gross income from business activity of at least £5 million during the last 3 years.&nbsp;If you invested into an existing business then your services or investment must have resulted in a net increase in gross income from business activity of £5 million during the 3 year continuous period, when compared to the 3 year period immediately before the date you became involved with the business.You can apply for Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa ILR up to 28 days before you reach the relevant qualifying period.&nbsp;Your qualifying period will be the 3 or 5 years immediately before the date you apply for settlement or the 3 or 5 years immediately before the date your settlement application is decided, depending on which is most favourable to you.&nbsp;Advice from an immigration lawyer will ensure the correct timing of your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa ILR application. <h2>What is the residence requirement for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR settlement application?</h2> In order to qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur, you must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 month period during your qualifying 3 or 5 year period.For any absences from the UK during periods of leave granted under the Rules in place before 11 January 2018, you must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days during each consecutive 12 month period, ending on the same date of the year as the date of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa ILR application.&nbsp;For any absences from the UK during periods of leave granted under the Rules in place since 11 January 2018, the Home Office will consider a rolling 12 month period.In either case, days spent travelling to or from the UK will not count for the purpose of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR residence and absence requirement. <h2>How long will it take for my Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR settlement application to be decided?</h2> If you apply for indefinite leave to remain as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur via UK Visa &amp; Immigration’s standard service, you can normally expect to receive a decision within 26 weeks of your ILR application date.&nbsp;The Home Office does not currently offer a priority service for Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa ILR applications.&nbsp;However, we have been informed that a 30-day service for Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR applications is being planned.<ul><li><a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain-as-a-tier-1-entrepreneur/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">Indefinite Leave to Remain as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur</a></li><li><a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/tier-1-entrepreneurs-applying-for-accelerated-settlement-after-3-years/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">Tier 1 Entrepreneurs: Applying for Accelerated Settlement after 3 Years</a></li><li><a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/uk-entrepreneur-visa-success-stories/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">UK Entrepreneur Visa Success Stories</a></li><li> </li></ul><h2>Can I apply for Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR settlement if I am outside the UK?</h2> Unfortunately not.&nbsp;Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR applications can only be submitted from within the UK. <h2>WE CAN ALSO ASSIST WITH</h2> <ul><li>Applications by Tier 1 Entrepreneurs for Naturalisation as a British Citizen</li></ul> <ul><li>Fresh applications, Administrative reviews and Judicial reviews for Tier 1 Entrepreneurs</li></ul> <ul><li>Applications for extension of stay as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur</li></ul>

ILR AS A TIER 1 ENTREPRENEUR

<h1>EXTENSION OF TIER 1 ENTREPRENEUR VISA</h1> If you currently hold a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, you can apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extension until 5 April 2023.&nbsp;If your application is successful, you will be granted an extension of stay as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur for a period of 2 years.&nbsp;Applications for&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/personal-immigration/uk-entrepreneur-visa/tier-1-entrepreneur-visa-ilr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">indefinite leave to remain as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur</a>&nbsp;can be made until 5 April 2025. <h2>Requirements for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extension</h2> In order to extend your stay as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur, you will need to satisfy UK Visas &amp; Immigration that:<ul><li>You registered as a business director or as self-employed within 6 months of entering the Tier 1 Entrepreneur category;</li><li>You are still registered as a business director or as self-employed within the 3 months prior to your date of application;</li><li>You have invested at least £200,000 or £50,000 (depending on the amount your initial application was based on) in a business or businesses in the UK;</li><li>You have created at least two full-time jobs for persons settled in the UK and these jobs have existed for at least 12 months;</li><li>You have established, taken over or become a director of a genuine UK business, genuinely operated that business and genuinely intend to continue operating the business;</li><li>You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking);</li><li>You have enough additional money to support yourself without relying on public funds.</li><li> </li></ul><h2>Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extension job creation requirement</h2> If you have established a new business or businesses or invested in an existing business, you must have created the equivalent of 2 extra full-time paid jobs for at least 2 people who meet the definition of settled workers in the Immigration Rules at the time their employment starts. Each job must have existed for at least 12 months.A single job does not need to last for 12 consecutive months (for example it could exist for 6 months in one year and 6 months the following year), providing it is the same job, with the same job title (different jobs that have existed for less than 12 months cannot be combined together to make up a 12 month period).Jobs created in an initial period of leave can be relied upon in an extension application if they are maintained for at least a further 12 months during the most recent extension.If jobs relied on in a previous period of leave no longer exist, then 2 new jobs will need to be created and exist for at least 12 months during the most recent extension.The jobs must comply with all relevant UK regulations, including the national minimum wage and the working time directive.If your business has been disrupted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic then you do not need to employ at least 2 people for 12 consecutive months.&nbsp;Instead, the 12 month period you are required to employ someone for can be made up of multiple jobs across different months, providing that when combined this is equivalent to 2 full time jobs.Any periods of time when your employees were furloughed under the UK Government furlough scheme can still count towards the 12 month period provided they were paid at least 80% of theirnormal salary throughout.If you are not able to employ staff for 12 months by the time your visa expires, you may still be granted further leave for a period of 2 years provided that you have created at least 2 jobs for settled workers and you have been unable to meet the normal requirements due to the impact of the pandemic.The job creation requirement can be complex.&nbsp;You may wish to seek early advice from a specialist immigration lawyer in order to ensure that you can satisfy the requirement. <h2>When should I apply for an extension of stay as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur?</h2> You can apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extension at any time prior to the expiry of your leave.&nbsp;However, we recommend that you apply to extend your UK Entrepreneur visa not more than 1 month before your current leave expires.&nbsp;If you apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extension earlier than this then you may have a shortfall in your leave when you apply for settlement.&nbsp;This is because the Home Office will grant an extension of stay as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur for 2 years from the date of decision, not the date when your current leave expires.&nbsp;This would necessitate a further application for an extension of stay as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur before becoming eligible for indefinite leave to remain.&nbsp;Advice from an immigration lawyer will ensure the correct timing of your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extension application. <h2>How long will it take for my application for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extension to be decided?</h2> You will need to apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extension via UK Visa &amp; Immigration’s standard service.&nbsp;You should normally expect to receive a decision within 8 weeks of your extension application date.&nbsp;UK Visa &amp; Immigration does not currently offer a priority service for Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extension applications.<ul><li><a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/ten-tips-for-successful-tier-1-entrepreneur-visa-extension/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">10 Tips for Making a Successful Tier 1 Entrepreneur Extension Application</a></li><li><a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/your-guide-to-the-tier-1-entrepreneur-job-creation-requirement/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">Your Guide To The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Job Creation Requirement</a></li><li><a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/uk-entrepreneur-visa-success-stories/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">UK Entrepreneur Visa Success Stories</a></li><li> </li></ul><h2>Can I extend my Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa if I am outside the UK?</h2> Yes.&nbsp;If you hold a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa you can apply to&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/extending-a-tier-1-investor-or-entrepreneur-visa-from-abroad/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">extend your stay in the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa category from outside the UK</a>. <h2>WE CAN ALSO ASSIST WITH</h2> <ul><li>Applications for ILR (including accelerated routes) as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur</li></ul> <ul><li>Genuine entrepreneur interview preparation for Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extension applicants</li></ul> <ul><li>Fresh applications, Administrative reviews and Judicial reviews for Tier 1 Entrepreneurs</li></ul> <ul><li>Drafting a Tier 1 Entrepreneur compliant business plan</li></ul>

EXTENSION OF TIER 1 ENTREPRENEUR VISA

The UK innovator visa is for businesses who are seeking to set up a business in the UK. In most cases you have will have at least £50.000 to invest in your business or have already invested £50.000 in your business. <h2>Who is the UK Innovator visa suitable for?</h2> The UK Innovator visa is suitable for experienced businesspersons who are looking to set up a new business in the UK which is innovative, viable and scalable Applicants are expected to present a new business idea. Generally, the business will not already exist. The applicants can work on their own as a sole founder, or together as part of an entrepreneurial team, Joint venture arrangement may also be acceptable. The business idea may relate to any sector, provided the business idea is sufficiently innovative viable and scalable. For example, the restriction on companies mainly engaged in property development under the previous Tier 1 Entrepreneur category does not apply.&nbsp;&nbsp;Applicants can develop other businesses as well as their main business idea. If you wish to join an already trading business then the&nbsp;skilled worker visa &nbsp;may be more appropriate.&nbsp;If you wish to invest in an already trading business then you may wish to consider the&nbsp;Tier 1 investor visa &nbsp;route.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are a senior employee of an overseas business looking to establish a commercial presence in the UK then you may like to consider the&nbsp; Sole Representative of an Oversea Business visa. <h2>Requirements for a UK Innovator visa</h2> In order to qualify for a UK Innovator visa you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:<ul><li>You are at least 18 years old;</li><li>You have at least £50,000 available to invest in your UK business or have already invested £50,000 in your UK business (this requirement is waived if switching from the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur or&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/personal-immigration/business-visas/start-up-visa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">Start-up</a>&nbsp;category&nbsp;to pursue the same business venture or extending as an existing Innovator to pursue the same business venture and, in both cases, you have shown significant achievements judged against your business plan);</li><li>If applying to set up a new business venture, you have been endorsed by&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/list-of-endorsing-bodies-for-innovator-and-startup-visas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">an approved UK endorsing body</a>&nbsp;that has positively assessed your business idea for innovation, viability and scalability and is satisfied that you will spend your entire working time in the UK on developing your business venture;</li><li>If applying to continue the same business venture as in your initial application, you have been endorsed by&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/list-of-endorsing-bodies-for-innovator-and-startup-visas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">an approved UK endorsing body</a>&nbsp;that is satisfied that you have shown significant achievements judged against the business plan assessed in your previous endorsement, you are registered with Companies House as a Director or Member of your business, your business is active, trading and appears sustainable for at least the following 12 months, you have had an active key role in the day-to-day management and development of the business and you will spend your entire working time in the UK on developing your business ventures;</li><li>Your endorsement letter was issued not more than 3 months before the date of your Innovator visa application;</li><li>You genuinely intend to undertake, and are capable of undertaking, any work or business activity in the UK stated in your application;</li><li>You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B2 (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking);</li><li>If you are outside the UK or have been in the UK for less than 12 months then you have at least £1270 to support yourself, plus £285 for a dependent partner, £315 for a first child and £200 for each additional child.</li></ul> <h2> Investment funds requirement for a UK Innovator visa</h2> You will usually need to have at least £50,000 available to invest in your UK business or have already invested £50,000 in your UK business.&nbsp;You may rely on money of your own or funding provided by your endorsing body.&nbsp;&nbsp;The requirement to have a ‘viable’ and ‘scalable’ business idea means that, in practice, you may need to have more than £50,000 available to invest.&nbsp;Some endorsing bodies require an additional level of funding as a condition of endorsement.The investment funds requirement for an Innovator visa is waived for applicants switching from either the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur or&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/personal-immigration/business-visas/start-up-visa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">Start-up</a>&nbsp;category to pursue the same business venture or extending as an existing Innovator to pursue the same business venture.&nbsp;In both cases, applicants need to have demonstrated significant achievements judged against their business plan. <h2>Endorsement criteria for a UK Innovator visa</h2> In order for your business proposal to be endorsed, an approved endorsing body will need to be satisfied that your business idea meets all of the following criteria:<ul><li>Innovation: You have a genuine, original business plan that meets new or existing market needs and/or creates a competitive advantage;</li><li>Viability: You have the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to successfully run the business;</li><li>Scalability: Your business plan shows evidence of structured planning and potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets.</li></ul>The endorsing body will also need to be satisfied that you will spend your entire working time in the UK on developing business ventures.If you are applying to continue the same business venture as in your initial application, you will need to demonstrate significant achievements judged against the business plan assessed in your previous endorsement.&nbsp;You will need to demonstrate that you are registered with Companies House as a Director or Member of your business, your business is active, trading and appears sustainable for at least the following 12 months, you have had an active key role in the day-to-day management and development of the business and you will spend your entire working time in the UK on developing your business ventures. <h2>List of approved UK Innovator visa endorsing bodies</h2> We have published an up-to-date&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/list-of-endorsing-bodies-for-innovator-and-startup-visas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">list of endorsing bodies for Innovator visa applications</a>.&nbsp;This list is based on information provided by the Home Office, which is updated periodically.&nbsp;Our list of endorsing bodies contains the names of all currently approved Innovator visa endorsing bodies, as well as links to their websites and, where available, details of their application process and endorsement criteria.Some endorsing bodies accept open applications (often with sector and/or geographic limitations), whilst some only issue endorsements to business founders that they are already working with through their existing programmes.&nbsp;&nbsp; <h2>Switching into the UK Innovator visa category</h2> Applications for Innovator visas can be made from outside the UK, but it is also possible to switch into the Innovator visa category from within the UK provided you do not have, or were not last granted, permission as a Visitor, Short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household or outside the Immigration Rules. <h2>Joining an existing business as a UK Innovator visa holder</h2> The UK Innovator visa category is for people seeking to establish a new business in the UK for the first time.&nbsp;Applicants are expected to present a new business idea.&nbsp;Generally, the business that forms the basis of the new business idea will not already exist in the UK.&nbsp;However, where it does, the business should not yet have fully started trading.&nbsp;If you are looking to join an existing trading business then the Innovator visa category is not an appropriate immigration route.&nbsp;However, a new business that is to trade as part of a joint venture arrangement may be acceptable.&nbsp;If you wish to apply for an Innovator visa on the basis of a joint venture arrangement then we recommend that you speak to an immigration lawyer. <h2>Applying for a UK Innovator visa as part of a team</h2> You do not need to be the sole founder of your business and you may be a member of an innovator team.&nbsp;However, each applicant must receive their own individual endorsement from an approved endorsing body.&nbsp;&nbsp;Innovator team members that are required to satisfy the investment funds requirement for a new business endorsement also cannot share the same £50,000 but must instead have at least £50,000 investment funds each. <h2>UK Innovator visa application fee</h2> The current Home Office application fee for a UK Innovator visa is £1,021 if applying from outside the UK or £1,277 if applying to switch into the category from within the UK. <h2>UK Innovator visa validity period</h2> Your initial UK Innovator visa will be valid for 3 years.&nbsp;It is possible to extend an Innovator visa for periods of 3 years at a time, subjecting to being re-endorsed each time.&nbsp;There is no maximum time limit in the Innovator category.You will be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) as an Innovator after spending 3 years in the Innovator visa category.

UK INNOVATOR VISA

<h1>UK START-UP VISA</h1> The UK start-Up visa is for those who are entrepreneur and want to establish a business in the UK for the first time. You do not need to be a graduate or have secured any initial funding. However, you will need to have an innovative, viable and scalable business idea which has been approved by an endorsing body. Start-up visas are one-off visas, valid for 2 years and the category does not lead directly to settlement in the UK.&nbsp;However, UK Start-up visa holders may extend their stay in the&nbsp;Innovator visa category and qualify for ILR three years later.&nbsp;UK Start-up visa applicants can bring their partner and any children under the age of 18 to the UK <h2>Who will Qualified for Start-up </h2> The UK Start-up visa is for entrepreneurs who are looking to start a business in the UK for the first time. UK Start-up visa applicants will not already have started setting up their business in the UK.&nbsp;However, where they have, the new business should not yet have started trading.&nbsp;The only exceptions to this are if the applicant has already been granted leave under the Start-up or Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) categories, or under the Tier 4 doctorate extension scheme. If you are an experienced businessperson seeking to establish a business in the UK then the Innovator visa&nbsp;&nbsp;may be more appropriate If you wish to join an already trading business then the Skilled worker Visa&nbsp;may be more appropriate.&nbsp;If you wish to invest in an already trading business then you may wish to consider the&nbsp;Tier 1 Investor visa&nbsp;route.&nbsp;If you are a senior employee of an overseas business looking to establish a commercial presence in the UK then you may like to consider the Sole Representative of an Overseas business visa <h2>Requirements for a UK Start-up visa</h2> In order to qualify for a UK Start-up visa you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:<ul><li>You are at least 18 years old;</li><li>You have not previously established a business in the UK (unless you previously held leave as a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur);</li><li>You have been endorsed by&nbsp;an approved UK endorsing body that has assessed your business idea for innovation, viability and scalability and is satisfied that you will spend the majority of your working time in the UK on developing your business venture;</li><li>Your endorsement letter was issued not more than 3 months before the date of your Start-up visa application;</li><li>You genuinely intend to undertake, and are capable of undertaking, any work or business activity in the UK stated in your application;</li><li>You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B2 (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking);</li><li>If you are outside the UK or have been in the UK for less than 12 months then you have at least £1270 to support yourself, plus £285 for a dependent partner, £315 for a first child and £200 for each additional child.</li></ul> <h2>Investment funds requirement for a UK Start-up visa</h2> UK Start-up visa applicants do not need any funds to invest in their business.&nbsp;However, the requirement to have a ‘viable’ and ‘scalable’ business idea means that, in practice, you may need to have funds available to invest.&nbsp;Some endorsing bodies require a certain level of funding as a condition of endorsement. <h2>Endorsement criteria for a UK Start-up visa</h2> In order for your business proposal to be endorsed, an approved endorsing body will need to be satisfied that your business idea meets all of the following criteria:<ul><li>Innovation: You have a genuine, original business plan that meets new or existing market needs and/or creates a competitive advantage;</li><li>Viability: You have, or are actively developing, the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to successfully run the business;</li><li>Scalability: Your business plan has potential for job creation and growth into national markets.</li></ul>The endorsing body will also need to be satisfied that you will spend the majority of your working time in the UK on developing business ventures. <h2>List of approved UK Start-up visa endorsing bodies</h2> The Home Office has published a list of endorsing bodies for star- up visa application&nbsp;This list of endorsing bodies contains the names of all currently approved UK Start-up visa endorsing bodies, as well as links to their websites and, where available, details of their application process and endorsement criteria <h2>Obtaining a UK Start-up visa endorsement</h2> We can assist entrepreneurs from around the world to prepare successful UK Start-up visa applications.&nbsp;We can also assist applicants to secure UK Start-up visa endorsement.&nbsp;&nbsp; <h2>Switching into the UK Start-up visa category</h2> Applications for Start-up visas can be made from outside the UK, but it is also possible to switch into the Start-up visa category from within the UK provided you do not have, or were not last granted, permission as a Visitor, Short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household or outside the Immigration Rules. <h2>Joining an existing business as a UK Start-up visa holder</h2> The UK Start-up visa category is for people seeking to establish a new business in the UK for the first time.&nbsp;If you are looking to join an existing business then the UK Start-up visa category is not an appropriate immigration route. <h2>Applying for a UK Start-up visa as part of a team</h2> You do not need to be the sole founder of your business and may be a member of a Start-up team.&nbsp;This means that you may share the same business idea and plan as another Start-up team member.&nbsp;However, each applicant must receive their own individual endorsement from&nbsp;an approved endorsing body. <h2>UK Start-up visa endorsement letter</h2> If your application to be endorsed by a UK Start-up visa endorsing body is approved, you will be issued with a UK Start-up visa endorsement letter.&nbsp;This letter must be submitted as part of your Start-up visa application.&nbsp;The Immigration Rules contain strict requirements in terms of the information that must be included in a Start-up visa endorsement letter.&nbsp;Advice from an immigration lawyer will ensure that your endorsement letter satisfies the requirements of the rules. <h2>UK Start-up visa validity period</h2> Your initial UK Start-up visa will be valid for 2 years, unless you were previously granted leave as a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur, in which case you will be granted leave for a period that will take you to the maximum 2-year limit. <h2>Extending a UK Start-up visa and applying for ILR</h2>It is not possible to extend a UK Start-up visa and UK Start-up visa holders are not eligible for settlement. However, at the end of 2 years you will be able to apply for further leave to remain in the&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/personal-immigration/business-visas/innovator-visa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">Innovator category</a>&nbsp;in order to continue developing your business.&nbsp;The Innovator category can lead to settlement after a further 3 years.<ul><li><a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/conditions-of-stay-as-a-start-up-innovator/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">Conditions of stay as a Start-up / Innovator</a></li></ul><h2>What else do I need to know about the UK Start-up visa?</h2>As a UK Start-up visa holder you will not be required to spend any particular amount of time in the UK and you will be permitted to&nbsp;undertake employment other than working for the business or businesses that you have established.However, you will need to stay in contact with your endorsing body with checkpoints at 6 and 12 months.&nbsp;The endorsing body will need to be satisfied that you are continuing to work on your business venture and have demonstrated reasonable progress in relation to either your original or a new business idea.&nbsp;Your endorsement may be withdrawn and your leave curtailed if this is not the case.&nbsp;You will also need to abide by various other&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/conditions-of-stay-as-a-start-up-innovator/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">conditions of stay</a>.Your partner and any children under the age of 18 may accompany or join you as your dependant(s).

UK START-UP VISA

<h1>TIER 1 ENTREPRENEUR REFUSALS</h1> Have you received a Tier 1 Entrepreneur refusal decision? If your application to extend your stay or settle in the UK as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur has been refused, our specialists in Tier 1 Entrepreneur refusals can advise on the merits of making a fresh application or challenging the Tier 1 Entrepreneur refusal decision by way of Administrative Review or Judicial Review. <h2>Tier 1 Entrepreneur Refusal Grounds</h2> Tier 1 Entrepreneur extension and ILR applications can be refused for a variety of reasons.&nbsp;Amongst the most common reasons given by the Home Office for refusing a Tier 1 Entrepreneur extension or ILR application are:<ul><li>failure to provide specified evidence of investment;</li><li>failure to provide specified evidence of job creation;</li><li>failure to provide specified evidence to satisfy the maintenance requirement;</li><li>failure to satisfy the genuine entrepreneur test;</li></ul>Whilst early advice from an immigration lawyer can avoid a Tier 1 Entrepreneur refusal decision, legal advice following refusal of a Tier 1 Entrepreneur application can also lead to refusal decisions being overturned. <h2>Appeal against a decision to refuse a Tier 1 Entrepreneur extension or Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR application</h2> There is no right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) against a decision to refuse leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur.&nbsp;However, you may have grounds to ask the Home Office to review its refusal decision by way of an application for Administrative Review. If this is unsuccessful then you may have grounds to apply for Judicial Review of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur refusal decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;You may also be able to make a fresh application for a&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/personal-immigration/uk-entrepreneur-visa/tier-1-entrepreneur-visa-extension/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extension</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/personal-immigration/uk-entrepreneur-visa/tier-1-entrepreneur-visa-ilr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa ILR</a>.&nbsp;You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice. <h2>Administrative Review of Tier 1 Entrepreneur refusal</h2><a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/what-is-the-difference-between-administrative-review-and-judicial-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">Administrative Review</a>&nbsp;is an internal Home Office review process whereby a caseworker will review the refusal decision for caseworking errors.&nbsp;Caseworking errors might include a failure to apply the Immigration Rules correctly or a failure to apply published policy and guidance in relation to the Tier 1 Entrepreneur application.The Home Office will only consider evidence that was not before the original decision maker in very limited circumstances.An in-country application for Administrative Review must be submitted within 14 days of receiving the refusal decision (or 7 days if detained).&nbsp;An out-of-country application for Administrative Review must be made within 28 days of receiving the refusal decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;Advice from an immigration lawyer will ensure that any available grounds for Administrative Review are pleaded, as well as the correct timing of your Tier 1 Entrepreneur Administrative Review application.<h2>Judicial Review of Tier 1 Entrepreneur refusal</h2>Unlike Administrative Review, which reviews casework errors in general,&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/judicial-review-in-immigration-law-the-basics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">Judicial Review</a>&nbsp;enables a refusal decision to be challenged on the grounds of illegality, irrationality and procedural unfairness.&nbsp;A Judge will determine whether the way the refusal decision was made was procedurally and legally correct, not whether the conclusion was ‘right’ on the facts.In order to judicially review a Home Office refusal decision, an application for permission needs to be lodged with the relevant court promptly or, in any event, within three months of the date of the decision that is being challenged.Judicial Review of a Tier 1 Entrepreneur refusal decision can only be pursued once all other avenues of redress, including Administrative Review, have been exhausted and it can be a&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/immigration-judicial-review-the-process/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">lengthy and complex process</a>.<ul><li><a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/challenging-an-entrepreneur-refusal-on-the-basis-of-genuineness/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">Challenging an Entrepreneur refusal on the basis of genuineness</a></li><li><a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/tier-1-entrepreneur-specified-evidence-and-missing-documents/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">Tier 1 (Entrepreneur): Specified evidence and missing documents</a></li><li><a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/uk-entrepreneur-visa-success-stories/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">UK Entrepreneur Visa Success Stories</a></li><li> </li></ul><h2>Fresh applications for leave as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur</h2> Although the Tier 1 Entrepreneur category is now closed to most new applicants, you can make a fresh application to extend your stay or settle in the UK as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur if you currently have valid leave as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur or have held Tier 1 Entrepreneur leave in the last 12 months.Fresh applications for further leave to remain as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur can be made until 6 April 2023. Fresh applications for indefinite leave to remain as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur can be made until 6 April 2025.Applications can be made from within the UK or, if applying for an extension of stay, by way of an&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationbarrister.co.uk/extending-a-tier-1-investor-or-entrepreneur-visa-from-abroad/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">entry clearance application from overseas</a>. <h2>Tier 1 Entrepreneur refusal decisions:&nbsp;How our immigration barristers can help</h2> If your application for leave to remain or settlement as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur has been refused, our immigration barristers can advise on the merits of making a fresh application or challenging the decision.If the decision-maker failed to apply the Immigration Rules or Home Office policy correctly, our immigration lawyers can bring Administrative Review proceedings to challenge the decision.If the decision to refuse your application was unlawful, unreasonable or procedurally improper, our immigration barristers can apply for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.judiciary.uk/you-and-the-judiciary/judicial-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 159, 227); background-color: transparent;">Judicial Review</a>&nbsp;and provide representation at Judicial Review hearings. <h2>WE CAN ALSO ASSIST WITH</h2> <ul><li>Applications for Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extensions</li></ul> <ul><li>Applications for ILR (including accelerated routes) as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur</li></ul>