No Tier 1 (General) immigration – now what?

The abolishment of the Tier 1 (General) route of the Points Based System has left many at a loss as how to legally gain entry to the UK. There are of course, other options available. Let’s look at the Tier 1 (Investor/Entrepreneur visa, the Tier 2 (General) visa, and spouse/civil partner/fiancé visas.

Option A: Tier 1 (Investor/Entrepreneur) Visa route

This route is highly favourable for those who can meet the requirements as it is a priority for the current Government to strengthen British investment. A result of this is that the rules for the Tier 1 Investor/Entrepreneur are far more relaxed than any other route of the Points Based system. The requirements include £200,000 in a bank account ready to invest in a business in the UK. It is possible to enter the UK with only £50,000 if this money is funded by a venture capitalist, a seed competition or a department of government.  A proficiency in English is necessary (IELTS, score of 6.5) as is proof of the availability of maintenance funds for the person and any dependents.

Investors will obviously need more money to qualify. They will need at least £2 million and will be able to settle and have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years. If an investor has £5 million then they may obtain the right to ILR after 3 years, and those with £10 million can get ILR after only two years.

Option B: Tier 2 (General) Visa route

This Tier 1 General option is for those who have been given a job offer in the UK to fill in a role that a UK citizen is unable to do. There have been recent changes to this category, such as a limit on how many people can enter the UK under this category (20,700 limit) if they have an annual salary of £150,000. There is no limit on those that earn more than £150,000. A job offer from an employer who will sponsor the applicant, is a pre-requisite.

Option C: Spouse/Civil Partner/Fiancé Visa

If the applicant is married, engaged or a civil partner to a British citizen, or someone settled in the UK or EEA national then they will be able to apply under a spouse visa. They will both need to be over 21, they must have met each other, and there must be plans to live together and settle in the UK as a couple. Additionally, applicants must show a certain level of English proficiency to be considered. The rules for this category are being tightened but if the rules are being met then this can be considered an alternative to Tier 1 (General).