Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa UK Solicitors
Explore alternative routes now that the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Extension route is closed.
- £180 Consultation (+20% VAT)
- Fixed Fees- No Hidden Costs
- High Success Rate – Proven Track Record
- Legal 500 Top Tier Firm
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Why was the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension UK Closed?
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur roue was closed to new applicants in March 2019. This route was originally designed to attract non-EEA nationals who could invest in or start a business in the UK, creating jobs and contributing economically. However, over time, the government raised concerns about misuse of the route, as some applicants were found to have set up business without genuine growth prospects or had used it primarily as a way towards settlement.
There were also reports of minimal job creation in some cases. To protect the integrity of the immigration system and focus on genuine entrepreneurial talent, the Home Office decided to close the Tier 1 Entrepreneurial route to new applications and replace it with more structured alternatives.
The new visa routes, like the Innovator Founder and Start-up visas, place a stronger emphasis on business innovation, scalability, and endorsement from approved bodies, rather than just financial investment.
Closing the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa was also part of the UK’s broader immigration reform, aiming to reduce abuse, streamline processes, and ensure that visas deliver real economic benefit. Existing Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa holders, however, could continue under previous rules, until their route was formally phased out.
Graduate Entrepreneurs face a slightly different timeline of deadlines for extending and applying. At the time of publishing, those who are due to apply for Indefinite leave to remain under the graduate entrepreneur route will be the last applicants under this route, before it is permanently closed.
Who is eligible to apply for a Tier 1 Investor Visa Extension Visa UK?
Eligibility for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa extension is limited to those who already hold this visa and want to continue operating their business in the UK. To extend, applicants must demonstrate that they are actively managing a genuine business that continues to meet the Home Office criteria, including investment thresholds, trading activity, and job creation.
Specifically, applicants were required to show they had invested at least £200,000 (£50,000 in certain circumstances) into a qualifying business and that the business is viable, trading, and generating economic contribution. The extension period typically allowed up to three years of further stay, enabling applicants to work toward settlement.
Applicants must have gained evidence of financial records, tax returns, proof of business operations and documentation of jobs created. Applicants must also prove that they have maintained good immigration status and can maintain themselves financially in the UK.
Endorsement from the applicant’s original endorsing body may also be necessary.
If the original business is no longer active or fails to meet the requirements, extensions are unlikely to be granted.
Why Choose OTB Legal as your Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa UK Solicitors?
At OTB Legal, we’re proud to be recognised among the UK’s top immigration law firms, a distinction that reflects our deep expertise and proven success in UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension and alternative visas.
- Award-Winning Service: With multiple awards recognising our dedication and results, we are committed to providing the best UK Immigration support.
- Leading Expertise: Named a Leading Firm by Chambers and Partners 2024, and ranked as a Top-Tier Firm in the Legal 500 2025, our solicitors are trusted industry leaders in UK immigration law.
- Specialist Focus: We specialise in business and family immigration, giving you expert guidance tailored specifically to your unique situation.
- Client Satisfaction: Our clients consistently praise our clear communication, personalised approach, and excellent value for money, as seen in top ratings on Review Solicitors.
What should I do if my Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension UK is Expiring?
If your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa is approaching expiry, it is critical to act early to maintain lawful status in the UK.
The first step is to assess whether you are eligible to apply for an extension. You need to demonstrate that your business has continue to meet the visa requirements, including investment levels, active trading, and job creation.
Extensions were typically granted for a further three years, to allow entrepreneurs time to grow their business and work towards settlement.
If your business no longer meets the criteria, or if you are switching to a newer visa type such as the innovator founder visa, you must explore alternative options well before the expiry date.
Applying late or overstaying can lead to serious immigration consequences, such as immigration bans or ineligibility for future UK visas.
Preparing documentation, such as financial records, business plans, tax filings, and evidence of job creations is essential.
Consulting a specialist immigration lawyer is highly recommended to navigate complex requirements and deadlines. Early planning ensures continuity of your UK status and can help you identify the best route to remain in the UK legally, either through extension or by transitioning to another visa option.
Is there a pathway to ILR or Citizenship from the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa UK?
Yes, the tier 1 entrepreneur visa offered a clear pathway to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK, provided applicants met certain conditions.
Typically, entrepreneurs could apply for ILR after three years if they met higher investment and job creation requirements, or after five years under the standard criteria. Applicants were expected to demonstrate that they invested the required funds, ran a genuine business, and created a minimum number of full-time jobs for settled workers. Evidence of business activity, financial statements, and compliance with the UK law were critical.
Once ILR was granted, visa holders could remain in the UK without tie restrictions. After holding ILR for at least 12 months, and meeting residency and good character requirements, applicants could then apply for British citizenship. These pathways were designed to reward genuine economic contribution.
For current tier 1 entrepreneur visa holders, ILR remained attainable if all criteria was met. For new applicants, the closed tier 1 entrepreneur route has been replaced by visa routes such as the innovator founder route, which also offers a route to settlement after 3 years if endorsed business milestones are achieved.
When should I seek help from a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa UK Solicitor?
Seeking a specialist immigration lawyer is strongly advised at several points during a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa journey. First, if you are planning to extend your visa, a lawyer can help ensure that your business evidence, investment records, and job creation proof meet Home Office standards. Second, if your visa is nearing expiry, a lawyer can guide you on potential alternative routes, such as the Innovator Founder visa or start-up visa, to avoid unlawful stay. Third, if you plan to apply for ILR or citizenship, legal advice is crucial to navigate complex settlement requirements and ensure all documentation is correctly prepped.
Lawyers are also essential if your extension or settlement application is at risk of refusal or if you need to appeal a decision. Even for those managing well-documented businesses, the tier 1 Entrepreneur visa route had strict criteria, and minor mistakes in evidence submission could cause delays or refusals. Consulting a specialist lawyer mitigates risk, ensures compliance with current immigration regulation, and provides tailored guidance on long-term planning in the UK.
Looking to make a Tier 1 Investor Visa Extension UK alternative application?
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Is there a direct replacement for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa UK?
Whilst there isn’t a direct replacement for the tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, the innovator founder route is considered the closest equivalent. This new route focuses on attracting genuine entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas rather than purely investment capital.
Like the tier 1 entrepreneur route, applicants must be endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body, but the emphasis here lies on innovation, viability and scalability, rather than meeting strict investment thresholds.
For early-stage entrepreneurs, the start-up visa is also available, though it is temporary and does not directly lead to settlement.
Both of these routes were introduced to prevent misuse seen under the tier 1 entrepreneur visa, while maintaining the UK’s commitment to attracting talented business founders.
While there is no identical replacement, the innovator founder visa allows entrepreneurs to establish and scale businesses in the UK with a path to ILR and, eventually, citizenship if business milestones are met. These newer routes are designed to focus on genuine entrepreneurial activity rather than solely on financial investment.
What are the best UK Visa options for Entrepreneurs now?
For aspiring entrepreneurs in the UK, the current best visa options depend on experience, business stage, and funding.
The innovator founder visa is ideal for experienced entrepreneurs who have an established business idea and are endorsed by an approved body. This visa allows long-term residence in the UK and a pathway to ILR after three years if business goals are met.
For newer entrepreneurs without significant capital, the start-up visa is suitable, providing a two-year stay to develop a business and transition to the innovator founder route if successful.
Another option is the global talent visa. Which targets exceptional innovators in science, technology, and creative sectors but requires recognition by a designated UK body.
Selecting the right route depends on business maturity, funding, and long-term settlement plans. Consulting a specialist immigration lawyer is recommended to choose the most suitable path, prepare endorsement applications, and ensure compliance with UK business and immigration requirements.
For most entrepreneurs previously considering Tier 1 entrepreneur, the innovator founder visa now provides the closest equivalent, balancing innovation focus with long-term residency opportunities.
How we work – including our transparent pricing
We find that our 3 stage system of working with clients gives everyone the greatest clarity on what can be achieved, how it will happen and how much it will cost. You can learn more about our 3 stage system here. See the pricing for our Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa UK closest equivalent, the Innovator Founder Visa service below:
Assess
Free Consultation
The Assessment Stage helps us identify the right application for you. You’ll speak with a lawyer in a free 30 minute initial consultation. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan outlining your options, costs, and the likelihood of a successful outcome. There is no obligation to take on our paid services after.
Advice
£1,700 (plus 20% VAT where applicable)
For a fixed fee, you receive specialist legal advice, clear written guidance, and a tailored document list, giving you a strong strategy for success. After the Advice Stage, you can submit the application yourself or ask us to handle it. You stay fully in control throughout.
Application
Endorsement Application Stage £700 (+20% VAT) Visa Application Stage £600 (+20% VAT) plus £600 per dependant (+20% VAT)
A full review of your documents, help completing the online form, preparation of a tailored evidence bundle, and a detailed legal cover letter. We represent you through to the final decision and advise on any next steps.
Book now and receive:
- Personalised Case Appointment: Speak to a member of our team to gain confirmation on if we can assist with your specific legal needs in a free consultation.
- Specialist Appointment Booking: Get matched with a lawyer with specialist expertise as soon as possible.
- Exceptional Client Care: Work with experienced legal professionals delivering a clear plan of action and outstanding support every step of the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You may be able to switch to a family‑based visa if your circumstances meet the eligibility criteria for one of the UK’s family routes. There are several categories that could apply depending on your situation, including partner visas, parent visas, adult or child dependent visas, Indefinite Leave to Remain through family routes, visit visas, and other family‑related options. Each category has its own requirements, evidence standards, and long‑term implications, so understanding which one fits your circumstances is important.
To find out whether you meet the criteria for any of these routes, you can book an appointment with a specialist immigration solicitor who can review your situation in detail and talk you through the options available to you. This helps ensure you’re choosing the most suitable and realistic route based on your personal circumstances.
Now that the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa extension route has closed, it can be difficult to understand which UK immigration options remain available to you. The most suitable visa will depend on your personal circumstances, future plans, and the evidence you can provide. To help you navigate the available routes, you can speak with a qualified solicitor with strong expertise in UK immigration law, who will review your situation in detail and explain the options open to you.
A consultation costs £180 + £20 VAT, lasts around 30 minutes, and can take place over telephone or Zoom at a time that suits you. By the end of the session, you’ll receive a clear plan outlining your potential routes, the likely costs, and the prospects of a successful outcome. There is no obligation to instruct us for further work after the consultation.
There are several business related UK immigration routes that may be suitable depending on your background, plans, and the type of activity you want to carry out in the UK. Options include the Skilled Worker visa, the Global Talent visa, the Innovator Founder visa, and a number of other specialist categories that may apply depending on your circumstances. Because each route has different requirements and long‑term implications, we recommend discussing your situation with a solicitor who can assess your circumstances in detail and explain which business immigration options are genuinely suitable for you.
Our Expert Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension UK Solicitors:
Join countless satisfied clients and work with our expert Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa UK Solicitors today:
Guillermo
My whole Tier 1 Visa transition to ILR was swift thanks to Sally’s help, which included for instance calls on Saturday at 7am for urgent appointments and other amazing gestures that went well beyond what one would expect – there was always the intention to go the extra mile and provide the best possible help. Thank you!
Tincore
I was so lucky that I could get my Entrepreneur visa extension with big help, supports and efforts of Sally ! I greatly recommend OTB Legal.
Yulia
I am extremely happy with the legal service provided by OTB Legal and Ms Sally McEwen in particular. She is attentive , professional, friendly and more. I would highly recommend Ms Sally Mc Ewen to anyone looking for immigration advice and support.
Blessing
I had a consultation with Ana regarding my immigration matter and found her to be professional, clear, and knowledgeable. She took the time to explain my options, the risks involved, and the next steps in a calm and straightforward way during a very stressful period. I appreciated her honesty and guidance and would recommend her to anyone seeking clear immigration advice.
Contact Us
Not quite ready to book an appointment yet or unsure if it’s the right step for you? No worries! We understand that making decisions regarding legal matters can be daunting.
Reach out to our Client Engagement Lead, Konrad, who will be more than happy to assist you and guide you in the right direction.
Your peace of mind matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact Konrad today for personalised guidance and assistance.
Find out more about a Tier 1 Investor Visa Extension UK with the following useful links:
Innovator Founder Route
The Innovator Founder Route The innovator founder route was launched on the 13th April 2023, merging and replacing the innovator and start-up routes. In some respects this is a little misleading. This is not a fundamentally new visa in the way that we normally think of new routes. It is better to think of this as…
The Best Immigration Law Firm in the UK for Your Case
Why OTB Legal Is The Best Immigration Law Firm in the UK for Your Case? Choosing the right immigration law firm can shape the outcome of your entire future , your family life, your career, your stability, and your long‑term plans in the UK. With complex Home Office rules and ever‑changing requirements, having a specialist…
