The Tier 1 – Investor visa program applies to businesspersons with high net worth. The UK Business Visa regulations permit Tier 1 – Investor visa holders to assign substantial financial investment in the UK.

The Tier 1 – Investor visa program is designed for entrepreneurs who seek investment opportunities in the UK. The investor must intend to invest a sizeable amount of their wealth in the United Kingdom. The investment must be productive, profitable to the UK economy, and facilitate the financial growth of the state.

Visa, under this program, is granted for a maximum period of three (3) years initially. It allows the applicant to conduct extensive market research to recognize the most profitable venture to invest in.

The Tier 1 – Investor visa may be extended and eventually lead to permanent residence and UK Nationality, given that all the relevant prerequisites are fulfilled.

To qualify for a Tier 1 – Investor visa, applicants must fulfil the following eligibility criteria, The applicant must have at least £1 million of disposable funds held in regulated financial institutions in the UK and personal assets worth, taking into account any liabilities, minimum £2 million. The applicants are also eligible if they can prove to possess at least £1 million worth of personal disposable funds held in regulated financial institutions. Visa holders are exempted from the English language proficiency and minimum available maintenance (funds) requirements.

Under this category, visa holders are permitted to work in the United Kingdom, however there is no stringent applicable regulation that they must work.

This visa entitles the Tier 1 – Investor Visa holders to conduct preparatory research and basic formalities for up to three (3) years, which can be extended leading to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Eligible dependants of the visa holder are permitted to be included. Upon obtaining the visa, the dependants may also work or study freely in Canada.

ILR entitles individuals to permanent residency. The individuals are also granted the permit for visa-free travel to and from the UK. ILR holders may also be eligible to sponsor their non-British relatives into the UK. This form of sponsorship, assuming that the applicant meets the remaining eligibility criteria, may lead to British citizenship.