Extend your visa
To extend your Tier 1 (Investor) visa, you have the possibility of extending it for an additional 2 years. It’s important to note that your family members, known as ‘dependants,’ must apply separately to extend their visas. They can choose to apply at the same time as you or before their current visa expires. It is advisable to submit your application before the expiration of your current visa, and it is recommended to review the comprehensive guidance provided for the Tier 1 (Investor) visa before initiating the application process.
The eligibility criteria for the investment requirements vary depending on when you initially applied for your visa. If you successfully applied prior to 6 November 2014, you can apply for an extension if you meet the following conditions: you have invested a minimum of £2 million in UK government bonds, share capital, or loan capital in active UK companies since 6 April 2020, you had at least £1 million under your control in the UK before 6 April 2020, and you invested £750,000 in UK government bonds, share capital, or loan capital in active UK companies within 3 months of your ‘investor start date.’
If your successful application falls on or after 6 November 2014, you can apply for an extension if the following requirements are met: you have a minimum of £2 million under your control in the UK, you have invested these funds in share capital or loan capital in active UK companies, and you made this investment within 3 months of your ‘investor start date.’
For those who successfully applied before 29 March 2019, there is an additional option to extend the visa if the funds were invested in UK government bonds.
Investor start date
To determine your ‘investor start date,’ there are two possibilities depending on the available proof. If you have evidence of your entry into the UK, then your ‘investor start date’ will be that specific date. However, if you cannot provide proof of your entry, your ‘investor start date’ will be the date when your original visa application or switch from a different visa category was approved.
Documents
When applying to extend your Tier 1 (Investor) visa, several documents must be provided. These include a valid passport or other travel identification, tuberculosis test results if applicable based on your country’s requirements, a criminal record certificate from any country where you resided for a cumulative period of 12 months or more within the past 10 years, and investment portfolio reports issued by a UK regulated financial institution. These portfolio reports should demonstrate that you have met the investment eligibility requirements and maintained your investments for the entire duration of your visa.
It is essential to have a blank page in your passport available for the visa, and if any of your documents are not in English or Welsh, you must provide certified translations for those documents.
Fees
For each person, you’ll need to pay:
- £1,638 to extend this visa
- the healthcare surcharge – check how much you’ll have to pay
If you want to get a decision more quickly than the standard 8 weeks, you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.
Providing biometric information and supporting documents
When applying for your visa, you will be required to provide your biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo. This can be done by scheduling an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point. Additionally, you must submit your supporting documents, which can be uploaded through the online service or scanned during your UKVCAS appointment.
During the application process, it is important that you do not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until a decision has been made. If you do so, your application will be withdrawn.
Process time
The timeframe for a decision on your application depends on the service you choose. With the standard service, a decision is typically made within 8 weeks from the date of your application. If you opt for the priority service, you can expect a decision within 5 working days of your UKVCAS appointment. Once you receive your decision letter, it may take up to 10 working days for your biometric residence permit to be delivered.
In some cases, if your application is complex, you may be contacted as it may require additional time for processing. This could be due to the need to verify supporting documents, attend an interview, or consider personal circumstances such as a criminal conviction.
It is important to note that while awaiting a decision on your application, you are allowed to remain in the UK as long as you applied before the expiry of your previous visa.