Tier 1 (Investor)

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Purpose of the route

The Tier 1 (Investor) category was closed to initial applications, without warning, from 16.00 on 17 February 2022 through Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules CP 632. Those with existing leave in the route will still be able to extend their stay, including making an application for entry clearance outside the UK if they have held leave as a Tier 1 (Investor) migrant in the 12-month period preceding the date of application, and apply for settlement. Extension applications made inside or outside the UK must be submitted by 17 February 2026. Applications for settlement must be made before 17 February 2028. As this route was closed in part due to the concerns the route facilitated the transfer of illicitly obtained wealth, extension and settlement applications may face increasingly high levels of scrutiny. For further information, see: LNB News 17/02/2022 76. A review of the operation of the route between 30 June 2008 and 6 April 2015 was undertaken, and a written ministerial statement made by the then Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, on 12 January 2023.

The Tier 1 (Investor) route of the Points-Based

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Latest Immigration News

Migration Observatory reports on Ukrainian migration trends and integration in the UK

The Migration Observatory's latest briefing reveals significant developments in Ukrainian migration to the UK. As of 30 June 2024, approximately 217,000 Ukrainians were residing in the UK, with 210,000 having arrived under the Ukraine Family and Sponsorship Schemes by 16 July 2024. The influx peaked in May 2022 with 10,000 weekly arrivals, subsequently declining to under 1,000 per week after March 2023. Scotland, London, and the South-East collectively received the majority of Sponsorship Scheme arrivals. Notably, 70% of adult arrivals were women, and an April 2024 survey indicated that 68% of Ukrainians intend to remain in the UK long-term. The UK has accommodated 4% of Ukrainian refugees in Europe, totalling 242,000 individuals as of 13 June 2024, ranking fourth among European countries in terms of Ukrainian refugee reception.

Home Office announces eVisa transition plans and extended BRP acceptance for travel

In a written statement made by the Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra MP, the Home Office has  reiterated plans to facilitate the transition from physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to eVisas, and announced that carriers will be permitted to accept Biometric Residence Permits or EU Settlement Scheme Biometric Residence Cards expiring on or after 31 December 2024 as valid travel evidence until at least 31 March 2025. The statement notes the recent streamlining of the No Time Limit (NTL) application process for ‘legacy document’ (such as passports containing ink stamps or a vignette sticker) holders, and enhancing support services for vulnerable individuals. It  emphasises that over 3.1 million people have successfully transitioned to eVisas between March and November 2024, but notes that there remain some who have not, and also that some people have faced problems in the account creation process. Legacy document holders can continue using existing documents to prove rights where currently permitted, and individuals can access Right to Work and Rent services using expired BRPs if they maintain valid immigration status. The statement also states that ‘printed documents’ (written confirmation by email or letter that they have been granted permission) can also be used ‘when interacting with the Home Office should any subsequent issues be encountered with their eVisa’. These measures aim to ensure a smooth transition while addressing concerns raised by stakeholders and the public.

Significant practical concerns with the Ukraine Scheme changes

Immigration analysis: Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 334 was published on 26 November 2024, and included major changes to the Ukraine Scheme. The Rules for the new Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme are introduced and will come into force on 4 February 2025. The Ukraine Extension Scheme will close fully on the same date. Ukraine Scheme leave has been excluded from the ten-year long residence route from 18 December 2024. The details of the new Rules, as currently drafted, contain a number of concerns which may cause problems for Ukrainians living in the UK. This analysis looks in detail at the changes, and some of the key practical implications.

The3million calls for public inquiry as Government to postpone eVisa transition

The UK government is reported to have postponed the full transition to eVisas, acknowledging significant flaws in the digital-only system's implementation. This reported decision comes in response to mounting concerns about the system's ability to protect migrants' rights and prevent travel disruptions. the3million, an advocacy   organisation representing EU citizens in the UK, is calling for an urgent public inquiry into the matter. Key issues it seeks to raise include mixed-up online statuses, inaccurate expiry information, and potential travel chaos affecting millions. The organisation has highlighted critical areas requiring immediate attention, such as the reissuance of biometric residence cards, carriers' liability rules, and the interaction between eVisas and the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme. Following a recent meeting with Immigration Minister Seema Malhotra to discuss policy proposals, the3million emphasises the need for comprehensive reform to address the ongoing risks posed by the current eVisa system.

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