Immigration Solicitors

Government immigration advisers are suggesting that wealthy people should be encouraged to bid for Tier 1 visas if they want to live in the UK.

Already, rich individuals can settle in Britain under the current points-based immigration system, and the amount they are prepared to invest can speed up the process by between two and five years.

Currently, about 600 applications per year are being received, and there is no requirement for applicants to have a job in the UK or to speak English. However, the new proposals due for imminent release may involve auctioning off visas to the highest bidders.

Some immigration lawyers have criticised the suggestion that rich people could buy their way into Britain, saying this is tantamount to creating an “eBay culture.”

A limited percentage of Tier 1 or investor UK visas would be offered to overseas millionaires, allowing them and their families to live in Britain indefinitely. Alternatively, wealthy people who wished to endow a hospital or university would also qualify.

Tier 1 visa

In 2012 the Home Office revealed that investments in Britain were not benefitting from tier-one visa holders because many kept their funds in offshore accounts. Further, where investments have been made these were frequently made as loans to the visa-holders’ own businesses or put into government gilts and therefore not directly benefitting the economy in Britain. Previously the Home Office rejected the option to introduce an auction process and at that time the points system was introduced instead.

Current regulations

There are five categories of Tier 1 visa although currently only four of these are available, as the ‘General’ category is closed to new applicants. The Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors can provide expert advice for those seeking to extend existing general visas so they can remain to live and work in the UK.

An Exceptional Talent visa is made available to overseas personnel who are regarded as outstanding in terms of their field of expertise. Their application must be endorsed by one of four institutions in the UK, depending on their discipline. These are:

• Arts Council England
• The British Academy
• The Royal Academy of Engineering
• The Royal Society

An Entrepreneur visa is designed to allow foreign nationals to become involved in UK business activity. Specific market research and business documentation is required for this type of visa, which specialists at Duncan Lewis can help applicants to prepare. Funds at a predetermined level are required as is the ability to speak English.

An Investor visa may be granted when proof of investment at a minimum level of £1,000,000 can be produced, that is not leveraged and that can be maintained. It is not necessary to meet an English language requirement, however, applicants are expected to have access to a translator.

Finally, a limited number of Graduate Entrepreneur visas are issued by the UK Border Agency every year to graduates who want to remain in the UK after completing their studies. A UK higher education institution must endorse these applications.

As well as Tier 1, there are four other tiers for visas and the experts at Duncan Lewis can navigate this complex area and help with applications at any level.