#ILR application process 2023

[uk-visa-updates]

Bringing Hearts Together: All About the UK Spouse Visa

Table of contents:

What is a UK Spouse visa?

Is it easy to bring your spouse to the UK?

UK Spouse Visa Requirements

UK Spouse Visa Fee / Cost

Processing time for a UK Spouse Visa

Ways to speed up your UK spouse visa application

The success rate of spouse visa UK

Why would a UK spouse visa be refused?

How do I appeal a spouse visa refusal in the UK?

Read the detailed updated Guide on UK Spouse Visa

What is a UK Spouse visa?

A UK Spouse Visa, also known as a UK Marriage Visa, allows non-UK nationals to join their partner in the UK.

Know More: What is a UK Spouse Visa explained by The SmartMove2UK

Is it easy to bring your spouse to the UK?

According to the Home Office, 1 in 4 UK Spouse Visa applications are refused. However, there are other ways to bring your spouse to the UK:

·        UK Dependent visa

If you have a valid UK visa, you can bring your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner to join you in the UK.

·        Fiancé Visa

Your partner can enter the UK for up to 6 months and marry or register a civil partnership.

Interested Reading: Why settle for long-distance when you can bring your partner to the UK?

UK Spouse visa requirements

To qualify for a UK Spouse visa, you must meet the following requirements:

·        Age: You and your spouse must be at least 18 years old.

·        Relationship: You must have met each other and be legally married.

·        Income: Your UK sponsor must earn over £18,600 a year. You can use savings of over £16,000 towards proving the minimum income requirement. If you have savings of £62,500, you don't need to show evidence of minimum income.

·        Housing: You must have adequate housing provisions.

·        Money: You must have enough money to support yourselves (and any dependents) without claiming public funds.

·        English language: You need a valid UKVI IELTS score or a certificate of equivalency (ENIC).

The Specifics Explained: Qualify for a UK Spouse visa

Other requirements include: 

Provide extensive documents which show your relationship is genuine and subsisting.

Intention to live together permanently.

UK Spouse Visa Fee / Cost

In 2023, the application fee for a UK spouse visa is £1,048 if the application is submitted within the country, and £1,538 if it is submitted outside of it. 

The annual Immigration Healthcare Surcharge of £624 and the £19.20 biometric fee are additional expenses. 

Should you wish to get a decision by the end of the following working day, the super-priority service charge is £1,000.

Trending & Useful Guide: UK Spouse Visa Cost 2023

The standard processing time for a UK spouse visa is: 

Inside the UK: 6-8 weeks

Outside the UK: 3 months

However, processing times can vary depending on: 

The country where the application is submitted from

The documents provided

How you can satisfy the requirements

Processing times have recently been affected by COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. For example, partner visa applications from outside the UK are currently taking up to 24 weeks to process. 

You can speed up the processing time by opting for the 'Priority Service'. The fee for priority processing service is £573 in addition to the visa application fee. 

UK Spouse visa processing time explained by The SmartMove2UK

Here are some ways to speed up your UK spouse visa application: 

·        Priority service

Pay £573 to get your visa processed within five working days. 

If you're applying from outside the UK, it can take up to 30 days. 

·        Super priority service

Pay £1,000 to get a decision within 24 hours. 

 There is a limit on how many people can use this service. 

·        Submit more supporting documentation

For example, you can submit proof of your partner's ILR or British Citizenship. 

·        Contact your MP

They can find out more about the delay and might be able to help speed up your application. 

·        Contact the Home Office

If there are compelling or compassionate circumstances, you can request that your application be treated as a priority. However, there are no guarantees that the Home Office will do so. 

What is the success rate of a spouse visa UK?

The UK spouse visa success rate for the year ending March 2021 was 86.88%. The refusal rate was 12.69%. 

The success rate for UK spouse visas in 2019 was 79.78%. The refusal rate was 19.66%. 

The Home Office doesn't publish UK spouse visa appeal success rates. 

However, general estimates indicate a success rate of around 35-50%. 

Why would a UK spouse visa be refused?

A UK spouse visa can be refused for several reasons, including: 

Financial requirements: Not meeting the minimum income requirements of £18,600 per year or savings of £62,500

Relationship evidence: Not providing enough evidence to prove the genuineness of your relationship

English language requirements: Not meeting the English language requirement

Application errors: Making a mistake on the application form or using the wrong form

Immigration status: Issues with the UK sponsor's immigration status

Convictions: Not disclosing past convictions

Appealing the decision: Appealing the decision

Home Office: 1 in 5 UK Spouse Visa Applications Refused Every Year

Other reasons for refusal include: 

Incorrect organization of documents

Applying for the wrong type of visa

Ineligibility for the visa

Not providing enough documents or evidence to prove you meet the requirements

Immigration officials believe your marriage is not genuine or subsisting

The notice of refusal will specify the reason for rejection. 

Top 3: UK Spouse Visa Refusal Reasons and how to avoid them

How do I appeal a spouse visa refusal in the UK?

To appeal a UK spouse visa refusal, you can: 

Complete an appeal form

Submit the appeal form within 14 or 28 days of receiving your decision letter

If your appeal is refused, you can challenge the decision by the way of Judicial Review (JR)

You can only appeal to the tribunal if you have the legal right to appeal. Your decision letter will usually tell you if you can apply for an administrative review and if you do not have the right to appeal. 

The appeal process may take between 6 and 12 months.

Guide: What to do next if your UK Spouse visa is refused?

Read the detailed updated Guide on UK Spouse Visa

If you would like to confirm your eligibility for a UK spouse Visa or have had a UK Spouse Visa refused, you can read detailed information here regarding the same or contact our UK Spouse visa Specialist.

[zrvisas]

🇬🇧 British Nationality Application. 100% success rate since 2006 for British Nationality Applications, UK Fiance Visa Applications, Spouse Visa Switching and Visa Extension Applications, Indefinite Leave to Remain ILR applications.

Another Success Story 👏. 24 July 2023. Naturalisation Application to become a British Citizen https://zrvisas.com/naturalisation-application

Success Stories

https://zrvisas.com/our-success-rate

https://zrvisas.com/10-reasons-to-apply-for-british-citizenship-immediately-after-ilr

10 Good Reasons to Avoid Delay in making of British Citizenship Application after grant of ILR in the UK. Certainly! British Citizenship offers several compelling benefits that might sway your decision after obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Let us highlight some of the advantages:

Immigration rules are no one’s friends: With the changing nature of border controls, the immigration rules can change at any time which may make you ineligible to become a British citizen in the future. Therefore, the earlier you acquire British Citizenship, the better it is for you to have a piece of mind for the rest of your life so far as UK immigration laws are concerned.

Pass on British Citizenship to generations: As a British nationality holder, you can pass on British Citizenship to your children.

Avoid Higher Nationality Application Fees in the future: By applying for the British citizenship, you are shielding yourself from higher Home Office fees for Nationality applications. In addition, avoiding higher fees for immigration solicitors which are surely to rise with the rest of cost of services.

Hassle Free from Renewing BRP Card for ILR: Making an application to renew BRP card will save hassle, time and money for renewing BRP card for your ILR stauts ever. Such applications can take up to 6 months.

Piece of mind- No further UK Immigration Applications ever : Becoming a British Citizen is a last step in your long journey of multiple immigration applications. On becoming British, you will never have to make another UK immigration application.

Passport Power: A British passport is highly regarded globally. It grants you access to consular assistance and protection when abroad.

Voting Rights: As a British citizen, you gain the right to vote in all UK elections. Your voice matters, and participating in the democratic process becomes a privilege.

Access to Government Jobs: British citizenship opens doors to certain government jobs that are exclusively available to citizens. It broadens your career prospects and opportunities.

Travel with Ease: With a British passport, you can travel freely to many countries without the need for visas. It simplifies international travel and provides a sense of security.

Deeper Integration: British Citizenship represents a deeper integration into British society beyond mere residence. It signifies your commitment to the country and its values.

https://zrvisas.com/our-success-rate. ZR Visas is a Top Rated 5 🌟 UK Registered Visa Services Firm, 100% Success Rate in many UK Visas since 2006, 5 🌟 700+ Google & Trustpilot Reviews, 17 Years Experience, UK OISC, 🇬🇧 Registered Visa Firm Reg. F201100207, Clients in 60+ Countries, ⭐️ One Fixed Competitive Fee- No hidden cost. Advice in 5 languages including English,اردو, پنجابی & हिन्दी. 100% Success Rate since 2006 for UK Fiance Visa Applications, Spouse Visa Extension and Switching Visa Applications, British Nationality, ILR, Fee Waiver Applications, Partner and Parent Route (further leave to remain, extend visa in 5 years, 10 years partner visa route), Dependent Children Application to join parent, Sponsor Licence Applications, Applications for Certificate of Sponsorships (Cos), 7 Years Child Residence route, EUSS, Skilled Worker and Dependents Visa Applications. Expert advice for Corporate Immigration Advice Services to UK companies to sponsor migrant workers. Whichever part of the UK & world you live, we can provide visa services.

Success Rate- Visa Approvals from 60+ Countries

https://zrvisas.com/our-success-rate

Customer Reviews

https://zrvisas.com/reviews

Fixed Fees

https://zrvisas.com/fees

Verify Our Registration on Gov.uk

https://zrvisas.com/verify-us-on-gov-uk

Maintaining our 100% success rate for ILR, Fiance Visa, UK spouse visa extension and Switching applications and a lot more, since 2006. Apply for ILR as a partner of a British Citizen https://zrvisas.com/indefinite-leave-to-remain-ilr

Besides meeting the other requirements for ILR application such as relationship requirement & evidence of living together, meeting financial and income Requirements under partner route, the applicants also need to meet the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK KOLL. This includes passing the Life in the UK Test and an approved English Language test at CEFR Level B1, B2, C1, C2.

After obtaining ILR, partners of British Citizens can apply for British Nationality without having to wait for 12 months. For all other immigration categories, 12 months waiting period apply after getting Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.

We look forward to working together with you soon.

Feel free to contact us, should you need any further assistance. WhatsApp is a TEXT only service.

ZR Visas, UK

OISC Registration No. F201100207

📞 +44 1782 977899

WhatsApp Text Only Service +447944132344

📧 info@zrvisas.com

🌎 https://zrvisas.com/

#zrvisas

#fiancevisa

#partnervisa

[healthcaremarketforecasters]

Medical Electronics Market is estimated to Grow at the Highest Growth Rate till 2023

April 22, 2020: Medical electronics is a branch of electronics that deals with design, implementation and use of electrical devices and equipment for medical purposes such as research, examination, diagnosis, treatment, assistance and care. in the context of China-US trade war and global economic volatility and uncertainty, it will have a big influence on this market. Medical Electronics Report by Material, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2023 is a professional and comprehensive research report on the world's major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and China).

in this report, the global Medical Electronics market is valued at USD XX million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% during the period 2019 to 2023.

Download sample Copy of This Report at: https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-medical-electronics-market-research-report-2019-2023/request-sample

The report firstly introduced the Medical Electronics basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. in the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.

The major players profiled in this report include:

Analog Devices, inc.

Texas instruments

Philips

Siemens

View Full Report with TOC @ https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-medical-electronics-market-research-report-2019-2023

The end users/applications and product categories analysis:

On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume, revenue (Million USD), product price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into-

implantable Cardioverter- Defibrillators (iCDs)

implantable Loop Recorders (iLRs)

Spinal Cord Stimulators

On the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Medical Electronics for each application, including-

Diagnosis

Monitoring

Treatment

About Radiant Insights

Radiant Insights is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. We assist and facilitate organizations and individuals procure market research reports, helping them in the decision making process. We have a comprehensive collection of reports, covering over 40 key industries and a host of micro markets. In addition to over extensive database of reports, our experienced research coordinators also offer a host of ancillary services such as, research partnerships/ tie-ups and customized research solutions.

For More Information, Visit Radiant Insights

Contact: Michelle Thoras Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Radiant Insights, Inc Phone: 1-415-349-0054 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: sales@radiantinsights.com Blog URL: http://electronicsmarketweb.wordpress.com

[nathanielburgos]

Tier 1 Entrepreneur: Coronavirus Guidance

As a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa holder, you may be concerned about your ability to comply with your visa conditions and to meet future extension eligibility requirements because of the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on your business.

The Home Office has provided specific guidance for Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa holders whose businesses have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis. While welcomed and much-needed, the guidance is not, however, clear in all parts. We have sought further clarification from the Home Office and will continue to update as new advice emerges.

Below we summarise the latest government guidance in this area and provide additional insight for Tier 1 entrepreneurs dealing with the current crisis.

  Meeting the 12-month employment requirement

The Home Office has stated that you no longer need to employ at least 2 people for 12 consecutive months each, and that the 12 month period you are required to employ someone for can be made up of multiple employees across different months.

Since the current job creation rules already allow applicants to rely on non-consecutive periods of employment and multiple employees working in the same job. This may well be an unfortunate case of poor drafting – perhaps the intention was to allow applicants to combine time worked by different employees in different jobs – which is not currently permitted. We are awaiting Home Office clarification and will update when informed.

Where you are not able to employ staff for a total of 12 months by your visa expiry, you will be allowed to extend your stay on a temporary basis to allow you the time to meet the requirement.

This is a welcome development, but we look forward to further details about how this temporary extension will operate in process. Will all other extension requirements need to be satisfied?

Subsequent to the closure of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur scheme in 2019, the Home Office has put in place hard deadlines by which any application for an extension or ILR must be made; in most cases April 2023 for the former, April 2025 for the latter. Will these deadlines be extended where an applicant’s progress has been delayed by COVID-19?

There is also the issue of cost – presumably this will require the applicant to incur a further set of application fees (which are not insubstantial). Will there be any fee concessions to account for this?

  Furlough impact on employment period

Time spent by your employees on furlough will not count towards the 12-month period. This clarity is welcome, albeit not surprising given the extension concession above.

It is also helpful to have confirmation, by inference, that there is no prohibition on businesses owned/operated by a Tier 1 entrepreneur from making use of the job retention scheme.

  Additional practical issues affecting Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa holders

In addition to the Home Office guidance, some of the issues we have been helping our Tier 1 Entrepreneur clients with include:

  Investment funds

When applying for an extension of leave, Tier 1 Entrepreneurs must show that the required investment has been made in full and subsequently deployed by the business.

It does not appear that the Home Office will allow for a temporary extension of leave where COVID-19 related business disruption has prevented the applicant from investing and deploying the required before the expiry of their leave.

Applicants will want to ensure that where funds have not yet been invested in their business(es), that these funds continue to be available to them throughout this period, that they are aware of the investment timelines and that they take steps to ensure that the investment is made in full before applying for an extension of leave.

  Genuineness requirement

With any extension or ILR application, entrepreneurs must provide a summary of the steps the applicant has taken to implement their business plan. Where there has been disruption to any plans due to COVID-19, the applicant may be advised to provide an explanation and evidence of this.

  Residence requirement

To qualify for ILR, applicants and, in some cases, their dependant partners, must demonstrate that they have not been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any consecutive 12 month period. The Immigration Rules already permit caseworkers to exercise discretion and disregard excessive absences due to certain unexpected circumstances beyond the applicant’s control. At the moment, the Rules list conflict, natural disasters, serious illness of the applicant or a close relative as examples.

To date the Home Office has not updated the Rules to include absences due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions. We would hope that the Home Office will take a reasonable approach and read COVID-19 related absences into this rule, but any clarification on this point would be welcome. In the meantime, we would advise any Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa holders who are currently overseas and unable to return to the UK to retain evidence of their circumstance which can be presented with a future ILR application.

  Need assistance?

If you have any concerns about disruption to your business due to the crisis, and the effects this will have on your visa, our specialist Tier 1 immigration lawyers are on hand to answer your questions.

Tier 1 Entrepreneur: Coronavirus Guidance published first on https://ordergcmsnotescanada.tumblr.com/

[smartaanchal]

With our UK immigration assistance, you may successfully navigate the process of obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. Know what is required for a successful ILR application, including the steps, documents, and requirements. Explore the possibilities for settlement and secure your status. Call our UK Visa Expert at +44 330 330 1584 to know more details!

[uk-visa-updates]

10 Most Common UK Visa Rejection Reasons in 2023

The UK is a hub for migration in today’s world. But the only concern in migrating to the UK is a UK visa rejection. Therefore, many people apply for UK visas through a UK Visa Expert. UK Visas have various categories, such as, Work, Business Visas, Family Migration, Student visas, and other categories of visas.

In the year ending March 2022, about 1.62 million visas and permits were issued, which is over 2.5 times higher (+145%) than the year ending March 2021.

However, if your UK Visa application is not accurate, you will get a refusal. Our UK Visa Experts in India – Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru have received many queries regarding the UK Visa rejection reasons.

Here are the TOP 10 UK Visa Rejection Reasons in 2023!

1. UK Visa rejection reasons due to mistakes in the application form

A single mistake in the application form can be the grounds for a UK visa refusal. Always fill in the form correctly and double-check all the information mentioned. Make sure you are consistent when providing information in your personal statements.

2. UK Visa Rejected Due to Bank Statement – particularly for the UK Visitor Visa

When applying for a UK Visit Visa, the applicants submit their bank account statements as proof of their financial strength. Many times, these bank statements reflect huge deposits.  Applicants usually fail to explain the source of these deposits in their cover letter and often this either affects the UK Tourist Visa processing time or the UK Visa is refused.

3. UK Visa rejection reasons due to the wrong visa category

Many times, people often select the wrong visa category and later get refused due to the same. For instance, some people select UK Fiancé Visa as their category instead of a UK Spouse Visa.  Some of the major UK Skilled Worker Visa rejection reasons are that applicants did not know the requirements completely and ended up applying in the wrong category.

 

4. UK Visa rejection reasons due to documents not submitted

Another UK tier 4 visa rejection reason is that people often fail to submit their supporting documents. Some fail to submit bank statements, some fail to submit their relationship documents, etc. So, at the time of your application pay utmost attention to what documents you are including and what documents you are submitting.

 

5. UK Visa rejection reasons due to non-disclosure of previous immigration history

Often applicants have had previous immigration or legal issues that they decide not to disclose, such as bans or certain criminal convictions already spent — especially if a long time has passed. But the Home Office misses nothing and questions everything. Worse still, if they believe an applicant has attempted to mislead or misrepresent themselves intentionally (deception), especially for a settlement application, considering the ILR refusal rate, it can get problematic.

 

6. UK Visa rejection reasons due to failure to meet financial requirements

Another common reason for UK Visa Refusal is failure to meet the financial requirements. Every visa application under the points-based system has a certain financial requirement to be met by applicants to be eligible for their application.

7. UK Visa rejection reasons due to documents not being in proper format

Many applicants are unaware that the Home Office expects to receive your documents in a certain order and format. A very common reason for a UK Visa Rejection is not submitting this paperwork in the right format and order. For example – the documents submitted should not be laminated or torn, etc.

 

8. UK Visa rejection reasons due to the incorrect documents provided

You must provide all the documents required for your application. Every visa application requires supporting documents to prove you can meet the requirements. Hence, it is important to ensure that you have added documents specific to your facts and not rely on hearsay or what somebody else may have added in their respective application to get a favourable outcome.

 

9. UK Visa rejection reasons due to insufficient evidence of relationship

If you are trying to apply for a Spouse Visa or any Dependant Visa, the most common reason for refusal is insufficient evidence provided to meet the relationship requirement. You need to prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting and all necessary supporting documents are a must in the application.

 

10. You did not seek advice from a UK Visa Expert and followed generic advice

If you think that just reading from a website of the Home Office or asking friends, it is easy for you to fill in the application form correctly, provide documents that are required in a particular format and order, then you may be wrong. You should consult UK Visa Experts as they know the nitty-gritty of everything when it comes to applying for a UK Visa.

 

Editor’s Note

Looking at the initial applications and ILR refusal rate, it is common to face a UK Visa Rejection, mainly when you apply all by yourself, with no legal help.

Do not let any of these above mistakes be the reason to get your UK visa refused, with dreams of visiting the UK, studying in the UK, living with your spouse in the UK, or even expanding your business to the UK shattered. Therefore, it is advisable to take the help of a professional immigration law firm.

[zrvisas]

🌟 Client Feedback 18 Feb 2023 for 🇬🇧 UK Spouse Visa Application from Islamabad, Pakistan 🇵🇰 . https://zrvisas.com/our-success-rate " Recommend 100% EXCELLENT SERVICE Sir Naveed was very helpful in our process of Spouse Visa as was a bit complicate because had a previous refusal and other factors. His understanding and communication in the process was amazing. Very polite and fast response with an excellent service. Will recommend 100% ZR VISAS. Thanks so much Sir Naveed." Spouse Visa. https://zrvisas.com/fiance-visa-getting-married-to-british-citizen-in-the-uk-get-married-in-uk Spouse Visa- https://zrvisas.com/spouse-visa-fiance-visa-getting-married-to-british-citizen-sponsor-partner-to-uk Success Stories https://zrvisas.com/our-success-rate #zrvisas #visaconsultants #success #visaservices #britishpartnervisa #fiancevisa #unmarriedpartner #ILR https://www.instagram.com/p/CpNYmCvIPOG/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[zrvisas]

🌟 Client Feedback 13 Feb 2023 for 🇬🇧 UK Spouse Visa Application. https://zrvisas.com/our-success-rate "Naveed goes over and above to make sure your journey through the British immigration process is 10/10. His help and support throughout helped alleviate any questions or concerns we had. 100% recommend him to make sure you have the best experience in obtaining your visa". Spouse Visa. https://zrvisas.com/fiance-visa-getting-married-to-british-citizen-in-the-uk-get-married-in-uk Spouse Visa- https://zrvisas.com/spouse-visa-fiance-visa-getting-married-to-british-citizen-sponsor-partner-to-uk Success Stories https://zrvisas.com/our-success-rate #zrvisas #visaconsultants #success #visaservices #britishpartnervisa #fiancevisa #unmarriedpartner #ILR https://www.instagram.com/p/Co7dCuyIaVB/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[zrvisas]

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[nathanielburgos]

Tier 1 Entrepreneur: Coronavirus Guidance

The Home Office has provided specific guidance for Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa holders concerned about the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on their businesses and their ability to comply with their visa requirements and future extension eligibility.

While welcomed and much-needed, the guidance is not clear in all parts. We have sought further clarification from the Home Office and will continue to update this guidance as new advice emerges.

  Businesses impacted by the COVID-19 criris

You no longer need to employ at least 2 people for 12 consecutive months each. The 12 month period you are required to employ someone for can be made up of multiple employees across different months.

We requested larification on this point, since the current job creation rules already allow applicants to rely on non-consecutive periods of employment and multiple employees working in the same job. This may well be an unfortunate case of poor drafting – perhaps the intention was to allow applicants to combine time worked by different employees in different jobs – which is not currently permitted. We are awaiting Home Office clarification and will update when informed.

  If the crisis is prohibiting you from meeting the 12 month employment requirement

Where you are not able to employ staff for a total of 12 months by yoru visa expiry, you will be allowed to extend your stay on a temporary basis to allow you the time to meet the requirement.

This is a welcome development, but we look forward to further details about how this temporary extension will operate in process. Will all other extension requirements need to be satisfied?

Subsequent to the closure of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur scheme in 2019, the Home Office has put in place hard deadlines by which any application for an extension or ILR must be made; in most cases April 2023 for the former, April 2025 for the latter. Will these deadlines be extended where an applicant’s progress has been delayed by COVID-19?

There is also the issue of cost – presumably this will require the applicant to incur a further set of application fees (which are not insubstantial). Will there be any fee concessions to account for this?

  Any time spent by your employees on furlough will not count towards the 12-month period

This clarity is welcome, albeit not surprising that the Home Office, given the extension concession above.

It is also helpful to have confirmation, by inference, that there is no prohibition on businesses owned/operated by a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) from making use of the job retention scheme.

  Practical issues affecting Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa holders

In addition to the Home Office guidance, some of the issues we have been helping our Tier 1 Entrepreneur clients with include:

  Investment funds

When applying for an extension of leave, Tier 1 Entrepreneurs must show that the required investment has been made in full and subsequently deployed by the business.

It does not appear that the Home Office will allow for a temporary extension of leave where COVID-19 related business disruption has prevented the applicant from investing and deploying the required before the expiry of their leave.

Applicants will want to ensure that where funds have not yet been invested in their business(es) that these funds continue to be available to them throughout this period, that they are aware of the investment timelines and that they take steps to ensure that the investment is made in full before applying for an extension of leave.

  Genuineness requirement

With any extension or ILR application, we must provide a summary of the steps the applicant has taken to implement their business plan. Where there has been disruption to any plans due to COVID-19, the applicant may be advised to provide an explanation and evidence of this.

  Residence requirement

To qualify for ILR, applicants and, in some cases, their dependant partners, must demonstrate that they have not been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any consecutive 12 month period. The Immigration Rules already permit caseworkers to exercise discretion and disregard excessive absences due to certain unexpected circumstances beyond the applicant’s control. At the moment, the Rules list conflict, natural disasters, serious illness of the applicant or a close relative as examples.

To date the Home Office have not updated the rules to include absences due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions. We would hope that the Home Office will take a reasonable approach and read COVID-10 related absences into this rule, but any clarification on this point would be welcome. In the meantime, we would advise any Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa holders who are currently overseas and unable to return to the UK to retain evidence of their circumstance which can be presented with a future ILR application.

  Need assistance?

If you have any concerns about disruption to your business due to the crisis, and the effects this will have on your visa, our specialist Tier 1 immigration lawyers are on hand to answer your questions.

Tier 1 Entrepreneur: Coronavirus Guidance published first on https://ordergcmsnotescanada.tumblr.com/