Designed for exceptionally – talented individuals, this visa category focuses on people who have made significant contributions in the field of science, arts, humanities, digital technology, film and television, medicine, fashion etc. with intension of permanently settling in UK and enriching to their economy with their exceptional skills.

This exceptional visa program is limited to only 2000 applications out which 200 claim are reserved for the tech industry. It is obligatory for the applicant to be an outsider of European Economic Area (EEA). Initially, this visa is granted with time limit for three years, but under certain circumstances it could be further extended for another two year and additionally, one can apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after satisfying the eligibility criteria.

ILR paves pathway to lives peacefully as a Permanent Resident in UK. Thus, enabling the applicant to sponsor their family to come to the UK and additionally apply for the British Citizenship.

What are the basic requirements for the Tier 1 UK Investor Visa?

Cruise through the flourishing economy of the UK with an Exceptional Tier 1 investor Visa by fulfilling the UK government’s clause for requirements to qualify for the program. To qualify as a foreign applicant, you must however get an Entrance Clear (EC) to gain entry into the United Kingdom.

And to apply for an Entrance Clear (EC), the aspiring candidate has to meet the following criteria:

• Obtain at least 75 points for EC or LR.
• Fulfill the general requirements as outlined for the UK Exceptional Talent Visa.
• Acquire an Endorsement Letter from a Designated Competent Body, who are authorized to judge your application in the field of your expertise.

What is the Application process for UK Investor Visa?

For the successful sanctioning of a visa, the application process can be completed in 2 stages.

• Applying to Home Office (Designated Competent Body) for endorsement as a leader or emerging leader in the area of your expertise, meaning that you are required to apply to one of the below renowned Designated Competent Bodies to successfully lodge an application under the tier 1 exceptional talent visa for UK:
  1. Arts Council England – assessing body for arts, fashion, film and television applications.
  2. The British Academy – assessing body for humanities and social science applications.
  3. The Royal Society – assessing body for natural sciences and medical science research applications.
  4. The Royal Academy of Engineering – assessing body for engineering applications.
  5. Tech Nation – assessing body for digital technology applications.
• Applying for the Tier 1 Exceptional Investor Visa – after receiving the endorsement you can apply for the visa. The documents required for the Visa are as follows:
  1. Copy of your valid passport
  2. Copy of endorsement letter
  3. Copy of medical certificate with tuberculosis test results
  4. Copy of certified translation if the documents submitted are not in English or Welsh.

While most prospective applicants may apply for endorsement prior to applying for the visa, but you can apply of both at the same time. On the contrary however, if the endorsement is refused so will the visa application be.

What is the estimated Length of Stay and Indefinite Leave to Remain?

After getting the endorsement letter, you can apply for the visa 3 months before you travel. And once is the visa is issued, you can stay for:

• Up to 5 years and 4 months, if the visa is applied outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
• Up to 5 years, in case the visa is applied from within the European Economic Area (EEA).

The length of stay is however entirely dependent on you. All you have to do is pay for the healthcare surcharge till the time you’ve chosen to stay.

This visa category could further be extended for another 5 years, and additionally you can apply for settlement once you’ve been in the UK for 3 years (on an exceptional talent visa), or 5 years (on an exceptional promise visa).

What is the Processing Time?

Generally, the whole visa processing takes around 8 weeks (including application for endorsement letter) for getting a final verdict on your visa. And once the application is submitted you are expected to get a decision on your visa with 3 weeks’ time i.e. if you are applying from outside the UK.

Benefits of the UK Investor Visa

• You are free to live and work for an employer anywhere in the UK without any limitations, even if you have an establish a business.
• You can bring your family members to UK till the time of your stay.
• Unprecedented (Free) Access to public schools or subsidized territory education for dependent children.
• Engage in volunteer work and travel abroad.

Limitations of the UK Investor Visa

• You’ll not be entitled to take any type of public funds.
• You cannot take up a job as a Doctor or Dentist in training.
• Must not be engaged as a professional sportsperson – Not even as a sports trainer.

What is the Fee structure for applying under the UK Investor Visa?

The fee structure for the UK Exceptional Tier 1 Talent visa is to be paid in two stages:

• Stage 1 – Endorsement – the primary applicants must pay £456 as fee to get an endorsement from the Designated Competent Bodies.
• Stage 2 – visa application – onetime fee of £152 for the primary applicant and £608 for all aspiring dependents who will accompany with you to UK.

Apart from this you also have to pay £400 per year as health surcharge as part of your application, i.e. £2,000 if the visa is granted for 5-year visa. This can be paid along with your application, if you’re applying online. In case you are applying for visa by post, you should make this payment online before sending your application or before it reaches the immigration office of UK.

To know more about the UK Talent Visa, you can write us on [email protected] and our expert team of visa agents will get in touch with you to resolve your queries. You can even give us a ring on (+91) 859 533 8595 or directly interact with our expert Visa Consultants through our Live Chat window.