Tier 1 Entrepreneur category introduced

The Tier 1 Entrepreneur category had been introduced by the government to allow individuals to set up business in the UK to enable economic growth and creation of jobs to the UK labour market. However the government has confirmed that tax records show that individuals under the student category were taking advantage of the system by transferring to the entrepreneur category under the pretence of setting up a business when in fact were working in low skilled jobs.

Therefore with the new restriction, students will only be able to switch in to the Entrepreneur category using funds from a government-approved source. Post-study workers will need to furnish additional evidence of their business activities in order to make a successful application in this category. Also those who have not yet started a business and who do not have evidence of a genuine business will not be able to switch from the old post-study route onto the entrepreneur visa.

If you would like further information on this topic please contact the Edwin Coe Employment and Immigration Team.

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