Monday 17 February 2025

Significant deadlines are approaching for individuals under the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) category.

In March 2019, the Home Office introduced changes to the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route, effectively closing the route to new applicants, and introducing certain deadlines for extension and indefinite leave to remain (ILR) applications for those already in the route. Some of these deadlines are now fast approaching and action should be taken by relevant migrants.

Since 2023, most people currently holding Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) permission are no longer able to extend their permission to remain in the UK under this route. Now, such individuals have until 5 April 2025 (inclusive) to submit an ILR application to settle in the UK. From 6 April 2025, these individuals will no longer be able to apply for ILR under this category (unless they have previously held permission under the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) category – see below).

Holders of Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) permission who have previously held permission as a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) benefit from extended deadlines and have until 5 July 2025 (inclusive) to apply for an extension of their Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) permission. Those eligible to extend should be granted a further two years of permission to remain in the UK. Such individuals are also able to apply for ILR under the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route any time until 5 July 2027.

Those who do not meet the requirements for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) extension or ILR application shall need to consider an alternative immigration category to remain in the UK beyond their current permission.

Get in touch

Should you require assistance assessing your options or submitting an application, Laura Devine Immigration is well placed to assist. For further information, please contact your designated LDI lawyer or enquiries@lauradevine.com.