The tier 1 entrepreneur visa scheme was introduced by the British government to entice talented entrepreneurs to the UK. The government knows that entrepreneurs offer potential gains in employment and taxation. They are also the innovators of society and can help to create a hub that attracts the best people to the country. With this in mind, the government have laid out a programme that gives freedom to these qualifying entrepreneurs. The freedom offered means that there is a large number of applications for the scheme. But also because of the freedom, the government is sensitive to potential fraud and this results in a high number of rejections.
Here we will look at 5 of the main reasons for rejection:
- Applications refused for not meeting criteria – Home Office officials expect a high level of attention to detail: errors are not acceptable.
- Genuine entrepreneur test – The ‘genuine entrepreneur test’ was added in 2013: it added a layer of proof to the application that resulted in many failures. The idea was that officials could stress test the entrepreneur: to see whether they were genuinely prepared to start their business.
Caseworkers are trying to establish the ‘viability and credibility’ of the plan in front of them. It seems unlikely that UKBA officials have the required knowledge to examine the credibility of the business plan in front of them.
- Business plan – The business plan is central to the overall application. The business plan documents exactly how the business is to be formed and ran.
UKBA officials are looking for viability and look at the business plan to display this viability. The process of UKBA officials assessing business viability has been criticised by the Migration Advisory Committee due to the lack of business experience of its caseworkers.
- Failed Home Office interview – The interview is designed to ensure that the application is genuine. The Home Office interview is used, in conjunction with the business plan to determine the overall likelihood of success.
- Not leaving enough time to apply – The visa application process can take months. With this in mind, it is vital that enough time is allowed to craft a suitable application. An application that appears rushed, is likely to have missed out some important aspects. The lack of detail will have a detrimental effect on the application.
As you can see, there are plenty of potential pitfalls in the application process for a prospective tier 1 entrepreneur. But, with enough care and attention, you can give yourself the best chance of success.
How we can help
Our specialist immigration solicitors are experts at visa applications. We can help you to craft an ideal application and prepare you for the ‘genuine entrepreneur test’. We can also put you in touch with business plan writers who can help to craft an exceptional business plan that showcases your business to UKBA.
So if you need help with your application get in touch today and let us help get you started with it. We can help to maximise your chance of success, so let us show you what we can do.
