The UK’s Tier 1 (Investor) visa was designed to attract high-net-worth individuals by offering residence in exchange for significant investment in the UK economy. Although the route closed to new applicants in 2022, existing visa holders still have a limited opportunity to extend their stay or secure permanent residence—provided they act before two critical deadlines.
Understanding these deadlines and the remaining eligibility requirements is essential for investors who wish to preserve their UK status or progress toward settlement.
Under the Tier 1 (Investor) route, applicants were required to invest a minimum of £2 million in qualifying UK assets. In return, they could apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years, with faster settlement options available for higher investment levels:
While the category is now closed to new entrants, current visa holders may still extend their permission or apply for settlement within strict time limits.
After these dates, the Tier 1 (Investor) route will permanently close, with no further extensions or settlement applications permitted under this category.
The closure of the Investor route creates a finite window for existing visa holders. Missing the extension deadline in 2026 may prevent individuals from maintaining lawful status, while missing the ILR deadline in 2028 may permanently remove the option to settle in the UK under this route.
As a result, investors should carefully review their immigration history, investment compliance, and residence patterns well in advance.
Existing Tier 1 (Investor) visa holders may still qualify for extension or settlement if they have:
Dependants must meet their own eligibility criteria and do not automatically qualify for settlement based on the main applicant’s investment.
Investors who currently hold valid Tier 1 (Investor) permission may apply for an extension until the February 2026 deadline. This deadline is fixed and cannot be extended.
Key points include:
The final opportunity to obtain settlement under this route is 17 February 2028.
Key requirements include:
Some investors may not be ready to apply for settlement before their current visa expires. Common issues include:
In these cases, applying for an extension before February 2026—if eligible—may help preserve lawful status and allow additional time to explore settlement or alternative immigration routes.
With the Tier 1 (Investor) route nearing permanent closure, proactive planning is critical. Investors who still have time remaining in their qualifying residence period may, in some cases, be able to accelerate settlement by increasing their investment to £5 million or £10 million.
Given the strict deadlines, detailed documentation requirements, and potential risks of non-compliance, early assessment and preparation can make the difference between securing long-term status and losing access to the route altogether.
Understanding these deadlines and the remaining eligibility requirements is essential for investors who wish to preserve their UK status or progress toward settlement.
Overview of the Tier 1 (Investor) Visa
Under the Tier 1 (Investor) route, applicants were required to invest a minimum of £2 million in qualifying UK assets. In return, they could apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years, with faster settlement options available for higher investment levels:
- £2 million → ILR after five years
- £5 million → ILR after three years
- £10 million → ILR after two years
While the category is now closed to new entrants, current visa holders may still extend their permission or apply for settlement within strict time limits.
Critical Deadlines to Note
- Extension applications must be submitted by 17 February 2026
- Settlement (ILR) applications must be submitted by 17 February 2028
After these dates, the Tier 1 (Investor) route will permanently close, with no further extensions or settlement applications permitted under this category.
Why These Deadlines Matter
The closure of the Investor route creates a finite window for existing visa holders. Missing the extension deadline in 2026 may prevent individuals from maintaining lawful status, while missing the ILR deadline in 2028 may permanently remove the option to settle in the UK under this route.
As a result, investors should carefully review their immigration history, investment compliance, and residence patterns well in advance.
Who Can Still Qualify Under the Investor Route?
Existing Tier 1 (Investor) visa holders may still qualify for extension or settlement if they have:
- Maintained the required investment level
- Met physical residence requirements in the UK
- Satisfied English language requirements
- Passed the Life in the UK Test (for ILR)
Dependants must meet their own eligibility criteria and do not automatically qualify for settlement based on the main applicant’s investment.
Extension vs Settlement: Timing and Risk Considerations
Extension Applications (Deadline: 17 February 2026)
Investors who currently hold valid Tier 1 (Investor) permission may apply for an extension until the February 2026 deadline. This deadline is fixed and cannot be extended.
Key points include:
- Applications can be made from inside or outside the UK
- Investments must have been made within three months of entering the category
- Funds must be held in approved asset classes
- Investments must be managed by an FCA-regulated institution
- A successful extension grants two additional years of leave
Settlement (ILR) Applications (Deadline: 17 February 2028)
The final opportunity to obtain settlement under this route is 17 February 2028.
Key requirements include:
- Application must be made from within the UK
- The applicant must be physically present in the UK on the date of application
- Continuous compliance with the permitted absence rule (no more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period)
- Ongoing maintenance of qualifying investments
- Passing the Life in the UK Test
- Meeting English language requirements at CEFR Level B1 or above, unless exempt
When an Extension May Be More Appropriate Than ILR
Some investors may not be ready to apply for settlement before their current visa expires. Common issues include:
- Excessive absences from the UK
- Difficulty passing the Life in the UK Test
- Challenges meeting English language requirements
In these cases, applying for an extension before February 2026—if eligible—may help preserve lawful status and allow additional time to explore settlement or alternative immigration routes.
Why Early Action Is Essential
With the Tier 1 (Investor) route nearing permanent closure, proactive planning is critical. Investors who still have time remaining in their qualifying residence period may, in some cases, be able to accelerate settlement by increasing their investment to £5 million or £10 million.
Given the strict deadlines, detailed documentation requirements, and potential risks of non-compliance, early assessment and preparation can make the difference between securing long-term status and losing access to the route altogether.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Final opportunity for existing investors to secure UK settlement
- Accelerated ILR options remain available at higher investment levels
- Extension option provides additional flexibility before settlement
- Clear deadlines allow for structured planning
Cons
- No new applications accepted under the Investor route
- Strict, non-extendable deadlines
- Complex investment and residence requirements
- Settlement options permanently close after February 2028