Tier 1 (Investor) Visa: Final Deadlines – What You Need to Know

Although the UK's Tier 1 (Investor) route closed to new applicants in February 2022, it remains available to those who already hold leave under the category. What has changed is the time frame. Home Office policy now sets fixed deadlines for extensions and settlement, leaving little scope for delay or error. 

For Investors intending to secure Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the key issue is whether their individual residence timeline allows them to do so before the route closes entirely. 

Who this applies to

This note is relevant only to individuals who currently hold, or previously held, leave under the Tier 1 (Investor) route. The category is permanently closed to new applicants, and it is no longer possible to apply for Entry Clearance or switch into it from another immigration route. 

The final deadlines

The Home Office has confirmed two fixed cut-off dates:

• 17 February 2026: Last date to submit an extension application
• 17 February 2028: Last date to submit an ILR application

Applications submitted after these dates will not be accepted, even if the substantive requirements would otherwise be met. 

Do you need to extend your stay?

For many investors, the key question is whether their current leave lasts long enough to enable an ILR application to be submitted before February 2028.

If additional residence time is required, an extension application must be filed on or before 17 February 2026. If this deadline is missed, settlement under the Investor route is likely to become impossible, regardless of whether the individual would otherwise qualify. 

Given the consequences of missing the deadline, and with 28 February 2028 fast approaching, it is essential that any investor who may be affected takes advice now, and, where required, submits an application for further leave to remain as soon as possible and in advance of 28 February 2028.

Settlement requirements

Applicants must still meet the existing settlement criteria, including:

• Qualifying investment: At least £2 million invested in share or loan capital in active UK companies, maintained throughout the visa period
• Continuous residence: Generally, no more than 180 days' absence from the UK in any rolling 12-month period
• Applications must be submitted from within the UK
• English language and Life in the UK test requirements

Accelerated settlement remains available where the relevant investment thresholds and residence period have been met. 

Investment evidence and ongoing compliance

Extension and settlement applications continue to be subject to detailed evidential requirements. In particular, applicants must provide:

• Portfolio reports from an FCA-regulated institution
• Evidence that investments were made within the required timeframe

Confirmation that the invested funds have remained compliant throughout

Given the route's closure, scrutiny in this area has not relaxed. Early portfolio reviews are strongly advisable. 

Residence Planning

Continuous residence remains a common area of difficulty. Extended absences, frequent travel, or assumptions made during the pandemic about what would count as an acceptable COVID‑related absence can all affect eligibility. While COVID‑related concessions were introduced, in our experience the Home Office is, over time, scrutinising the reasons for absences during that period far more closely, and they are not accepted in all cases.

A structured review of residence history well in advance of an ILR application can help avoid issues that may otherwise only come to light at a late stage.

If settlement is not achievable

For some investors, the remaining timeframe will not be sufficient to meet the residence requirements for ILR under the Investor route. In those cases, alternative immigration options should be considered early. 

Depending on individual circumstances, this may include work-based, business or family routes. None offer a direct replacement for the Investor category, but they may provide a viable alternative pathway. 

Next steps

For Tier 1 (Investor) holders, the law is settled; the challenge is timing and preparation. Immediate assessment of extension requirements, careful residence tracking and fully compliant investment evidence are critical. 

Investors who act promptly retain a clear route to settlement. Those who delay may find that the relevant deadlines pass before issues can be resolved.