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UK Immigration Rules Appendix A: Legacy Tier 1 Attributes Deleted

🇬🇧 United KingdomWork Permits1 recorded versionLast change 27 Aug 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

The Immigration Rules Appendix A now focuses solely on attributes for Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Migrants, outlining that applicants must score 75 points for attributes. It specifies available points in Table 4 for initial applications (from Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur or Start-up Migrant pathways), Table 5 for extension applications, and Table 6 for indefinite leave to remain applications. It details conditions for money available (e.g., minimum £50,000, held in regulated financial institutions, disposable in the UK, cash only, UK business requirement), and specific documentation for proving funds, including accountant and bank statement requirements. All sections related to Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrants and Tier 1 (General) Migrants, including their respective tables and numerous associated paragraphs (1-34, and some within 39-41), have been deleted.

Overview

The Immigration Rules Appendix A has been significantly amended to delete all references and criteria for 'attributes' relating to Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) and Tier 1 (General) Migrants. This change removes previous points-based requirements for these categories. Conversely, the detailed requirements for Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Migrants concerning points for investment, business activity, and financial evidence remain active.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • People applying for entry clearance, leave to remain, or indefinite leave to remain as Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Migrants
  • People who had permission to stay as a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Migrant or a Start-up migrant within 12 months before applying for an initial Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) application
  • People applying for an extension as Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Migrants
  • People applying for indefinite leave to remain as Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Migrants

What changed in the latest version

Before

The Immigration Rules Appendix A used to have detailed rules for 'attributes' for Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrants, Tier 1 (General) Migrants, and Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Migrants. These included specific numbered sections and tables, such as Table 1, Table 2, and Table 3. They also had notes and conditions within sections 1 to 34 and parts of 39 to 41. These rules included requirements for points, money earned in the UK, and other criteria. These criteria have now been deleted or changed.

After

The Immigration Rules Appendix A now only deals with 'attributes' for Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Migrants. It states that applicants must get 75 points for attributes. It shows how points are given in Table 4 for initial applications. This includes applications from people who were Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) or Start-up Migrants. Table 5 is for extension applications. Table 6 is for applications for indefinite leave to remain. The rules detail conditions for the money applicants have. For example, they must have at least £50,000. This money must be in regulated financial organisations and available to use in the UK. It must be cash only and used for a UK business. The rules also list specific documents needed to prove these funds, including requirements for accountants and bank statements. All sections about Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrants and Tier 1 (General) Migrants are deleted. This includes their tables and many related sections (1 to 34, and some within 39 to 41).

This change makes Immigration Rules Appendix A much narrower. It now focuses only on the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route. People who were thinking about applying under Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) or Tier 1 (General) will find these rules are gone from this Appendix. They will need to look at other parts of the Immigration Rules. For Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) applicants, the detailed rules about financial proof, what counts as a UK business, and which accountants are accepted mean the application process is stricter and clearer. Applicants must prepare carefully to meet the rules for funds and business operations.

Explained simply

Imagine the UK immigration system is like a game with different levels (Tiers) and you need points to pass. Before, two game levels, 'Exceptional Talent' and 'General', had specific ways to get points for your 'attributes' (like skills or qualifications). Now, those specific point rules have been removed from this part of the game guide. However, if you're on the 'Entrepreneur' level, all your point rules for things like how much money you invested and how your business is doing are still exactly the same and you must follow them carefully.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v2Effective 3 Aug 2026PublishedHigh impact
    UK Immigration Rules Appendix A: Legacy Tier 1 Attributes Deleted

    The UK Immigration Rules Appendix A now focuses only on rules for people who want to come to the UK as Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Migrants. All rules about Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrants and Tier 1 (General) Migrants are gone. Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) applicants must still get 75 points. For initial applications, they must have at least £50,000 in cash. This money must be available or already invested. It must be held in financial organisations that are regulated. It must also be available to use in the UK. Applicants must provide detailed documents to prove where this money came from and that it is available.

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