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UK Legacy Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) and Tier 1 (Investor) Routes Retained for Existing Migrants

🇬🇧 United KingdomWork Permits1 recorded versionLast change 27 Aug 2026
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Current rules

The 3 August 2026 update does not reopen either route and does not newly close them. Instead, the current Part 6A continues to preserve the relevant legacy provisions for Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Investor migrants. For Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) migrants, Appendix A continues to require 75 points for attributes. The rules retain separate provisions for qualifying applications for entry clearance, permission to stay and indefinite leave to remain, including different requirements depending on the applicant's previous immigration status. For Tier 1 (Investor) migrants, Appendix A also continues to require 75 points for attributes. The available points and evidence requirements depend on the applicant's previous Tier 1 Investor status and, importantly, the historical version of the rules under which their original permission was granted. The current Appendix Continuous Residence also specifically identifies Part 6A for Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Tier 1 Investor settlement applications. This confirms that the legacy routes remain relevant for settlement purposes even though they are closed to new entrants.

Overview

The UK Immigration Rules have been updated to close the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) and Tier 1 (Investor) routes to new applicants, effective immediately. Individuals who already hold leave under these categories may continue to apply for extensions or indefinite leave to remain, but must meet specific deadlines. The Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route now directs new business applicants to the Innovator Founder route, while the Tier 1 (Investor) route is entirely closed for new applications.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Existing Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) migrants
  • Existing Tier 1 (Investor) migrants
  • People with old Tier 1 status who are applying for indefinite leave to remain
  • Family members of people with old Tier 1 status, if the family rules apply to them
  • Immigration advisers working on old Tier 1 cases
  • Home Office staff checking past Tier 1 applications

What changed in the latest version

Before

The UK used to have both Tier 1 routes as part of its points-based immigration system. The Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route was for people who wanted to start, take over, or be actively involved in running a business in the UK. This route closed to new applicants in 2019. The Innovator route replaced it. The Tier 1 (Investor) route was for wealthy people who made a large financial investment in the UK. The Home Office closed it to new initial applications from 4pm on 17 February 2022. They said it did not bring enough economic benefit and was open to abuse involving illegal wealth. Closing the routes did not immediately remove the rights of migrants who were already using them. So, the rules kept arrangements for people who met the conditions to finish their immigration journey.

After

The update on 3 August 2026 does not reopen either route. It also does not close them again. Instead, the current Part 6A still keeps the rules for Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Investor migrants. For Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) migrants, Appendix A still says they need 75 points for their qualifications. The rules keep separate sections for entry clearance, permission to stay, and indefinite leave to remain. These have different requirements depending on what type of immigration status the person had before. For Tier 1 (Investor) migrants, Appendix A also still says they need 75 points for their qualifications. The points available and the evidence needed depend on the person's previous Tier 1 Investor status. They also depend on which version of the rules was in place when they first got permission to stay. The current Appendix Continuous Residence also specifically mentions Part 6A for Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Tier 1 Investor applications for settlement. This means these old routes are still important for settlement, even though they are closed to new people.

It can be confusing that these routes are still in the Immigration Rules. This is because new people cannot apply for them anymore. Their continued presence in Part 6A and Appendix A does not mean someone can now apply for a new Tier 1 Entrepreneur or Investor visa. Instead, the UK still keeps rules for people who already entered these routes. These people may still be able to apply to extend their stay or for settlement under the old rules. The current rules also help Home Office staff when they check past applications. This difference is very important for Tier 1 Investor migrants. The rules that apply to them can depend on when they first entered the route and which version of the Immigration Rules was active at that time.

Explained simply

Think of these routes like a shop that has permanently stopped accepting new customers. The UK has already closed the doors to new Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Investor applicants. However, some customers who entered the shop before it closed are still completing transactions that began earlier. The UK therefore keeps the old rules available so those people can finish what they started, including applying for settlement if they meet the requirements.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v1Effective 3 Aug 2026PublishedHigh impact
    UK Legacy Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) and Tier 1 (Investor) Routes Retained for Existing Migrants

    The UK's immigration rules, specifically Part 6A, have changed a lot. The Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Migrant and Tier 1 (Investor) Migrant routes are now closed to new people. People who want to start businesses should now use the Innovator Founder route. There are specific deadlines for existing Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Migrants to apply for indefinite leave to remain. If they previously had Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) leave, they must apply before 6 July 2027. Others must apply before 6 April 2025. For Tier 1 (Investor) Migrants, new entry clearance applications were allowed only until 17 February 2026. However, existing migrants can still apply to extend their stay or for indefinite leave to remain. Many sections about Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) and Tier 1 (General) Migrants have also been removed.

Other routes in this country

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