UK ILR DEADLINE ALERT ISSUED BY UK HOME OFFICE – UK ILR 2023

ILR deadlines you cannot afford to miss! This article is specifically for investors and entrepreneurs in the UK since the deadlines to extend their existing grants of leave and submit ILR applications are approaching fast.

Deadlines for Investors

Tier 1 investors are advised to see if any of their investments in UK government bonds, also called gifts, in their investment portfolio have to be shifted to other qualifying investments before the end of April 2023. Applicants who acquired their initial Tier 1 Investor visa between 6 November 2014 and 28 March 2019 should confirm now if they can retain their gifts. As far as the ones who obtained their Tier 1 Investor Visa on 29 March 2019 and onward are concerned, they already couldn’t be dependent on investments in gifts. However, whether it is appropriate to move your gifts now depends on your specific circumstances. You can also, keep holding the UK government bonds if you are sure you will not have to make any more extension applications after April 2023. Additionally, they can also, go on to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) by 6 April 2025.

Key Deadlines to Take Note

Regardless of the above information, here are some key deadlines you should be aware of:

• First and foremost, all submissions should be submitted before 17 February 2026
• Also, all ILR applications should be submitted before 17 February 2028

Deadlines for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs in Tier 1 should check to see if they must fill out an extension application. This is because they cannot apply after April 2023. If you believe you may have trouble completing the prerequisites for indefinite leave stay (ILR) in your current leave grant, you should also think about applying for an extension now. For instance, you could extend your leave immediately to buy yourself more time if you think you won’t be able to achieve the employment creation criterion. Additionally, Tier 1 Entrepreneurs ought to confirm that they will be able to meet all conditions to apply for ILR by April 6, 2025. However, your deadline to apply for ILR is before 6 April 2027 if you previously have had leave as a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur. Again, this is the best time to look at other choices, like alternate sponsorship visa pathways. That is if you believe you wouldn’t be able to satisfy the employment creation criterion, especially if you previously leaned on the COVID waiver for employment creation. Reviewing your specific circumstances right now is advisable because the deadlines are approaching fast. Therefore, seeking consultation regarding all available options is the ultimate way of protecting your personal and business interest in the UK.