As a multi-award-winning, SRA-regulated law firm recommended by The Legal 500 with over a decade of specialised immigration experience, we create the gold standard and benchmark in expertise, authority, and credibility to get the desired results. Moreover, this result driven approach has created an overall record of 5,000+ successful immigration and visa applications, enabling the companies and individuals to be confident that their visa process is in experienced hands committed to their success.
The Tier 1 Investor visa was designed for wealthy individuals able to make substantial financial commitments to the UK economy:
Investment Tiers
As of 17 February 2022, the UK Investor visa was closed by the Home Office and is no longer valid. Understanding the previous requirements provides useful context. The route never permitted property investment. Since 2019, government bonds have been excluded. Only shares or loan capital in UK companies qualified.
The government announced the closure with immediate effect. No further applications were accepted after that point. The decision followed concerns about misuse, including attempts by certain high risk applicants to sidestep sanctions. At A Y & J Solicitors, we were among the first UK law firms to advise clients on transition options when the route closed, helping investors safeguard residency pathways through compliant alternatives.
The closure of the visa route wasn’t about revenue – it brought in substantial investment. The Home Office shut it down due to concerns around national security and due diligence.
There were serious doubts about the origins of the funds, particularly when applicants were politically exposed.
There were fears that some were using the visa route to bypass international sanctions, an issue that gained urgency following the spotlight on Russian oligarchs.
While the investments brought in money, critics argued that the overall benefit to the UK economy was not as strong as what skilled migrants contributed.
Verifying the legitimacy of large sums from overseas proved difficult, making the system hard to manage and regulate properly.
The government announced the closure in February 2022, with immediate effect. No further applications were accepted after that point. The decision was accelerated by concerns about Russian oligarchs using the visa to sidestep sanctions. The Home Office confirmed these risks in its February 2022 announcement.
Spouse exception : If you are married to a British citizen, you may apply for citizenship after 3 years of residence if you meet all requirements. Absence thresholds differ in this scenario.
Operate your own UK business by pairing a Sponsor Licence for your company with a Skilled Worker visa for you. After 5 years you can apply for ILR, then citizenship 12 months later if you meet naturalisation rules.
What you should know
Timeline to citizenship: 5 years to ILR, then 12 months to citizenship if you meet naturalisation rules.
We audit your plan, evidence and systems so you arrive prepared and stay audit-ready.
We will discuss tax residence planning with your advisers, UK payroll setup, and pragmatic steps for relocating teams or dependants.
India does not allow dual citizenship. Many clients maintain an OCI after acquiring another nationality to visit India, but OCI is not dual citizenship. We can brief you on renunciation, OCI and long-term travel planning.
A child born in the UK is not automatically British. If at least one parent is British or settled at the time of birth, the child is British. Otherwise there are registration routes later.
Dream It. Do It. Stories of UK Business Success With Us: Real journeys of ambition, resilience, and success—powered by strategic immigration and legal support by A Y & J Solicitors.
A Y & J Solicitors has handled over hundreds of successful Self Sponsorship UK applications, making it a renowned leader in UK immigration law. Each case that we take is handled with meticulous professionalism by our experienced team, meeting every requirement and providing the highest possible likelihood of approval.
No. There is no direct citizenship by investment in the UK. You must qualify for a visa, live here lawfully, obtain ILR, then apply for citizenship. (GOV.UK)
Chief Executive Officer
The driving force behind the company, Yash has years of legal experience and an uncompromising focus on client success. His leadership is the catalyst for integrity, innovation, and results.
Senior Associate
Sunny is an experienced immigration caseworker with 8 years in Sponsor Licence, Skilled Worker, family settlement, and Naturalisation matters. He built a strong UK business client base and is the go-to for direct advice, problem solving, and winning outcomes.
Chief Operating Officer
Anik combines strategic mind with operational acumen to drive scale of impact and efficiency in service delivery. His systems philosophy runs the engine smoothly.
Business Relationship Manager
Amin heads the frontlines of client interaction. He is driven by a consultative mind and profound knowledge of immigration options, matching clients with solutions that best meet their objectives.
