This comprehensive Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR guide covers everything remaining visa holders need to know about applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain. The standard ILR deadline of 6 April 2025 has now passed, meaning only former Graduate Entrepreneur visa holders who switched to Tier 1 Entrepreneur can still apply for settlement—with a final deadline of 6 July 2027. This guide explains the requirements, documents, fees, and alternative routes for those who missed the earlier deadline.
Former Graduate Entrepreneur holders: If you previously held a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa before switching to Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), you have until 6 July 2027 to apply for ILR. Act now—this deadline is absolute and non-extendable.
Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain Guidance 2026
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR route is now in its final wind-down phase. The visa category closed to new applicants on 29 March 2019, extensions closed on 6 April 2023 (or 6 July 2025 for Graduate Entrepreneurs), and the standard ILR deadline passed on 6 April 2025. The only remaining opportunity for settlement under this route is for those who previously held Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) status before switching to Tier 1 (Entrepreneur).
What is the Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR Deadline?
The ILR deadline depends on your visa history. Standard Tier 1 Entrepreneur holders had until 6 April 2025 (now passed). If you previously held a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa before switching to Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), your deadline is 6 July 2027. After these dates, no further ILR applications are accepted under this route.
The Home Office set different deadlines based on the applicant's immigration history. This distinction is critical because it determines whether you can still apply for settlement under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route.
Who Can Still Apply for Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR?
Only applicants who previously held leave as a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) before switching to Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) can still apply for ILR under this route. You must submit your application before 6 July 2027 and meet all the standard requirements including 5 years continuous residence, job creation, investment, and the Life in the UK test.
Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR Requirements
To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur, you must satisfy all the criteria set out in the Immigration Rules. These requirements assess whether you have made a genuine contribution to the UK economy through your business activities.
Standard ILR Route (5 Years)
- Continuous residence: 5 years in the UK with no more than 180 days absence in any 12-month period
- Investment: Minimum £200,000 (or £50,000 if applicable) invested in UK business(es)
- Job creation: Created at least 2 full-time jobs for settled workers, each lasting 12+ months
- Genuine Entrepreneur Test: Evidence of active involvement in managing your business
- English language: Meet English language requirements at B1 level or above
- Life in the UK: Pass the Life in the UK test
Accelerated ILR Route (3 Years)
Entrepreneurs who made exceptional contributions to the UK economy could qualify for ILR after just 3 years if they met either of these criteria:
- Job creation: Created at least 10 full-time jobs for settled workers, each lasting 12+ months; OR
- Business income: Generated business income of at least £5 million over a 3-year period
Document Checklist for Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR
A complete and well-organized document bundle is essential for a successful ILR application. The following checklist covers the key documents you'll need to provide:
- Personal: Current passport, BRP, police registration (if applicable)
- English & LitUK: Language test certificate, Life in the UK test pass
- Business registration: Companies House documents, director appointments
- Investment evidence: Bank statements, share certificates, investment records
- HMRC records: Corporation Tax, VAT registration, NI contributions
- Company accounts: Audited accounts and financial statements
- Job creation: Employment contracts, payslips, RTI submissions for each employee
- Business activity: Contracts, invoices, client correspondence showing genuine involvement
Application Process & Fees
Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR applications must be submitted online through the gov.uk portal using the SET(O) application form. You must be physically present in the UK when you apply.
How Long Does Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR Take to Process?
Standard processing for Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR applications takes up to 6 months. Priority service (£500 extra) provides a decision within 5 working days, and super priority (£1,000 extra) delivers a decision by the next working day. Given the 6 July 2027 deadline, factor in processing times when planning your application.
ILR Application Fees 2026
For the latest UK visa fees, always verify on the official gov.uk website before submitting your application. ILR applicants are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
What If I Missed the Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR Deadline?
If you missed the 6 April 2025 deadline and were not a former Graduate Entrepreneur, you cannot apply for ILR under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route. You must switch to an alternative visa category before your current leave expires. Options include the Innovator Founder Visa, Global Talent Visa, or self-sponsorship through the Skilled Worker route.
If you did not hold Graduate Entrepreneur status and missed the 6 April 2025 deadline, settlement under this route is no longer possible. However, several alternative immigration pathways exist for entrepreneurs:
Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder Visa is the primary replacement for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route. It requires endorsement from an approved body for an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea. Unlike its predecessor, there is no minimum investment requirement. ILR is available after 3 years if your business meets specific growth criteria.
Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is suitable for recognised leaders or emerging leaders in digital technology, academia, research, or arts and culture. It offers significant flexibility with no job offer requirement and a potential 3-year path to ILR for exceptional talent.
Self-Sponsorship via Skilled Worker
Entrepreneurs with existing UK businesses can establish a sponsor licence and sponsor themselves for a Skilled Worker visa. This requires meeting salary thresholds (£38,700 for most roles) and involves ongoing compliance obligations, but provides a 5-year path to ILR.
- Standard T1E ILR deadline (6 April 2025) has passed—no further applications accepted
- Former Graduate Entrepreneurs have until 6 July 2027 for ILR
- ILR requires 5 years residence, job creation, investment, and Life in UK test
- Application fee is £3,029 per person (2026)
- Those who missed deadlines should explore Innovator Founder or Global Talent routes
For the latest official guidance on Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR, visit the gov.uk settlement page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply for Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR?
Only if you previously held a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa before switching to Tier 1 (Entrepreneur). In that case, you have until 6 July 2027 to apply. The standard ILR deadline of 6 April 2025 has passed, and applications from those who did not hold Graduate Entrepreneur status are no longer accepted.
What is the Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR processing time?
Standard processing takes up to 6 months. Priority service (additional £500) provides a decision within 5 working days, and super priority (additional £1,000) delivers a decision by the next working day. Given the 6 July 2027 deadline, plan your application timing carefully.
How much does Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR cost?
The ILR application fee is £3,029 per person (2026 rates). Priority service adds £500, and super priority adds £1,000. The Life in the UK test costs an additional £50. ILR applicants are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
What are the job creation requirements for Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR?
You must have created at least 2 full-time jobs (35+ hours per week) for settled workers (British citizens, ILR holders, or EEA nationals with settled/pre-settled status). Each job must have lasted at least 12 continuous months. For accelerated ILR after 3 years, you need 10+ jobs or £5 million business income.
Can my dependants apply for ILR with me?
Yes, dependants (spouse/partner and children under 18) can apply for ILR alongside the main applicant, provided they have completed 5 years of continuous residence in the UK and meet the general requirements. Each dependant pays the £3,029 application fee separately and must pass the Life in the UK test (unless exempt).
What happens if my Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR application is refused?
You can request an administrative review if you believe the Home Office made a case-working error. Given the approaching 6 July 2027 deadline, a refused application leaves limited time to reapply. Consider switching to an alternative visa route (Innovator Founder, Global Talent, or Skilled Worker) if ILR requirements cannot be met.
I missed the deadline—what are my options?
If you missed the 6 April 2025 deadline (and were not a Graduate Entrepreneur), you cannot apply for ILR under this route. Your options include: the Innovator Founder Visa (for innovative businesses), Global Talent Visa (for leaders in tech, academia, or arts), or self-sponsoring via the Skilled Worker route. Act before your current visa expires to avoid falling out of status.
How do I know if I was a Graduate Entrepreneur?
Check your immigration history and previous Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). The Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa was endorsed by a UK Higher Education Institution for graduates with genuine, credible business ideas. If you held this visa category before switching to Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), you qualify for the extended 6 July 2027 deadline. If uncertain, seek professional immigration advice.