You make an application on the Tier 1 Investor from the United Kingdom if eligible or outside of the United Kingdom as an entry clearance. You must ensure that you are eligible, meeting the Immigration Rules HC395 and must supply appropriate original documents as part of the application.

To switch into the category from inside the United Kingdom, you must be in the following categories to be eligible:

§                                 a skilled worker (tier 2 General);

§                                 an intra-company transferee (tier 2);

§                                 a minister of religion (tier 2);

§                                 a sportsperson (tier 2);

§                                 a highly skilled migrant;

§                                 a highly skilled worker (tier 1);

§                                 an entrepreneur (tier 1);

§                                 a post-study worker (tier 1);

§                                 a business person;

§                                 an innovator;

§                                 a student;

§                                 a student nurse;

§                                 a student re-sitting an examination;

§                                 a student writing up a thesis;

§                                 a work permit holder;

§                                 a writer, composer or artist;

§                                 an investor.

If the category above is not your current status in the United Kingdom, then you would be asked to leave the United Kingdom and make an entry clearance.

If you are given leave to remain (permission to stay) as an investor, you will be able to live and work in the United Kingdom for a maximum period of three years. When the end of this period approaches you will need to apply to extend your stay as an investor.