Changing Business Activity Under Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (Post-Extension, Pre-ILR)

[mysong]

Hi everyone,

I am currently on a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa in the UK. I have already successfully renewed my visa, and I am now in the final period before I can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in just over a year.

I am considering a change in business activity, and I wanted to check if anyone here has experience with this situation or has seen cases where Home Office had an issue with such changes.

My current situation:

• I have a legally registered company, which I have been operating since my initial visa application.

• I have met the job creation requirements and currently employ the required number of staff.

• The business was originally focused on trade/import, but I now wish to transfer to the restaurant sector under the same company (no new entity).

• My current employees will remain in the company, but their roles will shift based on the new business activity.

• My investment funds remain within the business and are still being used for business development.

My main questions:

• 1. Would this type of business change raise any red flags with Home Office at the ILR stage?

• 2. Is it advisable to inform Home Office about the change in business activity proactively, or is it unnecessary as long as the core Tier 1 Entrepreneur requirements (employment, investment, active business management) are met?

• 3. Has anyone had experience with ILR applications where the business changed significantly during the visa period? If so, what was the outcome?

• 4. Are there any additional risks or considerations I should be aware of before making this transition?

Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated. I want to ensure that everything remains compliant and does not affect my ILR application in the future.

Thanks in advance!

[mysong]

Hi @zimba and @marcnath,

I hope you don't mind me tagging you here — I genuinely mean no disrespect, but I’ve seen your advice on other threads and would really appreciate your input if you’re willing to share.

This thread has reached nearly 2,000 views, which shows there is strong interest in this topic. My question is quite simple: under the Tier 1, is it permissible to change the nature of the business, and what should be kept in mind when doing so — particularly in light of applying for ILR later?

I understand the Home Office has been paying closer attention to this visa category in recent years, so I’d be very grateful for your perspective on how such a change might be viewed.

Thanks again for your time and for all the help you’ve given others here.

[zimba]

You posted this in the Tier 1E sub forum but it is more relevant to the ILR forum, so it is now moved there !
There are no restrictions to change your business activity at all. You only have to show that you satisfied the requirements and also satisfy the UKVI that you are running a genuine business.