The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa interview: What you need to know

The interview stage of the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa can be one of the most difficult and nerve wracking parts of the process. Not only will your fitness as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur be under scrutiny, but your whole business plan will be analysed. To make the process easier, and to increase your chances of succeeding in the entrepreneur visa interview, we have produced a handy guide to help you prepare.

The Business Plan

While there is no guarantee that you will be asked to an interview in support of your application, the Home Office (also known as UK Visas & Immigration or UKVI) reserves the right to request for more evidence . The interview is usually focused on your business plan - so it's very important that you know it back to front. Since 2013, the questions have been mostly concerned with assessing whether you are will be engaging in genuine business activity via the Genuine Entrepreneur Test. Therefore, there could be questions as diverse as your marketing strategy, your calculations on sales and expenses. They are on the lookout for business plans which do not contain accurate or original information, so the more details you can give the better.

All about you

While your business is important, your personal circumstances may also be scrutinised in the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa interview. They may be asking for examples or evidence of previous business dealings, meetings with suppliers and conferences attended on previous visits. There could be questions surrounding your source of investment funds. Your future plans may be of interest to them, and why you have chosen the UK to start a business - so make sure you have a convincing case planned out in advance. If relevant, you may also be asked about your past if you had particularly complicated immigration history.

Expert advice

An interview for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa can be a challenging process, so it often pays to have an immigration lawyer at your side to help build your case, and make sure nothing is missed out. If you would like professional advice, or to speak to one of our lawyers, please call 0203 637 8633 or e-mail info@qc-immigration.com now.