immigration Archives - Shard Capital Stockbrokers

New record – 131 Investor Visas granted in Q1 2019

Posted on 24th May 201930th May 2019 by shardadmin

By Farzin Yazdi – Head of Investor Visa at Shard Capital.

Today’s data release reminds me of the pre Nov 2014 rush we saw ahead of the increase of minimum investment from £1m to £2m – and the results are similar too. In 2014 from Q3 to Q4 we saw numbers double. This morning’s data release show an increase of over 40% from last quarter with 131 visas granted – with nearly 60% of all applicants coming from China*.

And what a memorable quarter it has been; with the Statement of Changes on March 7 and new rules going live on the 29th of March.

Is Britain still open for business?

When new rules are announced, it takes time for advisors and clients to fully understand them – and their subsequent implications. This time is no different. Many are still coming to terms with the implications of showing source of wealth for 2ys.

I’ve had more than one client explain to me that their cash has only been held for a short period of time, but they will seek to apply once it has been there for 2ys! In fact, from a financial perspective nothing has changed. Immigration rules have aligned closer to those in the financial world.

Given the above, I expect a few slower quarters before a return to the mean, which I believe will be a slightly higher average as some who may have chosen the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa, may now choose the Investor Visa category.

Managing money for Investor Visa purposes is a specialist service which differs significantly from ordinary investment management; requiring detailed knowledge, expertise, and capabilities in other areas in order to achieve with the ultimate objective – to get ILR.

Overall I welcome the new rules, and whilst not perfect, it does help to protect the UK from unscrupulous sources of wealth and bring greater economic benefit to the country.

Thank you again to all those who took part in our survey. Together we have made a difference!

If you would like more information on the Tier 1 (Investor) Visa, or would like to discuss this ONS release, please contact Farzin Yazdi – farzin.yazdi@shardcapital.com

Important Information

“Shard Capital LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Important information: The information above is published solely for information purposes and is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or related financial instruments. It does not constitute a personal recommendation as defined by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or take into account the particular investment objectives, financial situations or needs of individual investors. The value of investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back the amount you invested. It should be remembered that past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of any information provided and no assurances or warranties are given. If you are unsure of the suitability of this product then you should contact and Independent Financial Adviser, authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.”

Office of National Statistics Data Release : UK grants 92 Investor Visas

Posted on 28th February 201929th March 2019 by shardadmin

As expected, today’s release of the latest ONS figures for Q4 2018 applications for the Tier 1 Investor Visa remains high. This comes as no surprise as on the 5th of December, the Home Office announced that it would ‘halt’ applications which led to many intended investors to apply in those 24 hours in order to have their application fall within the current rules.

The Home Office then later announced that it would not halt the program, however at a later stage it would reform the program. Therefore, we expect the high number of applicants to continue as more and more people make a decision to move to the UK whilst they know what the rules are.

“While in discussion with clients they explain that the uncertainty of future rules is something that worries them, especially with regards to which investments are permitted”, said Rafael Steinmetz Leffa, Head of China Desk at Shard Capital Investor Visa. “This concern is mostly referring to direct investments in the UK government, in the form of Government Bonds which is the preferred financial instrument for the vast majority of this type of investor.”

Whilst we note that the overall number of applications is slightly lower than the third quarter of 2018, it is worth highlighting that 50% of applications in the fourth quarter were from China and its SARs (Special Administrative Regions). We also saw a rise in applications from countries in the Middle East.

2018 also saw the largest number of applicants since the Home Office increased the investment threshold from £1mil to £2mil in November 2014. This shows that investors remain bullish about the UK’s status as a hub for education, finance and investments overall.

If you would like more information on Shard Capital Investor Visa or the UK Tier 1 (Investor) Visa, please contact us.

355 UK Tier 1 (Investor) visas granted in 2017

Posted on 22nd February 201829th March 2019 by shardadmin

In the fourth quarter of 2017, the UK issued 81 Tier 1 (Investor) visa applications. See below for the full country breakdown.

Commenting on the release, Head of Shard Capital Investor Visa, Farzin Yazdi has said,

“For the calendar year ending 31 December, we had a 65% year on year increase with 355 UK Tier 1 visa applications. Over 60% of applicants were of Chinese and Russian descent; following the trends of previous years.”

“As we have seen in trends of previous releases, applications from Iranian and Turkish applicants continue to rise and this appears to remain intact.”

“Also interesting to note, is the sudden increase in Investor Visa applications from Americans and Canadians.”

“Moving forward, we expect the Investor Visa category to remain of interest, despite the dependants requirements changes. In addition, the complexities with the Entrepreneur Visa may help those applicants who can afford the Investor Visa route.”

“Over the past quarter we have also been continuing to fix evidencing issues with pre-6 November 2014, applicants extension applications.”

“Other upcoming events to keep an eye on are the Russian elections which have historically resulted in an increase in Russian Investor Visa applications.”

“My top tip for immigration lawyers remains to monitor periodical investment reports on an ongoing basis and to make sure they comply. In addition, complex investments increase visa risks.”

If you would like to discuss the UK Tier 1 (Investor) visa offering, contact our specialist team.