Tier 1 Entrepreneur Applications - Points Based Pricing
At JD Spicer Zeb, we are committed to complete transparency with respect to our pricing, including for points based Tier 1 entrepreneur applications. We will always endeavour to agree costs in before any case gets underway and once we have had the chance to assess your individual requirements and what work is needed.
The following information is provided in accordance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s Transparency Rules and in order to provide a good estimate of the sort of level of fee you will pay if you were to instruct us to assist with a points based Tier 1 entrepreneur application.
Depending on your individual circumstances, there may also be additional costs which need to be covered in order to reach completion for your application. As we aim to provide you with a full understanding of what the overall costs may be for your application, we have included further information on these potential costs below.
Type of work and costs involved
Type of work: Fixed fee points based Tier 1 entrepreneur application
Costs involved: Average cost is between £6,250 plus VAT.
On average, this type of work takes approximately 25 hours to complete.
The exact number of hours it will take depends on the circumstances in your case. Such as:
- The amount of supporting evidence that we need to consider
- Which language(s) you speak
- Whether you are applying with other dependants
- Complexities such as past refusals, criminal convictions, adverse immigration history
If you are able to provide sufficient evidence at our first meeting and clearly meet the applicable Immigration Rules, the cost is likely to be at the lower end of this range.
All the figures given exclude VAT unless explicitly stated. VAT is charged at 20% unless specifically stated. However, charging VAT in relation to immigration matters may depend on where you live and what immigration permission you have. We will confirm whether VAT (at a rate of 20%) is payable when you instruct us and we can work out if VAT is properly chargeable.
Please note: our fixed fees are non-refundable.
Our fixed fee includes us acting for you in the following key stages:
Initial attendance and discussion of available options
- This involves the first client meeting to understand your background, goals, and initial eligibility under the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route or any successor route.
- Timescale: Usually held within 1 to 2 days of initial contact.
Assessing the most appropriate course of action and application based on specific circumstances
- The adviser evaluates your immigration history, business plans, and available funds to decide the best visa strategy.
- Timescale: Within 2 to 5 working days after the initial meeting.
Advising on requirements of the immigration rules/guidance related to Tier 1 Entrepreneur applications
- This includes explaining the specific criteria such as required investment funds (£200,000 or £50,000), the genuine entrepreneur test, English language requirements, and job creation obligations.
- Timescale: Usually completed within the same week as the assessment.
Advising on method of submission priority
- You’ll be advised whether to use standard, priority, or super priority services based on your case urgency and service availability.
- Timescale: Advice typically provided within 1 to 2 working days.
Assessing and advising on supporting evidence
- Your existing documents are reviewed for compliance with Home Office standards this includes business plans, financial statements, evidence of investment, and job creation records.
- Timescale: Takes around 1 to 2 weeks depending on document volume and complexity.
Sourcing and obtaining further evidence.
- Where needed, the adviser coordinates with third parties such as accountants, banks, medical professionals, or employers to gather supporting documents.
- Timescale: Typically, 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how responsive third parties are.
Collating and preparing supporting evidence
- All documents are organised, checked for consistency, translated if needed, and indexed in the required format.
- Timescale: Usually takes about 1 week.
Preparing detailed representations with index and finalising application submission
- Legal representatives draft a cover letter, legal arguments, and compile an indexed evidence bundle for the Home Office. The application is then finalised for submission.
- Timescale: Around 3 to 5 working days.
Further submission/providing updates on progress
- The application is submitted online, and biometric appointments are scheduled. Updates on the status of the application are communicated throughout the process.
- Timescale: Ongoing after submission.
Advising on outcome of application / implications of status and next steps
- Once a decision is received, you are advised on the outcome, the implications of the visa decision, and future steps (e.g., extension, settlement, or appeal options).
- Timescale: Within 1 to 3 working days of decision notification.
General Processing Times (Home Office)
Standard service: 8 weeks (can vary)
Priority service (if eligible): 5 working days.
Super priority service: 1 working day (not always available)
If you can provide sufficient evidence and clearly meet the applicable immigration rules, the costs are likely to be at the lower end of the range.
Additional costs:
- Any Home Office Fees for making the points based Tier 1 entrepreneur application. This is paid to the Home Office directly as part of the application process. You can find an updated list of Home Office Fees here.
- Advice and assistance in relation to appeals for refused points based Tier 1 entrepreneur applications.
- Disbursements paid to third parties.
These fees can range from £15 - £2389 on average for general applications. Home office fees are exclusive of VAT, at the time of writing this article.
Please see the link to the home office page with the list of all fees.
It must be noted that not all immigration cases attract Value Added Tax (VAT). However, if VAT is applicable, 20% will be added to our fees, as well as any expenses or disbursements. All the figures given exclude VAT unless explicitly stated. VAT is charged at 20% unless specifically stated.
Potential expenses and disbursements are listed below:
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as visa fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. It is not possible to estimate the value of disbursements at this stage as it is dependent on each case. We will let you know as soon as we know the cost of disbursements. Examples of disbursements include the below and are exclusive of VAT:
- Translations from £20 per page
- Interpreting from £25 per hour
- From £20 per hour attendance
- Travel from £15
- Waiting from £15
- Plus travel expenses (will depend on distance)
- Non-standard postage(will depend on quantity)
- Medical reports (will depend on work needed)
- Country reports (will depend on work needed)
- DNA reports (will depend on work needed)
- Printing and photocopying (will depend on work needed)
- Any Home Office fees (You will pay this to the Home Office directly as part of the application process. The fees change as advertised by the Home Office so we will always confirm the fees on the Home Office Website) / Interpreter fees/Independent expert reports. You can find an updated list of Home Office Fees here.
We will let you know as far in advance as possible when these additional fees are due to be incurred.
Please note: some experts and professionals charge VAT and others do not if they are not registered for VAT. If VAT is charged it will be at the standard rate of 20%. VAT is not chargeable to non-UK citizens.
Factors that affect our fixed fees
- The type and amount of supporting evidence that is being considered
- Which language(s) you speak
- Whether any other dependants are included in an application
- Additional issues that may affect an application such as past refusals, criminal convictions and/or adverse immigration history
If you can provide sufficient evidence and clearly meet the applicable immigration rules, the costs are likely to be at the lower end of the range.
Will your fees increase?
This could occur if the work agreed in the fixed terms or quoted hours is exceeded because more work arises or work required was not anticipated.This can happen for several reasons e.g., you require more meetings and work than we had estimated for, or new or further evidence arises requiring consideration and instructions from you. Sometimes new material arise(s), requiring more extensive work. Delays caused by any matters can also increase time and costs.
How long does work for points based Tier 1 entrepreneur applications take to complete?
On average, the work involved in a points based Tier 1 entrepreneur application takes 25 hours to reach completion.
Who completes work for points based Tier 1 entrepreneur applications?
Kam Dhanjal (Head of Immigration) supervises Pritesh Davdra and Pritesh Davdra (Immigration Solicitor) supervises Kam Dhanjal. Both are qualified solicitors and accredited (Supervising Senior Caseworker)
How long does it take to make a points based Tier 1 entrepreneur application?
Timescale to submit an application for a points based Tier 1 entrepreneur applications
Applications for points based Tier 1 entrepreneur applications from the start of instructions take up to six to eight months on average. The exact time it takes will depend on various factors, including the complexity of applicant's immigration history.
Timescale on return of points based Tier 1 entrepreneur applications
It is not possible to guarantee exactly how long the Home Office will take to process your application. You can learn more about the current processing times here.
Please note the anticipated number of hours and fees are an estimate based on the facts above. Each individual points based Tier 1 entrepreneur application is unique, which means the hours and fees can vary from case to case. Our team will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of hours and fees once we have more information about your specific case and what actions need to be taken.
Key stages:
Obtain instructions
- This stage involves the initial meeting or communication where your case is opened, objectives are discussed, and relevant personal and background information is gathered.
- Timescale: Usually completed within 1 to 2 working days of first contact.
Advise on relevant law/legal requirements to meet the criteria and whether you meet the criteria
- Legal representatives assess your eligibility by comparing your circumstances with current immigration laws and Home Office guidance. They will explain whether your application is likely to succeed and what improvements or evidence may be needed.
- Timescale: Within 2 to 5 working days after initial instructions.
Assist you to collate relevant paperwork to support your application
- You will receive a checklist and support in collecting necessary documentation such as identity documents, financial evidence, employment or business records, etc. Your representative will review them to ensure compliance.
- Timescale: Typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how quickly documents can be sourced.
Complete and submit your application to the Home Office
- Your application form is completed accurately, supporting documents are compiled and formatted correctly, and everything is submitted either online or by post as appropriate.
- Timescale: 3 to 5 working days, once all documents are ready.
Liaise with Home Office on your behalf
- Your legal representative will respond to any queries, provide further documents if requested, and track the application’s progress with the Home Office.
- Timescale: Ongoing throughout the processing period.
Advise on the outcome of your application
- Once a decision is received, you’ll be informed promptly and advised on its implications. Your options for further action (e.g., visa renewal, appeal, settlement) will also be discussed.
- Timescale: Within 1 to 3 working days of decision being received.