The Tier 1 visa UK used to be one of the most powerful routes for international professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs who wanted to live and work in Britain. It allowed people with exceptional talent, strong financial investments, or innovative business ideas to settle in the UK without traditional employer sponsorship.
I remember when I first heard about the Tier 1 visa — it felt like a golden ticket. As a Nigerian entrepreneur with a growing tech startup, I seriously considered applying back in 2017. I spent months gathering documents, preparing my business plan, and speaking with others who had successfully migrated through the scheme. One friend, who secured the visa under the “Investor” route, managed to expand his company into the UK market while also giving his children access to world-class education. Hearing his story motivated me, but by the time I was ready, the rules had already started changing. The process became stricter, and eventually, the program was shut down. That experience taught me how important it is to stay updated on immigration changes, because opportunities like Tier 1 don’t last forever.
But as of 2025, the Tier 1 visa has been fully closed to new applicants. If you’re considering UK immigration this year, it’s important to understand the closure timeline, the replacement visa routes, and how they compare.
For Nigerians and other international applicants, this guide breaks down everything you need to know and links to helpful resources like our UK Immigration Updates and Visa Application Guides.
What Was the Tier 1 Visa UK?
The Tier 1 visa was part of the UK’s points-based immigration system, designed for “high-value migrants”. Unlike Tier 2 visas, it didn’t require a job offer from a UK employer.
Key Subcategories
- Tier 1 (Investor) – for individuals investing £2M+ in the UK economy.
- Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – for entrepreneurs with at least £200,000 in business investment.
- Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) – for graduates with innovative start-up ideas.
- Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) – for recognized or emerging leaders in science, technology, and arts.
- Tier 1 (General) – for highly skilled workers without employer sponsorship.
👉 If you’re interested in other migration pathways, check out our guide on Immigration Opportunities for Nigerians in 2025.
Closure of the Tier 1 Visa
Over the years, the UK government phased out Tier 1 visas due to abuse, security risks, and policy shifts.
- Investor Visa – closed in Feb 2022, with settlement (ILR) available until 2026.
- Entrepreneur Visa—closed in 2019, but extensions are possible until April 2025.
- Graduate Entrepreneur Visa – replaced by the Start-Up Visa in 2019, which itself closed in 2023.
- Exceptional Talent Visa—rebranded as the Global Talent Visa.
- General Visa – discontinued between 2011–2015.
đź“– Related: Why You Need a UK Immigration Lawyer in 2025
Replacement Routes (2025 Alternatives)
| Old Tier 1 Visa | Current Alternative | Key Features |
| Investor | ❌ No direct equivalent | Limited investment migration options now exist |
| Entrepreneur / Graduate Entrepreneur | Innovator Founder Visa | Requires business endorsement & innovative idea |
| Exceptional Talent | Global Talent Visa | For leaders in tech, science, arts |
| General (Skilled) | Skilled Worker Visa | Requires employer sponsorship |
👉 For more options, see our UK Visa Application Guide for Nigerians.
Current Visa Options for Entrepreneurs & Professionals
1. Global Talent Visa
The replacement for Tier 1 Exceptional Talent.
- Open to researchers, scientists, engineers, and tech leaders.
- No need for a job offer if endorsed.
- Faster settlement for highly skilled individuals.
2. Innovator Founder Visa
The successor to Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Graduate Entrepreneur.
- Requires an endorsed business plan.
- Must show innovation, viability, and scalability.
- Flexible rules compared to older visas.
3. Skilled Worker Visa
For those seeking job opportunities in the UK workforce.
- Requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
- A good option for healthcare, tech, and skilled professionals.
đź“– Related: Step-by-Step UK Work Visa Application for Nigerians
Tier 1 Timeline Summary
| Tier 1 Subcategory | Status | Extension/Settlement Deadline |
| Investor | Closed (2022) | ILR until Feb 2026 |
| Entrepreneur | Closed (2019) | Extensions until Apr 2025 |
| Graduate Entrepreneur | Closed (2019) | Merged into Start-Up, closed 2023 |
| Exceptional Talent | Replaced | Global Talent Visa |
| General | Closed (2015) | No extensions |
Why the Tier 1 Visa Was Phased Out
- Concerns about money laundering and abuse of the investor route.
- Migration policies are shifting toward endorsement-based visas.
- UK’s focus on attracting genuine talent and business innovation.
👉 Compare with our guide: Canada vs UK Immigration Pathways in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I still apply for a Tier 1 visa in 2025?
âś… No. All categories are closed to new applicants.
Q2: What if I already hold a Tier 1 visa?
âś… You may apply for extensions or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) before deadlines.
Q3: Which visa should I consider instead?
âś… Options include:
- Global Talent Visa – if you’re skilled in tech, science, or arts.
- Innovator Founder Visa – if you’re an entrepreneur.
- Skilled Worker Visa – if you have a UK job offer.
Q4: Is there still an Investor Visa?
âś… No. It was closed in 2022 with no direct replacement.
Conclusion
The UK Tier 1 visa is now closed, but opportunities still exist under the Global Talent Visa, Innovator Founder Visa, and Skilled Worker Visa.
For Nigerians looking to move abroad in 2025, the key is to match your profile to the right visa. Whether you’re a tech innovator, academic researcher, or entrepreneur, the UK continues to offer world-class opportunities.
👉 Explore more in our Immigration Guides, check out Scholarship Opportunities for Nigerians Abroad, or learn about Student Visa Options in 2025.