Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what comprises the fit and proper test for the granting of an investment visa. [106760]

Damian Green MP; Minister of State [holding answer 14 May 2012]:The Tier 1 (Investor) category is for high-net-worth individuals who want to make a substantial financial investment in the UK. To be granted a visa an applicant must score 75 points for attributes as set out in the Immigration Rules.

There is no "fit and proper" test specific to Tier 1 applications. However applicants should not be subject for refusal under paragraph 320 of the Immigration Rules. Under paragraph 320(19) of the Immigration Rules, leave to enter will normally be refused where, from information available to the immigration officer, it seems right to refuse leave to enter on the ground that exclusion from the United Kingdom is conducive to the public good; if, for example, in the light of the character, conduct or associations of the person seeking leave to enter it is undesirable to give him leave to enter.

When considering this provision, an entry clearance officer will assess an application on its merits and make a decision based on the evidence submitted.