Self-Sponsorship Visa

Self-Sponsored Visa UK

Self-sponsorship in the UK is a method for business owners to live and work in the UK by utilizing a Skilled Worker visa. This involves the business owner sponsoring themselves through their own UK-based business, which must hold a sponsor licence.

Eligibility Criteria for Self-Sponsorship

• Industry Experience: Relevant experience, skills, or qualifications in the intended business industry.
• Business Plan: A solid business concept or an existing UK business for acquisition.
• Financial Resources: Sufficient funds to support the business. There is no specified investment amount, but it typically starts around £25,000.
• UK Resident Authorising Officer: Ideally, a UK resident or British citizen to serve as the Authorising Officer.
• English Language Proficiency: Ability to pass an approved English language test at Level B1, if required.

Self-Sponsorship Process

1. Establish a UK Company and Apply for a Sponsor Licence:
   • Register the UK company with the help of a registered UK accountant.
   • Appoint a UK-based director if the business owner is a non-UK resident.
   • Timeline: Approximately 6 to 8 weeks.
2. Create HR Policies and Procedures:
   • Ensure the company has the necessary HR infrastructure to sponsor a skilled worker.
   • Timeline: Approximately two days.
3. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship and Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa:
   • After the sponsor licence is approved, obtain a Defined Certificate of Sponsorship.
   • Timeline: Approximately 4 to 12 weeks.

Advantages of Self-Sponsorship

• Control: Manage your business without the risk of sponsorship termination by an external employer.
• Ownership: Own shares in the business with no minimum investment requirement.
• Family Inclusion: Bring your partner/spouse and children (under 18 years old) to the UK.
• Residency: The initial visa can be issued for up to 5 years.

Financial and Operational Requirements

• Salary: The business must pay the owner a guaranteed salary that meets the minimum pay requirements for the sponsored role.
• Sponsor Licence: Valid for 4 years, requiring renewal if the business remains active. If the business ceases trading, the sponsor licence must be surrendered.

Document Requirements

• Valid passport or travel document.
• Bank statements proving financial capacity.
• Evidence of business legitimacy (e.g., business bank statement, PAYE registration).
• Certificate of Sponsorship.

Costs

• Visa application fees: £464 to £1,408.
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £624 per year for adults, £470 per year for child dependents.

Contingency Plans

• Business Performance: If the business doesn’t perform well, the visa holder must switch immigration categories to continue living and working in the UK.
• Authorising Officer: If the Authorising Officer leaves, appoint a new one promptly to avoid licence revocation.

Eligibility for the Role and Business

• The business must provide four supporting documents to evidence its legitimacy.
• The job position must be genuine, and the applicant must have the necessary skills, qualifications, or experience.

Self-sponsorship allows business owners to establish, expand, or manage their ventures in the UK while complying with immigration regulations.

Disclaimer

The information above is not legal advice, and any reference to legal solutions or information regarding UK Immigration is sourced from Gov.uk (the official UK immigration website). ImmigrationHUB.co.uk does not provide legal advice or counsel. Any legal matters are dealt with directly by our partnered firms, which are registered by the governing societies in their area of operations.