Self-Sponsorship Visa 👇

🏢 1. What It Is Self-Sponsorship is not an official visa category but a strategic process. It allows an individual (often an entrepreneur or business owner) to establish their own company in the UK, which then sponsors them for a Skilled Worker Visa.

Essentially, you are both the employer (through your company) and the employee. This route offers significant control and flexibility over your UK immigration journey and provides a direct path to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after five years.

📜 2. Who Can Apply This route is suitable for individuals who have a credible business idea and the capability to establish and run a genuine company in the UK. Applicants are typically:

• Entrepreneurs wanting to start a new business in the UK.
• Directors or owners of an existing overseas company looking to expand into the UK.
• Skilled professionals who want the independence of working for their own UK-based company rather than for another employer.

The applicant must have a genuine business plan and sufficient funds to establish and operate the company.

🔑 3. Key Requirements The process is complex as it involves meeting the requirements for both a Sponsor Licence and a Skilled Worker Visa. The main steps and requirements are:

• Establish a UK Company: You must first legally register a company in the UK. This company must be active and operational, with a UK business bank account and premises.
• Obtain a Sponsor Licence: Your newly formed UK company must apply to the Home Office for a Sponsor Licence. The Home Office must be convinced that the business is genuine and capable of fulfilling its sponsorship duties.
• Meet Skilled Worker Visa Criteria: As the employee of your company, you must meet all the requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa. This includes:
  • Genuine Job: The role you are sponsoring yourself for must be a genuine vacancy.
  • Skill Level: The job must be at an appropriate skill level (RQF Level 3 or higher).
  • Salary: Your company must pay you a salary that meets the minimum threshold for a Skilled Worker.
  • English Language: You must meet the English language requirement (CEFR Level B1).