UK Self-Sponsorship Visa: Eligibility, Requirements & How to Apply

The UK self sponsorship visa pathway provides opportunities for entrepreneurs worldwide to set up and grow their businesses on British soil while taking their immigration pathway. It allows business owners to lay their futures in one of the most prestigious environments for business without relying on others outside of them.

Understanding Self-Sponsorship in the UK

Self-sponsorship is not a visa category in itself like most immigration pathways. Self-sponsorship is sponsoring yourself as a business owner through your new UK company. This new pathway allows entrepreneurs to manage their own venture and immigration routes simultaneously.

The key advantages of self-sponsorship:

• Direct route to settlement in the UK.
• The ability to bring dependent family members who can work full-time.
• Total control of your business and your immigration route.
• Flexibility to grow in enterprise while securing your future in the UK

Self Sponsorship Visa UK Eligibility: All You Need to Know

To meet the self sponsorship visa UK eligibility it takes careful planning and understanding of several main components:

• You must be at least 18 years of age
• You need a legitimate active UK registered company
• Your company must have a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence
• You need a genuine job role in your company at the required skill level
• The job also needs to meet minimum salary thresholds
• You must prove English language proficiency (minimum CEFR Level B1)

The Four-Stage Application Process

Step 1: Company Incorporation

The first step is establishing a legal business entity in the UK. Interestingly, you can complete this process even while residing outside the country, as there’s no requirement for company directors to be British citizens.

Step 2: Obtain a Sponsor License

Your UK company must acquire a sponsor license from the Home Office acknowledging you as an approved sponsor. You must prove:

• That the business is a legitimate company undertaking legitimate business activities
• That proper processes are in place to fulfill sponsor duties
• That there is a genuine vacancy that meets the Skilled Worker requirement

The supporting evidence for a sponsor license usually comprises:

• A UK business bank account
• HMRC registration for PAYE and National Insurance
• VAT registration
• Employer’s liability insurance
• Evidence of business premises
• Financial records

Step 3: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship

When the sponsor license is granted, your company can issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) as an applicant.

Step 4: Your Skilled Worker Visa Application

After you receive your CoS you will apply for the Skilled Worker visa providing:

• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship
• Evidence of your English language proficiency 
• Proof of sufficient maintenance funds
• Any criminal record certificates required
• A TB test certificate if applicable

The UK self sponsorship visa application process can take about 15 working days for overseas applications and 8 weeks for in-country applications, with priority services available for faster processing.

Final Thoughts

The UK self-sponsorship pathway can be a complex process, but expert advice can make all the differences. Abhinav Immigration Services has been assisting thousands of entrepreneurs since 1994 in beginning their journey in the UK by providing personalized, transparent and ethical visa support. 

Ready to develop your business legacy in the UK? Contact us today to get started.