Self-Sponsorship
Self-Sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa: A Complete Guide
Looking to start or run your own business in the UK? Self-sponsorship via the Skilled Worker visa could be your pathway. While there isn’t a specific self-sponsorship visa, you can sponsor yourself through your own UK business, giving you control over your career and immigration status.
At Shams Britvisa Lawyers Ltd, based in Manchester, our immigration experts have a proven track record in securing sponsor licences and guiding clients through the self-sponsorship process. Whether you’re setting up a new business or expanding an existing one, we can help you achieve your UK immigration goals.
What is Self-Sponsorship?
Self-sponsorship is an immigration strategy where you set up or acquire a UK business and use that company to sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa. This allows you to own and manage your business while securing a UK work visa.
Steps to Apply for Self-Sponsorship
Self-sponsorship involves several key stages, as shown below:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Establish a UK Business | Set up or acquire a legitimate business in the UK. |
| Apply for a Sponsor Licence | Your business applies for a sponsor licence to hire migrant workers. |
| Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | Your company issues a CoS, sponsoring you for a Skilled Worker visa. |
| Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa | Submit your visa application with the CoS and necessary documents. |
Shams Britvisa Lawyers Ltd: Your Immigration Experts
At Shams Britvisa Lawyers Ltd, we specialize in UK immigration law with a focus on business immigration. Our Manchester-based team has a strong track record of successful sponsor licence applications, helping entrepreneurs and businesses navigate the complexities of self-sponsorship and immigration compliance. We offer expert advice tailored to your unique circumstances, ensuring your application is smooth and successful.
Eligibility for Self-Sponsorship
To sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa, you need to meet specific requirements, including:
- Owning a legitimate and registered UK business.
- Having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Ensuring your job meets the skill and salary thresholds.
- Demonstrating your English proficiency (CEFR Level B1 or higher).
Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Sponsorship
- Set Up a UK Business
Register your company with Companies House.
Choose a legal structure (e.g., Private Limited Company is most common for self-sponsorship).
Ensure compliance with UK tax and legal regulations, including opening a UK business bank account.
- Apply for a Sponsor Licence
Your business must apply for a sponsor licence from the Home Office to legally sponsor workers, including yourself. The process includes submitting documents proving your business’s legitimacy and capability to fulfill its sponsorship duties.
Documents Required:
- Proof of business registration.
- Financial statements.
- Payroll and PAYE registration documents.
The application process typically takes 8 weeks, and a compliance visit from the Home Office may be required.
- Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once your sponsor licence is approved, you can issue yourself a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This document confirms the details of your job and is required for your Skilled Worker visa application.
- Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
With the CoS in hand, you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa. This process includes providing evidence of your salary, job role, English language skills, and financial stability.
Skilled Worker Visa Fees
Here’s a breakdown of the visa fees based on different categories:
| Fee Category | Fee (Outside UK) | Fee (Inside UK) |
|---|---|---|
| CoS for up to 3 years | £719 | £827 |
| CoS for over 3 years | £1,420 | £1,636 |
| CoS for jobs on Immigration Salary List (up to 3 years) | £551 | £551 |
| CoS for jobs on Immigration Salary List (over 3 years) | £1,084 | £1,084 |
| Health & Care Visa (up to 3 years) | £284 | £284 |
| Health & Care Visa (up to 3 years) | £551 | £551 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) | £1,035 | £1,035 |
Additional fees apply for dependents and priority services.
Compliance and Sponsor Licence Management
Once your visa is approved, your business must meet ongoing compliance requirements:
Monitoring: Track visa expiration dates and job details.
Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records, including contracts, attendance, and salary information.
Reporting: Notify the Home Office of any changes, such as job role modifications or visa breaches.
At Shams Britvisa Lawyers Ltd, we assist clients with maintaining sponsor licence compliance, ensuring that your business and immigration status remain secure.
Innovator Founder Visa: An Alternative to Self-Sponsorship
For entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas, the Innovator Founder Visa could be a suitable alternative to self-sponsorship. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, this route does not require a sponsor licence. Instead, applicants must obtain endorsement from an authorized body, proving that their business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable.
Self-Sponsorship vs. Innovator Founder Visa
| Category | Self-Sponsorship (Skilled Worker Visa) | Innovator Founder Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Business Type | Any legal business | Must be innovative |
| Sponsor Licence Required | Yes | No |
| Endorsement | No | Yes |
| Investment Requirement | No minimum investment required | Must demonstrate scalability |
| Path to Settlement | Yes, after 5 years | Yes, after 3 years |
Why Choose Shams Britvisa Lawyers Ltd?
With Shams Britvisa Lawyers Ltd, you’ll benefit from:
A team of Manchester-based immigration experts with a track record of success in sponsor licence applications.
Personalized advice and support at every step of the self-sponsorship process.
In-depth knowledge of UK immigration law and compliance requirements.
Tailored services for business owners, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals.
Contact Us
Ready to start your self-sponsorship journey or explore your visa options? Shams Britvisa Lawyers Ltd is here to help. Contact our expert immigration team at 0330 133 8857 or fill out our online enquiry form to get professional advice and support.
We are committed to providing clear, reliable, and effective immigration solutions to help you achieve your business and career goals in the UK.
